2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 vs. BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90

The midsize luxury SUV segment gives shoppers plenty of choices, but four models consistently attract buyers looking for a combination of luxury, technology, performance and everyday versatility: the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90.

For drivers in Westchester County, the decision often comes down to more than horsepower or price. A luxury SUV needs to be comfortable on longer drives, easy to maneuver around town, capable in changing weather and spacious enough for family, work and weekend activities.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC® brings a particularly well-rounded combination of performance, standard all-wheel drive, advanced technology and towing capability.

How Does the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Compare?

The GLE 350 4MATIC® uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt integrated starter-generator. It produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and fully variable 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.

Mercedes-Benz estimates 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The GLE 350 also offers 33.3 to 74.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity and can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.

That combination makes the GLE 350 less about outright acceleration and more about providing a balanced luxury SUV experience.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC® highlights

• 255 horsepower
• 295 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
• 48-volt mild-hybrid system
• 9-speed automatic transmission
• Standard 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
• 0–60 mph in approximately 6.8 seconds
• 33.3–74.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity
• Up to 7,700 lbs. of towing capacity when properly equipped
• Seating for five, with three-row seating available depending on configuration

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 vs. BMW X5

The BMW X5 is one of the GLE’s closest competitors and takes a different approach to performance.

The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 375 horsepower. BMW lists a 0–60 mph time of 5.2 seconds for the xDrive40i.

On paper, the BMW has a significant horsepower advantage over the GLE 350.

So why might a shopper choose the GLE?

The GLE 350 focuses on a combination of efficiency, comfort, standard 4MATIC® all-wheel drive and everyday usability. Its 9-speed transmission and 48-volt electrical system are designed to provide smooth power delivery, while the available Mercedes-Benz technology and luxury features give the GLE a distinctly different character.

Best for performance: BMW X5 xDrive40i
Best for a balanced luxury experience: Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

For a Westchester driver who spends as much time on I-287, the Bronx River Parkway and local roads as on open highways, the GLE’s combination of ride comfort and all-weather traction can be particularly appealing.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 vs. Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is another particularly relevant alternative because it combines luxury with a strong emphasis on passenger and cargo versatility.

For 2026, the Q7 45 TFSI uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Audi also offers the more powerful Q7 55 TFSI with a 335-horsepower V6. The Q7 comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive and offers seating for up to seven.

The Q7 therefore has a clear advantage for shoppers who specifically want three-row seating.

The GLE, however, offers a larger maximum cargo capacity of 74.9 cubic feet and substantially higher maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.

Best for three-row flexibility: Audi Q7
Best for towing and cargo versatility: Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

For families who occasionally need additional seating, the Q7 deserves serious consideration. For shoppers who prioritize towing capability and Mercedes-Benz technology, the GLE 350 is a compelling alternative.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 vs. Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 takes a somewhat different approach, emphasizing Scandinavian design, efficiency, comfort and family-friendly versatility.

The 2026 XC90 B5 AWD uses a mild-hybrid gasoline powertrain and offers seating for six or seven depending on configuration. Volvo lists 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for the B5 AWD. Its starting MSRP is $62,445.

The GLE 350 offers substantially greater towing capacity, with a maximum rating of 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.

The choice between these two SUVs therefore comes down largely to priorities.

Best for Scandinavian design and family seating: Volvo XC90
Best for towing capability and Mercedes-Benz luxury technology: GLE 350

GLE 350 vs. the Competition: At a Glance

*Maximum cargo figures depend on configuration and measurement methodology. Specifications and equipment can vary by model year and configuration. BMW and Volvo specifications shown here are for comparison purposes and should be confirmed for the specific vehicle being considered.

What Makes the GLE 350 Different?

The GLE 350 isn’t necessarily the choice for the shopper who simply wants the quickest SUV in this group. That’s where the BMW X5 has a clear advantage in this comparison.

Instead, the GLE 350’s appeal comes from how its different characteristics work together.

1. Standard 4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive

The GLE 350 4MATIC® uses Mercedes-Benz’s fully variable all-wheel-drive system, which can distribute torque between the front and rear axles depending on driving conditions.

That’s particularly relevant in Westchester, where drivers can encounter rain, snow, ice and changing road conditions throughout the year.

2. A 48-Volt Electrical System

The GLE 350 incorporates a 48-volt system with an integrated starter-generator. Mercedes-Benz says the system can provide additional electric assistance for improved response while also supporting functions such as coasting and recuperation.

It is an example of how the GLE combines a traditional gasoline engine with electrification without requiring the owner to plug the vehicle in.

3. Impressive Towing Capability

The GLE 350 can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.

That gives the GLE considerably more capability than many luxury SUVs that buyers might otherwise consider.

4. Mercedes-Benz MBUX Technology

The 2027 GLE introduces the latest Mercedes-Benz digital technology, including the MBUX Superscreen, which integrates the driver’s display and additional screens into a single visual interface. Mercedes-Benz also highlights its latest intelligent driver-assistance technologies for the new GLE.

For shoppers who spend significant time commuting, traveling or navigating around the New York metropolitan area, technology that makes the vehicle easier to operate can be just as important as raw horsepower.

Which Luxury SUV Is Right for You?

There isn’t one answer for every driver.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 if you want:

• Standard 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
• A refined and comfortable luxury SUV
• Strong towing capability
• A large, flexible cargo area
• Mercedes-Benz MBUX technology
• Mild-hybrid assistance without needing to plug in
• A balanced combination of luxury, capability and everyday usability

Consider the BMW X5 if you prioritize:

• Stronger acceleration
• More horsepower
• A sport-oriented driving experience

Consider the Audi Q7 if you prioritize:

• Three-row seating
• Quattro all-wheel drive
• Family-oriented versatility
• A choice between four- and six-cylinder engines

Consider the Volvo XC90 if you prioritize:

• Six- or seven-passenger seating
• Scandinavian design
• Fuel efficiency
• A family-focused luxury SUV experience

Experience the GLE 350 in White Plains

Specifications tell only part of the story. The best way to understand the difference between the GLE 350 and its competitors is to experience how it drives.

For drivers throughout White Plains and Westchester County, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC® offers a combination of luxury, technology, all-wheel-drive capability, cargo space and towing capacity that makes it a strong choice for both daily driving and longer trips.

Visit Mercedes-Benz of White Plains to explore the GLE lineup, compare available models and determine which GLE is right for your driving needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 faster than the BMW X5 xDrive40i?
No. The BMW X5 xDrive40i has 375 horsepower and a BMW-estimated 0–60 mph time of 5.2 seconds, compared with 255 horsepower and approximately 6.8 seconds for the GLE 350 4MATIC®.

Does the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 have all-wheel drive?
The GLE 350 4MATIC® features Mercedes-Benz’s fully variable 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive system.

How much can the GLE 350 tow?
The 2027 GLE 350 can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.

How much cargo space does the GLE 350 have?
Mercedes-Benz lists 33.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and up to 74.9 cubic feet with the rear seating folded.

Is the GLE 350 a good SUV for New York winters?
The GLE 350 4MATIC®’s standard all-wheel drive can be useful in rain, snow and other changing road conditions. Proper winter tires remain an important consideration for maximizing traction in severe winter conditions.