The default prestige SUV decision in Australia. They are closer than badge loyalty suggests, and the deciding factors are rarely the ones in the brochure.
How they drive
The X5 is the driver's choice, with sharper responses and a more connected feel, particularly on the adaptive suspension setups.
The GLE prioritises isolation and ride quality. On air suspension it is the more relaxing long-distance vehicle by a clear margin.
Cabin and technology
Both interiors are excellent and neither embarrasses the other. The GLE leans plush and ornate, the X5 leans architectural and driver-focused.
Judge the infotainment yourself rather than on reviews. Preference between the two systems is genuinely personal and you will use it daily.
Specification traps
Base variants of both are thinly equipped for the money. The packs that matter, air suspension, driver assistance, comfort seating, are the ones buyers regret omitting.
Options rarely return their cost at resale, but the right ones significantly shorten selling time. Specify for ownership, then check resale impact.
Running costs and verdict
Capped-price servicing helps early. Beyond warranty, both become expensive, and tyres, brakes and air suspension components are the usual culprits.
Choose the X5 if you enjoy driving. Choose the GLE if comfort leads. Either way, specification and purchase price matter more to your outcome than the badge.