BMW X4 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X4
BMW’s coupé-SUV (Sports Activity Coupé).
VS

Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes' large SUV on the MHA platform.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW X4
Pick the X4 for a more aggressively styled coupé-SUV with xDrive and strong inline-six engines — trading practical space versus the X3.
Best engine: The M40i (B58) or the 30d (B57).
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
|
| Width |
1,92 m
|
1,95 m
|
| Height |
1,62 m
|
1,80 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X4 | Mercedes-Benz GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | F25 (F26) · CLAR (G02) | MHA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the GLS) |
| Drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | N20/N55 · B48/B58 petrol · N47/B47 · B57 diesel | M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 9G-TRONIC automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW X4
- N20 timing chain and tensioner (early F26)
- Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks
- EGR cooler recall (B47/B57 diesel)
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
- Aggressive coupé-SUV styling with presence
- Planted xDrive all-wheel drive
- Strong inline-six engines (B58/B57)
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 costs headroom and load volume versus the X3
- Firm ride, especially on M Sport adaptive suspension
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
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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