BMW X1 E84 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W167

BMW X1

E84 · 2009 – 2015

The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W167 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation GLE on the MHA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (N20 petrol) or 20d (N47 diesel).

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

N20 20i · Petrol vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	184 hp	367 hp Winner
Torque	270 Nm	500 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,7 s	5,7 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	121,1 hp/t	164,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	168 g/km Winner	220 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,7 L/100km Winner	9,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	420 L	630 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.350 L	2.055 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,76 m	3,00 m Winner
Length	4,45 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	20,5 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m Winner	12,0 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i)	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 5	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1

N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
Transfer case (xDrive)
Cooling system needs checking

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 X1

Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact footprint
Good headroom

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 X1

Firm ride
Small boot for the class

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 X1

—

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.