2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. The headlights and taillights were sharper, and black fender flares adorned the wheel arches. The grille featured chrome inserts, adding a touch of elegance. The optional AMG Line package enhanced the sportiness of the exterior, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with an option to upgrade to 21-inch wheels. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating gave the interior a dated look, reminiscent of a 1970s rec room. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this design choice.

The 2025 BMW X3, with its redesigned exterior, presented a seductive appearance for an SUV. Its oversized grille, aerodynamically honed flanks, and athletic proportions, including a long hood and tapering roofline, contributed to its sporty look. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint, paired with machined surface wheels and gloss black M Sport details, added to its allure. Inside, the cabin featured a simple yet spacious design, with a BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The Veganza artificial leather seats were comfortable, though rear passengers found the seating position low and the hard front seat-back panels uncomfortable.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. However, the test vehicle was the new 450e plug-in hybrid, which combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to the weight of its 23.3-kWh battery. The battery allowed for an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, with the potential for 55 miles after charging. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge, making it convenient for road trips.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 4,176-pound weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve provided peak torque from 1,600 rpm to near redline at 6,500 rpm. The X3 also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing off-the-line responsiveness. For more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The test vehicle's M Sport package, sport-tuned suspension, and 21-inch wheels provided a dynamic driving experience, though the ride quality was firm on imperfect roads.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the comfort. The cabin remained quiet on highways, and the Burmester stereo system provided excellent sound quality. However, the sun visors did not extend, which was a minor inconvenience. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior, with a power-adjustable driver's seat providing a sports car-like view of the hood. The dashboard featured a BMW Curved Display, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The front seats, with Veganza artificial leather, were comfortable, though rear passengers found the seating position low and the hard front seat-back panels uncomfortable. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight, easy-to-remove cargo cover, netted storage, and a grocery bag hook. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than those in other Mercedes models, it was functional and easy to navigate. The system included a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, overlaying numerical addresses and turn arrows on a video feed. The MBUX system also included an off-road page with detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though connectivity issues were noted with the iPhone.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze or became unresponsive, and media preferences were sometimes forgotten. Despite these issues, the navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, offering a reliable alternative to the native infotainment features. The test vehicle's infotainment issues may have been unique to the test vehicle or user error.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring and an optional Driver Assistance Package Plus. This package included active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the GLE top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more reliable than its infotainment system. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Steering Assistant technology. The Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech, and the Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact crash test.