BMW X6 vs. Mercedes GLE Coupé: which is better?
When it comes to mid-sized SUVs, there are plenty of great options, but which will come out on top in our Mercedes GLE Coupé vs. BMW X6 comparison?
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SUVs continue to make up a large percentage of new and used car sales, and for some, there’s nothing better than a large, imposing vehicle.
If you like the idea of a high-riding SUV but want something sportier-looking that stands out, the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupé are two models worth considering.
If the combination of the dimensions and practicality of a large SUV and the appeal of a coupé sound up your street, continue reading to find out which is best.
Does the BMW X6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé have more style?
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While both cars are very large, their coupé-like sloping roof design gives them both a sporty edge over conventional SUVs.
Like all other BMWs, the X6 is designed to look sporty, and the sharp lines along the body, large kidney grille and striking alloy wheel designs all contribute to its aggressive look.
By comparison, the GLE Coupé looks less aggressive but no less imposing. Softer angles and various chrome-finished details make it look more elegant.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé or BMW X6 better to drive?
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There’s no hiding from the fact that these are two very big cars, and both weigh more than two tonnes.
They don’t tend to lean so much in corners as other SUVs do, because their coupé designs give them a lower centre of gravity. Their suspensions are also set up to be able to handle their size.
The X6 has been tuned specifically to make it engaging to drive on bendy roads, where it feels planted and stable, but it’s no sports car.
Like many other Mercedes models, the GLE Coupé is built to provide drivers with a comfortable ride and makes light work of long-distance motorway trips.
Both come with powerful engines, mainly consisting of 3.0-litre units with a few performance V8s available too. They’re all punchy, and you could even see more than 35mpg from some of the diesels.
BMW X6 vs. Mercedes GLE Coupé interior
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The X6 is based on the X5, and the GLE Coupé is based on the regular GLE. All of this means that they’re both high-end – or luxury – SUVs.
Top-quality and soft-touch materials are used throughout their cabins, so expect plenty of soft leather upholstery and the latest car tech.
BMW’s ‘iDrive’ touchscreen system is one of the best in the business, and it stands out on an otherwise fairly minimal dashboard.
The system used in the Mercedes is great, too, and forms part of a multi-display setup spanning the top of the dashboard that blends into the digital instrument cluster.
GLE Coupé vs. X6: which has bigger boot space?
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Although the roofline intrudes on rear space, the GLE Coupé has a very large 655-litre boot. This is actually 25 litres more than you’d find in the regular GLE SUV.
With the seats folded, the GLE Coupé’s space grows to 1,790 litres. Regardless, the Mercedes has the largest boot in this battle.
The X6 makes do with a smaller 580-litre boot, or 1,530 litres with the rear seats down. By comparison, the X5 on which it’s based has a larger 650-litre boot (up to 1,870 litres).
Is a used BMW X6 or a used Mercedes GLE Coupé more reliable?
Both cars are high-end vehicles engineered and designed to deliver exceptional performance and luxury.
There’s not as much data on these as there is for something more common, like a BMW 1 Series or Mercedes A-Class, but feedback has generally been positive.
Avoiding buying new means you can skip the large initial chunk of depreciation, saving thousands by buying a nearly-new model. This also allows you to benefit from both manufacturers’ three-year/unlimited-mileage warranties.
Mercedes GLE Coupé vs. BMW X6 dimensions
Although there’s a considerable difference between their boot sizes, not a lot separates their external dimensions.
The X6 is 4,960mm long, 2,004mm wide and 1,700mm tall. By comparison, the GLE Coupé is 4,941mm long, 2,018mm wide and 1,730mm tall.
Thankfully, both come equipped with sensors and cameras, so navigating a tight car park shouldn’t be too much hassle.
Another figure often tucked away in a manufacturer’s dimensions details is a vehicle’s towing capacity. It’s worth a mention here because SUVs are regularly used to tow trailers and caravans.
Hybrid and performance models are exceptions to the figures for the most part, but the standard models can tow up to 3,500kg in both cases.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé vs. BMW X6: which should you buy?
The technical specifications of both models are fairly equal because both brands had each other in sight when designing their models. There’s nothing else of this size and style out there.
That frees you up to base your decision on which you prefer the style of, and which has the equipment you’re after at the price point you’re willing to pay.