2025 BMW 4 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$51,150 · Coupe

$63,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a stylish coupe like the 2025 BMW 4 Series and a sophisticated sedan like the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class often comes down to prioritizing fun over formality, especially given the $12,750 MSRP gap. If you lean towards driving dynamics and efficiency, the BMW is appealing; it starts at $51,150 and boasts a superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG, compared to the Mercedes' 28 MPG. Performance metrics are identical on paper, with both delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the E-Class offers more space, measuring 194.9 inches long and 57.9 inches high, while the BMW is shorter at 187.9 inches. While the BMW offers slightly better cargo capacity at 15.5 cu ft versus the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft, the fundamental decision rests on whether the added prestige and roominess of the E-Class justify the higher initial outlay and marginally lower efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series wins for commuters due to its better fuel efficiency, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the E-Class's 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the better family choice because its sedan body offers greater height (57.9 inches) and width (74.0 inches) than the BMW coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 4 Series

The 4 Series is favored for the enthusiast due to its slightly lower overall vehicle height (54.6 inches) and more agile coupe design.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series clearly offers better value, starting at $51,150, significantly undercutting the E-Class's $63,900 MSRP for similar base power figures.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

You want to save money upfront, as the BMW 4 Series MSRP starts $12,750 lower than the E-Class.
You prioritize fuel economy, as the BMW achieves 31 MPG combined versus the Mercedes' 28 MPG.
You prefer a sleeker, lower profile, noted by the BMW's 54.6-inch height compared to the E-Class's 57.9 inches.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if...

You need a true back seat experience, as the E-Class sedan body offers significantly more vertical room.
You carry more bulk, as the E-Class's larger overall dimensions (194.9 inches long) suggest a more substantial presence.
You want the smoother driving experience provided by the 9-speed automatic transmission over the 8-speed in the BMW.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 4 Series	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Length	187.9"	194.9"
Width	72.9"	74.0"
Height	54.6"	57.9"
Wheelbase	112.2"	116.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	434.0/558.0 mi.	435.0/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.5 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	14.4 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	6
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	37.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	35.2 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.0 in.	57.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	225/55R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 62000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 4 Series and 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Does the lower price of the BMW 4 Series mean less power than the Mercedes E-Class?

Surprisingly, no. Both the base 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offer identical engine output at 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Which car is better for highway driving based on efficiency figures?

The BMW 4 Series is the superior choice for highway miles, boasting a 36 MPG highway rating compared to the E-Class's 33 MPG highway rating.

Is the Mercedes E-Class sedan significantly bigger than the BMW 4 Series coupe?

Yes, the E-Class is substantially larger; it is nearly 7 inches longer (194.9 in vs. 187.9 in) and over 2 inches taller (57.9 in vs. 54.6 in) than the BMW.

Do I have to use premium fuel in either of these luxury vehicles?

Yes, both the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class list premium unleaded as their required fuel type for optimal performance.

Which car offers more usable storage space for luggage?

Despite being a coupe, the 2025 BMW 4 Series actually offers more cargo volume at 15.5 cubic feet, edging out the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, which is rated at 12.7 cubic feet.

How do the transmissions compare between these two rear-wheel-drive models?

The Mercedes E-Class uses a 9-speed automatic transmission, providing an extra gear ratio compared to the BMW 4 Series, which utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic.