BMW X4 F26 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W166

BMW X4

F26 · 2014 – 2018

The first-generation X4 (F26), on the F25 X3 platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the F26 only with documented N20 chain work or a later build — otherwise the timing-chain risk is real.

Best engine: The xDrive28i (N20, 245 hp) or xDrive30d (N57).

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

xDrive28i · Petrol vs M276 GLE 350 · Petrol

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	245 hp	306 hp Winner
Torque	350 Nm	370 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	6,4 s Winner	7,5 s
Top speed	232 km/h	235 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t	142,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	179 g/km Winner	185 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	7,2 L/100km Winner	7,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	500 L	690 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.400 L	2.010 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,81 m	2,92 m Winner
Length	4,67 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	21,0 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	F25 (F26, xDrive)	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	N20/N55 petrol · N47/B47 · N57 diesel	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X4

N20 timing chain and tensioner (biggest risk)
Electric water pump and coolant loss
Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks

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 X4

First X4: more aggressive style than the X3 F25
N55 (35i) is the reliable petrol choice
B47 diesel (20d/25d) much improved over N47

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 X4

N20 cold-start chain rattle is a warning sign
Sloping roof limits rear headroom

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 X4

More dynamic than a standard X3 of the same generation. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but not a pure sports car — weight and the higher centre of gravity are noticeable when pushed. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps balance firmness and comfort. The N55 petrol sixes (35i/M40i) deliver strong, linear performance and a characterful engine note. The N20 four-cylinder petrols are competent but less refined. Diesels (especially the N57 sixes) offer strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that prioritises road presence and dynamics over maximum practicality.

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.