Hey guys! So, you're trying to decide between the 2018 BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe, huh? It's a tough choice, I know. These two luxury SUVs are like the cool kids in the car world, boasting sleek designs and powerful engines. But don't sweat it, I'm here to break it down for you, comparing them head-to-head so you can make the best decision for your needs and budget. Let's dive in and see which one comes out on top!

Design and Style

When it comes to head-turning design, both the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe bring their A-game. These aren't your average SUVs; they're coupe-SUVs, meaning they blend the high-riding stance of an SUV with the sloping roofline of a coupe. It's a look that's both sporty and sophisticated, but there are definitely some key differences that might sway you one way or the other.

The BMW X6 has a more aggressive and angular design, with sharp lines and a distinctive kidney grille. It's a bold statement, and it definitely stands out on the road. Some might even say it looks a bit futuristic. The X6 also boasts a muscular stance, giving it a powerful and athletic presence. Step inside, and you'll find a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials and a modern layout. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with everything within easy reach. The ambient lighting adds a touch of luxury, and the overall feeling is one of sporty elegance. The seats are comfortable and supportive, perfect for long drives.

On the other hand, the Mercedes GLE Coupe has a more rounded and flowing design. It's still sporty, but it's also a bit more elegant and refined. The swooping roofline gives it a graceful silhouette, and the overall look is more understated than the X6. The GLE Coupe also has a distinctive grille, but it's more integrated into the front fascia. Inside, the GLE Coupe exudes luxury with its plush materials and elegant design. The dashboard is beautifully crafted, with a large infotainment screen that dominates the center console. The ambient lighting is customizable, allowing you to create the perfect mood. The seats are incredibly comfortable, and the overall feeling is one of opulent comfort. The interior feels spacious, and the attention to detail is evident throughout. So, when it comes to design, it really comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer the bold and aggressive look of the BMW X6, or the more elegant and refined style of the Mercedes GLE Coupe?

Performance and Handling

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood. Both the 2018 BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe offer a range of powerful engines, so you won't be left wanting for performance. Whether you're looking for a thrilling driving experience or just want to cruise in comfort, these SUVs have you covered.

The BMW X6 comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine that produces 300 horsepower. It's a smooth and responsive engine that delivers plenty of power for everyday driving. If you're looking for more punch, you can upgrade to the X6 M, which boasts a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine cranking out a mind-blowing 567 horsepower. The X6 handles like a sports car, with precise steering and minimal body roll. It's a joy to drive on winding roads, and it feels incredibly stable at high speeds. The suspension is firm but not harsh, providing a comfortable ride even on rough surfaces. The X6 also comes standard with all-wheel drive, giving you added traction in all weather conditions. The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, and the overall driving experience is exhilarating. If you're a driving enthusiast, you'll definitely appreciate the X6's performance capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes GLE Coupe also offers a range of impressive engines. The base model comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 329 horsepower. It's a refined and powerful engine that delivers smooth acceleration and plenty of torque. For even more thrills, you can opt for the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, which features a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that churns out a monstrous 577 horsepower. The GLE Coupe offers a comfortable and composed ride, soaking up bumps and imperfections with ease. The steering is precise and responsive, and the handling is surprisingly agile for an SUV of this size. The GLE Coupe also comes standard with all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction in all conditions. The transmission is smooth and seamless, and the overall driving experience is refined and luxurious. If you prioritize comfort and sophistication, the GLE Coupe might be the better choice for you.

In terms of performance, both SUVs are incredibly capable. The X6 offers a more engaging and sporty driving experience, while the GLE Coupe provides a more comfortable and luxurious ride. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and driving style.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside, the 2018 BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe showcase their commitment to luxury and technology, but with their unique flavors. Both offer a premium experience, but the nuances in design, features, and user interface might tip the scales for you. Let's break it down.

The BMW X6 interior is driver-focused, with a layout that emphasizes functionality and a sporty feel. The materials are high-quality, with options for premium leather and wood trim. The iDrive infotainment system is intuitive, featuring a large display screen and a rotary controller. The system offers a range of features, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, and a premium sound system. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing excellent bolstering for spirited driving. The X6 also offers a range of advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The digital gauge cluster is clear and easy to read, providing all the information you need at a glance. The overall feeling is one of sporty sophistication, with a focus on the driving experience. The ambient lighting is customizable, allowing you to create the perfect mood. The X6 also offers plenty of storage space, with a large center console and door pockets.

