Comparison - Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 350 4MATIC 2018 - vs - BMW X6 M AWD 2018

The BMW X6 M is available in only one feature-loaded trim, so there's not much to recommend. This is a BMW, however, so there are several other option boxes you can check, and the most appealing might be the Executive package. Highlights include cooled front seats, heated rear seats, wireless smartphone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a host of driver safety aids (including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, surround-view cameras). It's a pricey package, but it's packed with details that will make the X6 M that much more enjoyable.

PROS
Performance is astonishing for an SUV
High-quality interior packed with features
Seats are comfortable and supportive

CONS
Distinctive exterior design limits rear-seat room and cargo space
Sporty suspension may feel too firm for some drivers, passengers
Gas pedal sometimes responds slowly in low-speed driving

The X6 M is a style item: it has sleek lines, a plush interior, and a coveted badge on the hood. It’s also stunningly quick and handles more like a sports car than anything that weighs 5000 pounds has any right to. It’s powered by a 567-hp twin-turbo V-8. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard, and up to 100 percent of torque can be routed to either the front or rear wheels, depending on driving conditions. It’s less practical than the boxy X5 M, but it’ll turn more heads.

Pros
Blistering performance,
commanding seating position.

Cons
Harsh ride,
constricted cargo space.