BMW X4 G02 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W167

BMW X4

G02 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation X4 (G02), on the CLAR platform shared with the X3 G01.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W167 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation GLE on the MHA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the G02 for the B58 M40i and a more dynamic, refined package than the F26.

Best engine: The M40i (B58, 360 hp) — the standout.

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

M40i · Petrol vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	360 hp	367 hp Winner
Torque	500 Nm	500 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,8 s Winner	5,7 s
Top speed	250 km/h	250 km/h
Power-to-weight	188,0 hp/t Winner	164,2 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	191 g/km Winner	220 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	8,2 L/100km Winner	9,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	525 L	630 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L	2.055 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m	3,00 m Winner
Length	4,75 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	20,5 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	12,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	CLAR (G02, xDrive)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48/B58 petrol · B47/B57 diesel (mild-hybrid)	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X4

Cooling-system plastics and water pumps
Oil-filter housing gasket leaks (B48/B58)
EGR/DPF/AdBlue attention on diesels

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 X4

B58 M40i is strong, free-revving and the standout
Facelift (2021) brought mild-hybrid tech on many diesels
More dynamic and refined than the F26

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 X4

Sloping roof reduces rear headroom versus the X3
Firm ride on M Sport adaptive suspension and larger wheels

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 X4

More dynamic and refined than the F26. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but prioritises composure and refinement over pure sharpness. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The B58 M40i is the standout: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. B48 four-cylinder petrols are smooth and responsive. Diesels (especially the B57 sixes) deliver strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that balances road presence, dynamics and everyday usability better than its predecessor.

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.