When considering alternatives to the Mercedes GLE, you’ll find several luxury SUVs that balance performance, comfort, and technology in different ways. The BMW X5 offers potent engine options including a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering a sportier edge.
The Audi Q7 focuses on spaciousness and advanced tech features, while the Volvo XC90 emphasizes comfort and safety. For those who want off-road ability with luxury, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Range Rover Sport are strong contenders.
Other notable options include the Lexus RX and Porsche Cayenne, each bringing their own strengths to the segment. Which of these fits your priorities best may depend on how you weigh power, technology, space, and driving style.
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Key Takeaways
- BMW X5 rivals the Mercedes GLE with a powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine but has lower fuel efficiency compared to GLE’s plug-in hybrid.
- Range Rover Sport offers luxury and strong performance with a 5.0-liter V8, making it a competitive alternative to the GLE.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee excels in off-road capability and comfort, featuring advanced 4×4 systems and impressive towing capacity.
- Audi Q7 provides spacious three-row seating, advanced infotainment, and strong performance, positioning it closely to the GLE.
- Volkswagen Touareg is a budget-friendly luxury SUV alternative, sharing premium engineering while offering spacious interiors and strong performance.
BMW X5 as a Mercedes GLE Alternative
Though the 2025 BMW X5 ranks slightly lower (#18) than the Mercedes-Benz GLE (#13) in the luxury mid-size SUV class, it remains a strong alternative thanks to its powerful engine options and sporty driving dynamics.
The BMW X5 offers a robust 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 567 hp, which appeals to performance enthusiasts.
While its cabin is spacious, it falls short of the GLE’s more luxurious interior and greater cargo capacity.
Additionally, the X5’s fuel efficiency lags behind the GLE’s plug-in hybrid variant, which is more eco-friendly and practical for families.
Audi Q7: Spacious Luxury and Technology
The Audi Q7 offers spacious three-row seating that comfortably fits up to seven passengers, making it a strong choice for families needing extra room.
Its advanced infotainment system features intuitive touchscreens and a premium Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system for an engaging in-cabin experience.
Plus, with standard quattro all-wheel drive, you get confident handling and traction in various driving conditions.
Spacious Three-Row Seating
Audi Q7 impresses with its spacious three-row seating that easily accommodates seven passengers, making it ideal for larger families or groups.
Compared to the Mercedes GLE, which typically seats five, the Q7 gives you more room to bring everyone along.
Check out these features:
- Maximum cargo space of 69.6 cubic feet with rear seats folded
- Legroom: 41″ front, 38.8″ second row, 29.2″ third row
- Premium materials and advanced infotainment system
- Heated and ventilated front seats for comfort
- Panoramic sunroof and optional premium sound systems
The Q7 balances luxury and practicality better in the GLE vs. Q7 space debate.
Advanced Infotainment System
Beyond its spacious three-row seating, the 2025 Audi Q7 shines with an advanced infotainment system designed for intuitive control.
It features a dual touchscreen setup that lets you easily manage navigation, media, and climate settings. The MMI technology supports voice recognition for hands-free commands, enhancing safety.
Seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps your smartphone apps and music accessible. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit displays key info directly in your line of sight, making it a tech-forward alternative to the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Plus, Wi-Fi hotspots guarantee everyone stays connected on the go.
Quattro All-Wheel Drive
Quattro all-wheel drive powers the Audi Q7, delivering confident traction and stability whether you’re steering through slippery roads or sharp corners.
This system sets the Q7 apart in the luxury SUV segment, especially when you compare the Mercedes-Benz GLE or the Jeep Grand Cherokee side by side.
Here’s what you get with the Audi Q7’s Quattro AWD:
- Dynamic torque distribution from 40:60 front to rear, shifting power to where you need it most
- Electronic sensors monitor steering angle, wheel spin, and vehicle yaw for precision control
- Improved grip enables confident handling in all weather conditions
- Superior stability making it ideal next to models like the Volvo XC or BMW X5 and X
- Intelligent brake-based torque control for optimizing traction on challenging surfaces
This makes the Q7 a top contender if you’re considering cars similar to the new GLE or even a sports car with AWD capabilities, perfect for your next test drive.
Volvo XC90’s Comfort and Style
While the 2025 Volvo XC90 boasts a minimalist Scandinavian design that emphasizes both comfort and style, its interior stands out with high-quality materials and a refined, warm ambiance that invites you to relax on any journey.
You’ll find three rows of spacious seating that comfortably fit seven passengers, perfect for families or extra cargo needs.
