BMW X3 G01 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W166

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X3

Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (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 250 d (diesel) or GLE 350 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

B48 20i · Petrol vs M276 GLE 350 · Petrol

	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	184 hp	306 hp Winner
Torque	290 Nm	370 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,3 s	7,5 s Winner
Top speed	215 km/h	235 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	105,4 hp/t	142,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	154 g/km Winner	185 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,8 L/100km Winner	7,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	550 L	690 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L	2.010 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,92 m Winner
Length	4,71 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	20,4 cm	21,0 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X3

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

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 X3

Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
Big boot & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

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 X3

Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

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 X3

Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.

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.