BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: fuel economy and fuel cost
In model year 2026 the BMW X5 is the cheaper of the two to fuel: about $3,220 a year for its lowest-cost configuration (X5 xDrive40i, 25 MPG combined), against $3,450 for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (GLE350, 23 MPG combined). That is $230 a year, or $1,150 over five years.
Both are classed as Standard SUVs by the EPA. Costs assume 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel and electricity prices for both vehicles, using the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Each figure is rounded to $10 and every difference is calculated from the rounded values.
The EPA is still publishing model year 2027 ratings, so this page compares model year 2026, the latest complete year.
- Hybrid
- Standard SUVs
BMW X5
Lowest fuel cost configuration
X5 xDrive40i
Plug-in versions (electric or plug-in hybrid) are not used for this headline; see the powertrain table below.
$21.47 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
5 configurations in MY2026
- Hybrid
- Standard SUVs
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Lowest fuel cost configuration
GLE350
$23.00 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
9 configurations in MY2026
What the fuel costs
Annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration
- BMW X5$3,220 a year · $21.47 per 100 mi
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class$3,450 a year · $23.00 per 100 mi
Difference per year
$230
BMW X5 costs less to fuel
Over 5 years
$1,150
$230 a year × 5, 15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
Head to head, MY2026
| Measure | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost configuration | X5 xDrive40i | GLE350 |
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Combined rating | 25 MPG (better) | 23 MPG |
| City rating | 23 MPG (better) | 21 MPG |
| Highway rating | 27 MPG | 28 MPG (better) |
| Annual fuel cost | $3,220/yr (better) | $3,450/yr |
| Cost per 100 miles | $21.47 (better) | $23.00 |
| Annual cost range, all configurations | $2,220–$5,410 | $3,450–$4,800 |
| Configurations in MY2026 | 5 | 9 |
| EPA class | Standard SUVs | Standard SUVs |
Best configuration by powertrain
| Powertrain | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 25 MPG · $3,220/yr X5 xDrive40i | 23 MPG · $3,450/yr GLE350 |
| Plug-in hybrid | 22 MPG gas-only · $2,220/yr X5 xDrive50e | Not offered in MY2026 |
Each cell shows the combined rating and the annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration with that powertrain.
Where each one comes out ahead
Generated from the numbers above, comparing the lowest fuel cost configurations. No subjective judgements.
BMW X5
- Lower annual fuel cost: $3,220 vs $3,450
- Higher combined rating: 25 MPG vs 23 MPG
- Higher city rating: 23 MPG vs 21 MPG
- Offers plug-in hybrid configurations in MY2026; the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class does not
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
- Higher highway rating: 28 MPG vs 27 MPG
Year by year
| Model year | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined | Per year | Combined | Per year | |
| 2026 | 15–25 MPG | $2,220–$5,410 | 17–23 MPG | $3,450–$4,800 |
| 2025 | 15–25 MPG | $2,260–$5,410 | 16–23 MPG | $2,040–$5,040 |
| 2024 | 15–25 MPG | $3,220–$5,410 | 16–24 MPG | $3,360–$4,900 |
| 2023 | 15–23 MPG | $2,660–$5,360 | 17–22 MPG | $3,590–$4,850 |
| 2022 | 15–23 MPG | $2,660–$5,360 | 16–22 MPG | $3,570–$4,910 |
| 2021 | 15–23 MPG | $2,660–$5,360 | 16–23 MPG | $3,550–$4,890 |
| 2020 | 15–23 MPG | $3,560–$5,320 | 19–22 MPG | $3,580–$4,250 |
| 2019 | 19–22 MPG | $3,580–$4,290 | 14–20 MPG | $4,110–$5,710 |
| 2018 | 16–25 MPG | $2,770–$4,980 | 15–21 MPG | $3,290–$5,270 |
| 2017 | 17–25 MPG | $2,770–$4,670 | 15–21 MPG | $3,290–$5,530 |
| 2016 | 17–25 MPG | $2,760–$4,670 | 15–25 MPG | $3,280–$5,530 |
Earlier model years are costed with today's fuel prices, so the table shows how each model's efficiency changed, not what fuel cost at the time. Ranges cover every configuration of that model year.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to fuel, the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The BMW X5 is cheaper: about $3,220 a year against $3,450 for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, a difference of $230 a year. That compares the lowest-cost configuration of each in model year 2026 at 15,000 miles a year with the same fuel prices.
How much would the BMW X5 save over five years?
About $1,150 ($230 a year for five years), assuming 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel prices. Your total depends on how much you drive and on local prices; see fuel cost by state.
Which has the better fuel economy rating, the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The BMW X5 is rated 25 MPG combined against 23 MPG for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. City: 23 MPG vs 21 MPG. Highway: 27 MPG vs 28 MPG. These are the EPA ratings of each model's lowest-cost configuration.
How is the annual fuel cost calculated?
Distance of 15,000 miles a year at the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Gasoline is priced at $4.36/gal (EIA U.S. average for regular, Sep 2026) and electricity at 18.3¢/kWh (EIA U.S. residential average, Jul 2026); premium and diesel configurations use their own EIA prices. Each result is rounded to $10, and differences are calculated from the rounded figures.
Are the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class in the same class?
Yes. The EPA classes both as Standard SUVs.
Explore these cars
- BMW X5: ratings, trims and every model year
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: ratings, trims and every model year
- 2026 BMW X5: all configurations
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: all configurations
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