Trunk comparison: BMW X5 vs Mercedes Benz GLE

Key Differences

There are no differences exceeding 10%; overall deviations are small. The biggest advantage of the GLE is with the seats folded down: it offers +3.1 in (+4%) of cargo length. Also in favor of the GLE: with the first row upright, the trunk is +0.4 in (+1%) longer, the trunk opening is +0.4 in (+1%) higher, and the opening width is +0.4 in (+1%) larger. Advantages of the X5 include a +0.4 in (0%) greater depth from the loading edge to the trunk floor, a +0.8 in (+3%) higher loading edge above the road, and at the narrowest point a +2 in (+5%) greater width.

Impact on Usability

Because the differences are small, the practical consequences are moderate: The GLE is noticeably better for longer cargo (e.g., furniture boards, skis) with the seats folded down, benefiting from the additional 3.1 in length; additionally, the slightly larger opening height and width make loading bulky items a bit easier. The X5, on the other hand, is wider at the narrowest point, so wide items fit better in the cargo space, and the slightly greater depth offers minimally more usable floor area. The +0.8 in higher loading edge of the X5 makes lifting heavy loads somewhat more strenuous compared to the GLE. Overall, the differences are not large enough to base the purchase decision solely on trunk dimensions; instead, specific requirements (often length vs. width, weight of the load) and a test loading with typical luggage are important.