BMW X5 vs Mercedes GLE vs Lexus RX review | Head2Head

It's a premium SUV showdown – which out of the Mercedes GLE, BMW X5 and Lexus RX is worthy of your cash? Our review of these big 4x4s takes a look at everything from interior space, practicality, driving impressions and – importantly – a traffic light drag race. Can the Japanese Lexus RX outclass the German X5 and GLE? Or will the GLE (formerly the Mercedes ML) romp away with the victory? There's only one way to find out. Enjoy!

Read our full Mercedes GLE review —

Read our full BMW X5 review —

Read our full Lexus RX review —

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Cars in this review:

BMW X5 40e M Sport
Mercedes GLE 350d AMG Line
Lexus RX 450h

Prices and discounts correct on 26 August 2016.

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All carwow savings correct at time of publishing. Head over to our deals page to find all the latest offers –

BMW X5:

Lexus RX:

Mercedes GLE:

[khalimany]

its pretty awesome that you factored in reliability into the comparison. That's something auto-reviewers almost never do. Kudos

[azguitar]

The amazing service one gets at a Lexus dealer is reason enough to buy one. Lexus takes great care of its customers!

[craigpodsprojames]

4:05 it’s a 3.5L hybrid V6 not a 3.0L hybrid V6

[shongclips]

Thanks! I was debating between RX and GLE for my next car, and this video is of tremendous help. RX added a touchscreen to its 2020 version and with Android Auto support I won't need to deal with their infotainment system anymore, which is also a plus.

Wow! I really didn't expect the Lexus to win! I'm glad, it's the one of the three I'd choose! Great review ;)

[Awayze]

Lexus for me, the interior wins it for me.

[maariyah]

Excellent review I highly recommend the Lexus as well but with the F sport version.

[normaneshuchi]

The Lexus. Any Day. Everyday. Simply coz of reliability and comfort. Once your inside, and especially in traffic after a long tiring day, it is world's apart from the other two

[jensrjel]

Quote from 11:00 min in...."I think I might be getting a bit old"....priceless comment! You truly make car reviews amusing to watch. Keep it up Matt ;)

[brendalewis]

Since I was ready for a new SUV after 15 years with my beloved Jeep Grand Cherokee, I personally test drove all 3 of these cars plus an Acura MDX and a Lincoln MKX. Of the 5, it was a no-brainer choice. The RX easily stood out like cream rising to the top. Lexus gave me $8, 000 off MSRP, and I drove home in style & luxury. Although I miss my Grand Cherokee sometimes, I have no regrets about my RX 450h purchase. It's the most comfortable, quiet, and luxurious ride it has ever been my pleasure to experience. I also love it's huge grill and futuristic redesign!

[masterchef]

The Lexus interior is very good...the wooden interiors look very elegant

[chitpaul]

After watching this review and visiting my lexus dealer, I'm looking for the Lexus, hybrid. Agree with you. It's different and economical, it's also exempt from London forthcoming ULEZ extension.

[RealWorldCarReviews]

I can not believe he mentioned about Lexus not having the same ‘heritage’ as the other two. 🙄 That’s the type of thing journalists were saying when the original LS400 came out decades ago. What on Earth has heritage got to do with anything?? And as for ‘badge appeal’, Lexus have absolutely proven themselves over the past 30 years to make the most reliable, well-built, and well-equipped cars against its rivals. That right there deserves another eye-roll imoji. 🙄 Also, it’s a 3.5 V6, not a 3.0 litre.

[kokogoogle]

Hi, thank you from Thailand for your advice. I love you video. I was watching a lot of your reviews.

[benrathbone]

Great to see a true and fair real-world review without German sponsorship... fine work!!

[vinrave]

I love BMW ever since I was a kid. It's like a dream car for me. But then my dad still drive his Lexus ES 350 90' and it still runs very smooth and the engine is still good. I just can't imagine how good this 2017 RX model is.

[leaderofthecommunistforces]

The Lexus RX 450H Is The Best Car In This Test.

[elliotbaldwin]

Love this channel. Reviews of cars are ordered towards what buyers will actually use them for. Presenter is wonderful and witty.

[HodsBroo]

I think this is the first UK based video where a lexus has beat the German competition. Good for them! I'd go with either the bmw or lexus.