Conversely, the Mercedes GLE Coupe interior is more luxurious and opulent, with a focus on comfort and refinement. The materials are plush, with options for premium Nappa leather and elegant wood trim. The COMAND infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring a large display screen and a touchpad controller. The system offers a range of features, including navigation, Android Auto, and aBurmester surround sound system. The seats are incredibly comfortable, providing excellent support for long drives. The GLE Coupe also offers a range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The digital gauge cluster is customizable, allowing you to display the information that's most important to you. The overall feeling is one of luxurious comfort, with a focus on pampering the occupants. The ambient lighting is customizable, allowing you to create the perfect atmosphere. The GLE Coupe also offers plenty of storage space, with a spacious center console and door pockets.

Both vehicles offer a wealth of technology features, but the execution and user experience differ. The X6 emphasizes a sporty and driver-centric approach, while the GLE Coupe focuses on luxury and comfort. Consider which approach aligns best with your priorities.

Practicality and Space

Okay, let's be real. These coupe-SUVs aren't exactly known for their practicality. That sloping roofline does eat into cargo space and rear headroom. But how do the 2018 BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe stack up against each other in terms of everyday usability?

The BMW X6 offers 20.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 53.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. It's not the most spacious SUV on the market, but it's enough for most everyday needs. Rear headroom is a bit limited due to the sloping roofline, but adults can still sit comfortably in the back. The X6 also offers a decent amount of legroom, making it suitable for long trips. The rear seats are comfortable and supportive, and the overall feeling is one of sporty comfort. The cargo area is easy to access, and the rear seats fold down easily to create a flat loading floor. The X6 also offers a range of storage compartments, including a glove box, a center console, and door pockets.

The Mercedes GLE Coupe offers 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 60.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. It's slightly more spacious than the X6, making it a bit more practical for families. Rear headroom is also a bit limited in the GLE Coupe, but it's slightly better than the X6. Adults can still sit comfortably in the back, but taller passengers might feel a bit cramped. The GLE Coupe offers a generous amount of legroom, making it comfortable for long journeys. The rear seats are plush and supportive, and the overall feeling is one of luxurious comfort. The cargo area is easy to access, and the rear seats fold down easily to create a flat loading floor. The GLE Coupe also offers a range of storage compartments, including a glove box, a center console, and door pockets.

In terms of practicality, the GLE Coupe has a slight edge over the X6 due to its larger cargo capacity and slightly better rear headroom. However, both SUVs are compromised in this area compared to more traditional SUVs. If you prioritize practicality, you might want to consider a different type of vehicle.

Price and Value

Let's talk about the bottom line. Luxury SUVs don't come cheap, and both the 2018 BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe command a premium price. But which one offers the better value for your money?

The BMW X6 typically has a starting price slightly lower than the Mercedes GLE Coupe. However, prices can vary depending on the trim level, options, and condition of the vehicle. The X6 offers a good range of standard features, including a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium sound system. However, many desirable features are optional, which can quickly drive up the price. The X6 also holds its value well, making it a good investment in the long run. The maintenance costs can be a bit high, but the overall ownership experience is generally positive. The X6 offers a sporty driving experience and a stylish design, making it a desirable vehicle for many buyers.

The Mercedes GLE Coupe typically has a slightly higher starting price than the BMW X6. However, it also offers a more luxurious and refined interior, as well as a slightly larger cargo capacity. The GLE Coupe comes standard with a range of premium features, including a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather seats, and a Burmester surround sound system. However, like the X6, many desirable features are optional, which can significantly increase the price. The GLE Coupe also holds its value well, but it may not depreciate as slowly as the X6. The maintenance costs can be high, but the overall ownership experience is generally positive. The GLE Coupe offers a comfortable and luxurious ride, making it a great choice for long trips.

Ultimately, the better value depends on your priorities. If you're looking for the lowest price, the X6 might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize luxury and features, the GLE Coupe might be worth the extra money. It's important to compare the prices of specific models and options to determine which one offers the best value for your needs.

The Verdict

So, which one should you choose: the 2018 BMW X6 or the Mercedes GLE Coupe? Honestly, there's no clear winner. It all comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.

If you value sporty handling, a bold design, and a driver-focused interior, the BMW X6 might be the better choice. It's a fun and engaging SUV that's sure to turn heads. But if you prioritize luxury, comfort, and a more refined ride, the Mercedes GLE Coupe might be a better fit. It's a comfortable and stylish SUV that's perfect for long trips.

I hope this comparison has been helpful. Good luck with your car shopping, and happy driving!