BMW X2 F39 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W166

BMW X2

F39 · 2017 – 2023

The first-generation X2 (F39), on the UKL2 platform shared with the X1 and MINI Countryman.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X2

Pick the F39 if you want coupé style and sporty driving in a compact crossover — accepting a smaller boot and tighter rear headroom than the X1.

Best engine: The B48 20i (192 hp) — the sweet spot.

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 250 d (diesel) or GLE 350 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

sDrive20i · Petrol vs M276 GLE 350 · Petrol

	BMW X2	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	192 hp	306 hp Winner
Torque	280 Nm	370 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,4 s Winner	7,5 s
Top speed	227 km/h	235 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	118,9 hp/t	142,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	146 g/km Winner	185 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,4 L/100km Winner	7,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X2	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	470 L	690 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.355 L	2.010 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,92 m Winner
Length	4,36 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	18,2 cm	21,0 cm
Turning circle	11,3 m Winner	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X2	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X2

B48 oil-filter housing gasket leaks and possible coolant-oil mixing
B47 EGR cooler: fire-risk recall (verify completed)
Plastic coolant lines and expansion tank

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Pros

BMW X2

B48 20i (192 hp) is refined, responsive and the sweet spot
M35i (306 hp) delivers hot-hatch pace in a crossover
Quick, direct steering — drives like a raised hot hatch

Mercedes-Benz GLE

690 L boot growing to ~2,010 L — roomy for a large SUV
OM651 2.1 diesel (GLE 250 d: 204 hp / 500 Nm) for pulling power
V6/V8 options (GLE 350 / GLE 500) for smooth performance

Cons

BMW X2

Wind noise around A-pillars and mirrors at speed
Boot and rear headroom smaller than the X1

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651/OM642 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Driving experience

BMW X2

The F39 is more engaging than a conventional compact SUV. Steering is quick and direct, body control is good, and the car feels agile and planted on twisty roads, especially with M Sport suspension and larger wheels. Ride is firm — acceptable on smooth roads but it can feel busy and thumpy over Belgian cobbles, patched asphalt or motorway expansion joints. The B48 20i is the sweet spot: refined, responsive and willing without being harsh. The 18i is adequate but coarser; the M35i is properly quick and sounds more purposeful. Diesels are strong and refined for the class. Noise levels are good at speed, though wind noise can be noticeable around the A-pillars and mirrors. Overall it drives more like a raised hot hatch than a soft family crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Big, comfortable and more truck-like than the GLC. The W166 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and feels genuinely large and commanding from behind the wheel. 4MATIC is standard and gives confident traction, though this is a comfort-first car rather than an agile one. The M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, the OM642 diesel is the towing and distance workhorse, and the 500 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 7G/9G automatic is smooth. It is a spacious, comfortable large SUV built for comfort, space and towing, not for keen driving.