BMW iX1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
BMW iX1
BMW’s fully electric compact SUV.
VS
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes' large SUV on the MHA platform.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW iX1
Pick the iX1 for zero-emission driving in a practical compact premium SUV with modern iDrive tech and a punchy xDrive30.
Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Pick the GLE for space, comfort and powerful engines in a large premium SUV.
Best engine: The GLE 300 d / GLE 350 d (diesel) or GLE 450 (petrol) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Performance
xDrive30 · Electric vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes-Benz GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
313 hp
|
367 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
494 Nm
|
500 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
5,6 s
Winner
|
5,7 s
|
| Top speed |
180 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
150,1 hp/t
|
164,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
0 g/km
Winner
|
220 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
—
|
9,3 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes-Benz GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
490 L
|
630 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.495 L
|
2.055 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,69 m
|
3,00 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,50 m
|
4,92 m
|
| Width |
1,85 m
|
1,95 m
|
| Height |
1,62 m
|
1,80 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes-Benz GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | FAAR (front-drive base, shared with the X1 U11) | MHA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the GLS) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | Single or dual electric motors (fifth-generation eDrive) | M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio) | 9G-TRONIC automatic |
| Euro standard | N/A (electric) | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW iX1
- Software/iDrive (early OS8/OS9 builds)
- Integrated brake system (IBS) recall (2022–2024)
- 12V battery can drain when parked
Mercedes-Benz GLE
- Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
- AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
- 9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
- MBUX/electronics glitches (mostly fixed via updates)
Pros
BMW iX1
- Zero-emission and brisk in traffic thanks to instant torque
- Practical compact SUV with adult rear seats and a 490 L boot
- Quiet, refined ride, typically electric
Mercedes-Benz GLE
- 630 L boot growing to ~2,055 L — roomy for a large SUV
- GLE 450: 367 hp I6 with EQ Boost (48V) and 500 Nm
- OM656 2.9 I6 diesel (GLE 350 d: 272 hp / 600 Nm)
- GLE 400 e PHEV: 381 hp and 650 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
BMW iX1
- Firm ride, especially on larger wheels and M Sport
- Battery pack slightly reduces boot versus the X1
Mercedes-Benz GLE
- OM654/OM656 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
- PHEV shrinks boot space (~490 L)
- Complex air suspension and electronics need dealer maintenance
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers
BMW iX1
13 for sale · from € 34.390
BMW iX1 xDrive30 · electric · Panoramic roof · Camera · CarPlay…
€ 34.390
Falcomotive
Falcomotive
BMW iX1 xDrive30 · electric · M-Sport · 360° camera · CarPlay ·…
€ 40.499
Exclusive Car Design BV
Exclusive Car Design BV
BMW iX1 electric · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 36.900
Knokke Cars bv
Knokke Cars bv
BMW iX1 eDrive20 · electric · M-Sport · Camera · CarPlay · LED …
€ 45.680
EV Blue Automobile
EV Blue Automobile
Mercedes-Benz GLE
29 for sale · from € 29.950
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 electric · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarPlay
€ 59.900
Auto's Basile - Kuurne motors
Auto's Basile - Kuurne motors
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 plug-in hybrid · AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · Navigati…
€ 57.990
Garage Carrera Cars
Garage Carrera Cars
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC · plug-in hybrid · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 55.540
Falcomotive
Falcomotive
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 plug-in hybrid · AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 48.940
Garage Auto-Elektro Peeters
Garage Auto-Elektro Peeters
