Rod Parkzin: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. 2015 BMW X5

New competition for the 2015 BMW X5 will arrive next week at the New York Auto Show. Mercedes will celebrate the world premiere of its GLE SUV. As part of its model refinement, the ML is renamed GLE, which is based on the recently renewed nomenclature around the letters A, C, E and S. The GLE is an SUV based on the E-Class.

The front of the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE is closely related to that of BMW X6 SAC opponent, GLE Coupe, while the rear resembles the current M-Class. At the front, the GLE sports big air intakes, and standard models wear an attractive two-bar grille. The prominent C-pillar and wraparound rear glass are still present, while the creases running down the profile appear a little sharper and more pronounced.

The interior for the GLE-Class is practically identical to its Coupe counterpart, starting with a sporty, multi-function steering wheel and a large infotainment display, and ending with a center-console-mounted dial controller.

GLE’s engine range includes two diesels only, the 204 hp four-cylinder diesel GLE 250d and a 258 hp V6 diesel. In the petrol range, Mercedes offer the GLE 400 with 333 hp and the 435 hp GLE 500.

The entry level GLE300d 4MATIC with a 2.1-liter, four-cylinder diesel makes 201 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque. The entry-level engine is available with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive 4Matic; a stronger diesel engine as a rival to the BMW X5 xDrive40d or M50d is not planned. The gasoline-fueled GLE350 with a 3.5-liter V6 delivers 302 hp and 273 lb-ft, and it’s also available with 4Matic. The GLE400 4Matic uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 to make 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The top model, GLE500 delivers 435 horsepower.

Mercedes offer a hybrid model also, the GLE550e, which outputs 436 hp and 479 lb-ft. The standard models all use versions of the 7G-tronic gearbox. Just like the X5 xDrive40e, the GLE plug-in hybrid SUV has a range of around 30 kilometers on electric power.

Deliveries will begin in August.