BMW iX3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW iX3

BMW’s electric mid-size SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes' large SUV on the MHA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX3

Pick the iX3 for a practical, refined electric SUV with familiar BMW dynamics and a mature real-world range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive).

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

iX3 · Electric vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol

	BMW iX3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	286 hp	367 hp Winner
Torque	400 Nm	500 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	6,8 s	5,7 s Winner
Top speed	180 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	131,2 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 iX3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	510 L	630 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L	2.055 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m	3,00 m Winner
Length	4,73 m	4,92 m
Width	1,89 m	1,95 m
Height	1,67 m	1,80 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	CLAR (based on the X3 G01, electric)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the GLS)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single electric motor (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 iX3

12V battery issues (occasional)
Parking-sensor or camera faults
Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque

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 iX3

Practical, familiar X3 packaging with a 510 L boot
Proven single-motor drivetrain (less complexity)
Refined, quiet drive with familiar BMW character

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 iX3

No frunk and no all-wheel drive available
Firm ride on larger wheels and M Sport

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

Driving experience

BMW iX3

The iX3 is refined and composed rather than playful. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure at speed. Ride quality is firm but generally well-controlled — better than many early EVs on adaptive suspension, though larger wheels and the M Sport suspension make it busier over poor surfaces. Instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the single-motor rear-drive layout gives balanced, predictable handling without the artificial feel of some dual-motor systems. Cabin noise is low; wind and tyre roar are the main sounds at motorway speeds. Regenerative braking is strong and well-calibrated (one-pedal driving is possible). Overall it drives like a polished, slightly firmer X3 with electric silence and response — competent and relaxing rather than involving.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Serene, isolating and quietly opulent. Steering is light and relaxed, the ride hushed and composed, and the GLE smothers rough roads and motorway miles alike. 4MATIC adds unflappable all-weather security without asking anything of the driver. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, glides over poor surfaces with real polish. The M256 inline-six is silky with its 48-volt assist, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the GLE 400 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts almost imperceptibly. Overall a calm, tech-rich luxury SUV built to isolate, not involve.