The large touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and smoothly integrates smartphone connectivity, enhancing your driving experience.
Powered by a 2.0-liter twin-charged four-cylinder engine with 316 horsepower, the XC90 delivers both smoothness and efficiency, wrapped in unmatched safety features for peace of mind.
Lexus RX: Safety and Stylish Design
The 2025 Lexus RX combines a stylish, bold design with a strong focus on safety, making it a smart choice for drivers who prioritize protection without compromising on aesthetics.
- Eye-catching design with sleek lines and a bold front grille
- Exceptional safety features including adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert
- Spacious interior with high-quality materials for a luxurious feel
- Consistently favorable safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
- Advanced driver assistance technologies enhancing overall safety
You get a vehicle that perfectly balances safety features and stylish design for confident, comfortable driving.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: Off-Road Capability and Comfort
You’ll appreciate the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee for its strong off-road performance, thanks to advanced four-wheel-drive systems and impressive ground clearance.
Inside, it offers a spacious, high-quality cabin that keeps everyone comfortable on long drives.
This balance of rugged capability and interior comfort makes it a versatile choice for both adventure and everyday use.
Off-Road Performance
Thanks to its available Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee lets you adjust the ride height to increase ground clearance when tackling rough terrain.
This Trail Ready SUV offers multiple 4×4 systems like Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II for improved traction. Its rugged build includes skid plates and a durable chassis, ensuring durability off-road while keeping passengers comfortable.
You’ll also appreciate a towing capacity up to 7,200 pounds, perfect for hauling gear. Safety features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring boost driver confidence on challenging trails.
- Adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension
- Advanced 4×4 traction systems
- Skid plates for underbody protection
- 7,200-pound towing capacity
- Adaptive safety technologies for off-road security
Interior Comfort
Although designed for rugged off-road capability, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee also delivers a spacious and refined interior that keeps passengers comfortable on long journeys.
You’ll appreciate its use of luxury materials and intuitive layout, which enhance the feel inside the cabin. The Grand Cherokee offers flexible seating configurations, including an optional third row, giving you added passenger capacity.
Advanced technology and user-friendly infotainment keep you connected effortlessly.
Even with its off-road focus, the suspension system guarantees a smooth, comfortable ride on varied terrains, making this SUV versatile for both adventure and everyday use.
Porsche Cayenne: Sporty Performance in the Segment
The Porsche Cayenne delivers sporty performance that sets it apart in the luxury SUV segment, particularly when compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
With its range of powerful engines, including a 5.0-liter V8 Turbo producing 500 hp, the Cayenne Performance offers thrilling acceleration and agile handling.
You get:
- Impressive horsepower and torque for dynamic driving
- Precise, responsive handling that feels sporty on twists and turns
- A balance between luxury comfort and athletic capability
- Advanced technology supporting performance and driver engagement
- Competitive pricing that brings premium sportiness within reach
This makes the Cayenne a top choice for drivers seeking excitement without sacrificing refinement.
Range Rover Sport: Power and Luxury Combined
Building on the focus of performance and luxury, the Range Rover Sport stands out by combining robust power with refined elegance.
Its 5.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine delivers 510 hp, matching the luxury performance of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLE. You can also opt for a 340 hp V6 turbocharged variant if you prefer.
Beyond power, the Range Rover Sport offers a luxurious interior and advanced technology, appealing to those who want both elegance and versatility.
Used models priced between $38,000 and $50,000 provide a competitive choice for luxury SUV buyers valuing off-road capability and style.
Volkswagen Touareg: Affordable Versatility
Volkswagen Touareg offers a versatile and budget-friendly alternative in the luxury SUV segment, with used models from the 2011-2017 range starting at just $10,000. This offers luxury affordability without sacrificing performance or space.
- Choose between a 3.6-liter V6 with 280 hp or a 3.0-liter diesel engine producing 240 hp
- Shares a premium MLB Evo platform with Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7
- Spacious interior ideal for families and cargo needs
- Combines strong engineering with practical luxury
- A compelling, affordable alternative to pricier SUVs like the Mercedes GLE
Conclusion
When hunting for a luxury SUV that fits your lifestyle as well as the Mercedes GLE, you won’t want to put all your eggs in one basket. Options like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 bring power and tech, while the Volvo XC90 and Lexus RX focus on comfort and safety. If off-road thrills or sporty performance are your speed, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Porsche Cayenne, and Range Rover Sport have you covered—each blending luxury with its own unique flair.
