[Frenetic]

I almost got this instead of the M50i. Anyone compare and contrast this versus the M50i? I kind of regret not taking a test drive when I had a chance.

[MystroX5]

The M50i is significantly faster to start with. I think MB leather is rubbish. There is a thread on the comparison awhile back.

[wifesbimmer]

I test drove a GLS 580 which I understand is not the same vehicle. I really did not care for it unless you are into the whole Benz's interior design. The power felt very underwhelmed and nothing special. Once again, it is not a fair comparison, but I personally believe the M50i is a superior vehicle when it comes to the performance comparison.

[Chapel Hill]

I thought about, but did not test drive the 580. My understanding is that the M50i has considerably better performance and is more fun to drive overall.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by Frenetic

I almost got this instead of the M50i. Anyone compare and contrast this versus the M50i? I kind of regret not taking a test drive when I had a chance.

If you get the M50i with B&W and DHP, it is better than a GLE 580 in every way. I see a few around me and the interior looks nice, but I'm seeing more new RR Sports and Q8s than the new GLE around where I live….M50i both X5 and X7 are probably the most popular high end models I see by far.

[Frenetic]

Oh I know the M50i is a lot faster—which is kind of strange to be honest—and says a lot about MB’s factory tuning, but I love their interiors, massive screens that are actually customizable, ambient lighting and augmented navigation.

[647TTA]

If I remember correctly from when I was comparing them last year, the screens are the same size. They just look bigger in the Mercedes because of the way they are arranged in a line.

[Frenetic]

There's actually not many reviews for the 580, at least that I could find.

What I find strange is that MB has "M-Lite" like BMW with their AMG 53, etc. What I find curious is why they didn't slap on an AMG-lite badge on the 580 when it's more closely related to the full-blown AMG 63 then the current straight six AMG 53.

[Stoshu]

Originally Posted by Frenetic

There's actually not many reviews for the 580, at least that I could find.

What I find strange is that MB has "M-Lite" like BMW with their AMG 53, etc. What I find curious is why they didn't slap on an AMG-lite badge on the 580 when it's more closely related to the full-blown AMG 63 then the current straight six AMG 53.

“M-Lite” - Funny, that’s what I tell people when the say my M50i is an M car! Sadly it was as close as I could come to a full “M” with my bank account…

[CarMan77]

My wife has a GLE 580 and up until last month I had a G05 M50i. I traded out to an X7. Wifey is in love with her car.

I posted this last year:

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=26072280

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by CarMan77

My wife has a GLE 580 and up until last month I had a G05 M50i. I traded out to an X7. Wifey is in love with her car.

I posted this last year:

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=26072280

Great write up! The M50i looks nicer inside and out. But the HUD on the 580 is cool. Does it work with polarized sun glasses ?

[CarMan77]

Originally Posted by FCX5

Great write up! The M50i looks nicer inside and out. But the HUD on the 580 is cool. Does it work with polarized sun glasses ?

Thank you!

Yes, the X5 M50i is a special machine. Polarized lenses do work with Mercedes HUD.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by CarMan77

Thank you!

Yes, the X5 M50i is a special machine. Polarized lenses do work with Mercedes HUD.

MB does get details like that right. TBH, The new GLE looks better live than in photos. Hopefully BMW will upstate their HUD to work with polarized sunglasses. I mean one reason people wear sunglasses is to cut down on glare!

[alewifebp]

MB does have an odd engine alignment with the GLE. I suspect that they don't want to make the 580 the AMG lite since it might cut in to the "real" AMG sales. As an AMG lite, the 53 really doesn't cut it performance wise though. So they made the 580 the luxury version