BMW X5 vs Mercedes GLE: Hybrid, Battery, Maintenance Costs Compared Choosing between the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE comes down to how you drive and how you’ll power it. The X5 skews sportier and offers one of the strongest plug-in hybrid systems in the class, making it compelling for commuters who can charge at home. The GLE prioritizes comfort, quietness, and flexibility, and it tows a bit more. If you’re weighing hybrid capability, battery/charging, and real ownership costs, the X5 delivers …