BMW X5 vs Mercedes GLE: Which SUV Could Cost More to Maintain?
Short answer: neither the BMW X5 (G05, 2018 on) nor the Mercedes-Benz GLE (V167, 2019 on) is reliably "the cheaper one" to keep. Both are complex, heavy luxury SUVs, and the bill you face out of warranty depends mainly on the engine, the suspension fitted to that particular car, its mileage and how well it has been serviced. This guide compares the two honestly, shows where the costs tend to come from, and explains what an extended warranty is designed to do.
Key takeaways
- No clear winner on cost: we found no robust UK data showing one model is consistently cheaper to run. Treat any article that claims otherwise with caution.
- Suspension specification matters: air suspension is fitted to many GLEs and is optional on the X5. A car with air suspension has more parts that can fail than one on steel springs.
- Both use complex driveline and electrics: four-wheel drive, eight- or nine-speed automatic gearboxes and, on many later cars, 48V mild-hybrid systems.
- Service intervals are car-specific: both brands use on-board service indicators, so follow the car's own display and service book rather than a fixed rule.
- Get written quotes: labour rates and parts prices vary widely between franchised dealers and independent specialists.
What our own claims data shows
We checked Buy A Warranty's records for these two models. At the time of writing we cover a small number of each (fewer than 20 BMW X5s and fewer than 10 Mercedes GLEs), so the figures below are not statistically significant and must not be read as a reliability ranking.
- BMW X5: the claims we have received mostly involved rear suspension (shock absorbers, ride-height sensors, air springs) and coolant leaks, including the coolant expansion tank.
- Mercedes GLE: very few claims, so we cannot draw any conclusion about typical faults.
We will update this section as our data grows.
Routine servicing compared
1. Mercedes-Benz GLE servicing
Mercedes alternates between Service A (smaller) and Service B (larger). The car's ASSYST system shows when the next one is due; in the UK this is commonly around once a year or a set mileage, but the actual interval depends on the engine and how the car is used. Some items, such as brake fluid, spark plugs and gearbox oil, follow their own time or mileage schedules, so check the service book for the exact car.
2. BMW X5 servicing
BMW uses Condition Based Servicing (CBS). The car tracks oil condition, brake wear and time-based items and shows what is due on the iDrive screen. There is no fixed "minor" and "major" service; the work varies with what the car reports. BMW does not list a routine gearbox oil change for every model, but many specialists recommend one on higher-mileage cars, so ask your garage.
Cost tip: ask a franchised dealer and at least one independent specialist for a written, itemised quote for the same work. Prices differ by region and engine.
Where the bigger bills can come from
3. Suspension
Mercedes GLE: many UK GLEs have AIRMATIC air suspension, and some higher-spec cars have E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. Air springs, compressors, valve blocks and height sensors can wear or fail with age and mileage. BMW X5: two-axle air suspension was an option, and cars without it use steel springs with adaptive or conventional dampers. Check which system the car you are buying actually has.
4. Driveline and gearbox
BMW X5: xDrive uses a transfer case with an electronically controlled clutch. Symptoms such as judder or binding on tight turns should be investigated before purchase. The gearbox is a ZF eight-speed automatic. Mercedes GLE: uses the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic with 4MATIC four-wheel drive. Harsh or delayed shifts should be diagnosed by a specialist.
5. Engines, cooling and electrics
BMW X5: common UK versions use the 3.0-litre six-cylinder B57 diesel (xDrive30d/40d) and B58 petrol (xDrive40i). Coolant and oil leaks from plastic housings and pipes are worth checking for on any high-mileage car. Mercedes GLE: versions such as the GLE 450 use a 48V EQ Boost system with an integrated starter-generator; many later BMW X5s also have 48V mild-hybrid technology. These systems add extra electrical parts to check during an inspection.
Head-to-head comparison
| Factor | BMW X5 (G05) | Mercedes-Benz GLE (V167) |
|---|---|---|
| Common UK engines | xDrive30d / 40d (B57 diesel), xDrive40i (B58 petrol), xDrive45e/50e plug-in hybrid | GLE 300d / 400d (diesel), GLE 450 (petrol, 48V EQ Boost), plug-in hybrids |
| Gearbox | ZF 8-speed automatic | 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic |
| Four-wheel drive | xDrive | 4MATIC |
| Servicing system | Condition Based Servicing | ASSYST, Service A / B |
| Suspension | Steel springs as standard on many cars; air suspension optional | AIRMATIC air suspension on many cars; E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL on some |
| Things to check before buying | Transfer case behaviour, coolant/oil leaks, suspension | Air suspension height and compressor, gearbox shifts, 48V system warnings |
Before buying, check
- Full service history: stamped or digital records matching the car's service indicator.
- Specification: whether the car has air suspension and a 48V system.
- Independent inspection: a specialist check with a diagnostic scan for stored fault codes.
- MOT history: advisories for suspension, leaks or tyres on the GOV.UK MOT history service.
How an extended warranty can help
An extended warranty is designed to help with the cost of covered mechanical and electrical failures after the manufacturer warranty ends. It is not a servicing plan and is not designed for wear-and-tear items or faults that existed before cover started. What is covered, and up to how much, depends on the policy wording, so always read the plan documents before you buy.
If you are comparing options, see our Mercedes-Benz warranty quote page, our BMW repair cover page and our warranty guides.
How Buy A Warranty prices cover
Buy A Warranty cover for a BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE starts from £34 a month for 1-year cover, paid in 12 monthly instalments (£408 in total), for vehicles up to 15 years old and 150,000 miles. That starting price uses the most basic options. Your actual quote depends on your vehicle's make, model, age and mileage, plus the options you choose:
- Claim limit: £1,000, £2,000 or £3,000 per claim.
- Excess: from £0 to £500.
- Labour rate: £50, £70, £100 or £150 an hour.
- Cover length: 1, 2 or 3 years.
You can pay monthly or in full, and paying in full costs less than 12 monthly payments. Claims are subject to approval and the terms of your plan, and you can use a VAT-registered garage of your choice.
Conclusion: which SUV could cost more?
It depends on the individual car. A GLE with air suspension and a 48V system has more complex parts to check than a steel-sprung X5, while an X5 with high mileage and an unclear history may need driveline and cooling attention. Buy on condition and history, get an independent inspection, and consider warranty cover that suits the car's specification and your budget.
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Figures and data correct at the time of writing. Garage prices vary; always obtain written quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Q1) Which is more expensive to maintain, a used BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE?
There is no reliable evidence that one is always cheaper. Running costs depend far more on the individual car's engine, suspension specification, mileage and service history than on the badge, so a pre-purchase inspection and a full service record matter more than the brand.
Q2) How much does a Mercedes GLE Service A and Service B cost in the UK?
Prices vary by garage, region and engine, so get written quotes. As a guide, independent specialists often quote less than franchised dealers for the same Service A or Service B, and the exact interval is shown by the car's own service indicator rather than a fixed date.
Q3) Are air suspension failures covered under an extended warranty?
It depends on the policy wording. Check whether air springs, compressors and height sensors are listed as covered parts, what the claim limit is, and whether wear-and-tear or pre-existing faults are excluded before you buy.
Q4) Can I take my BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE to an independent garage for warranty repairs?
With Buy A Warranty you can use a VAT-registered garage of your choice in the UK, subject to the claim being approved before work starts and the terms of your plan.
Q5) What determines the price of a BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE warranty?
Your price depends on the vehicle's make, model, age and mileage plus the claim limit, excess, labour rate and cover length you choose. Buy A Warranty cover for these models starts from £34 a month for 1-year cover (12 monthly instalments, £408 in total) on the most basic options.