Mark up another one for the Bimmer.
The Middle of Luxury: BMW X5 vs. Mercedes GLE and Porsche Cayenne
VERDICT
As far as the rankings of these particular cars goes, the Cayenne comes in last. Sure, it’s a highly competent piece of kit, but it doesn’t harbor quite enough classic Porsche genes to satisfy died-in-the-wool enthusiasts of the marque. It’s also too expensive and not sufficiently light and agile to emerge as a game-changing drive.
The duel between the X5 and GLE ends in a photo finish. Despite a clear on-paper lead in the horsepower and torque departments, the GLE failed to outpace its fellow combatants. A less fancy and more honest steering setup, less confusing infotainment system, and less gruff ride may have awarded the laurel wreath to the Benz, but it wasnot to be.
Like that of its rivals, the suspension of the BMW we tested can be rough, the design is very much an acquired taste, and we’re not totally convinced by that super-sharp steering. But the updated X5 from Germany’s Beer City clinched a narrow, bloodless victory. Its ergonomics are a little easier to use, it wins the performance chapter by a short head, and its movements are a touch more coherent overall.
On the whole, however, we found this trio to be overwrought, overpriced as equipped, and strangely underwhelming. That’s simply not good enough for the cream-of-the-crop darlings of a popular—and perhaps vastly overrated—market segment.
Full article:
https://www.automobilemag.com/news/bmw-x5-mercedes-benz-gle-porsche-cayenne-luxury-suv-comparison/