2025 BMW X4 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

$55,300 · Crossover

$61,850 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW X4 bursts onto the scene emphasizing sporty agility in its compact 187.6-inch frame, promising spirited driving dynamics, while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class asserts dominance with sheer physical presence and utility. The X4 packs 248 hp and delivers a respectable 24 MPG combined. In contrast, the larger GLE-Class boasts superior muscle with 255 hp and significantly more torque at 295 lb-ft, though its combined fuel economy dips slightly to 23 MPG. The price chasm is notable, with the X4 starting at $55,300 against the GLE-Class's $61,850 entry point, a difference of $6,550. Furthermore, the GLE-Class offers massive functionality, hauling 33.3 cu ft of cargo compared to the X4's mere 18.5 cu ft. This comparison pits BMW's coupe-SUV flair against Mercedes' larger, more practical luxury cruiser, driven by the buyer's priority: dynamic handling versus cavernous space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X4

The BMW X4 is slightly more maneuverable and efficient, achieving 24 MPG combined, making it nimbler for urban navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provides substantially more utility with 33.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the X4's 18.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X4

Despite lower torque, the X4’s typically sportier tuning and smaller footprint suggest a more engaging and agile driving character.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW X4

The BMW X4 saves the buyer $6,550 in initial outlay while offering very comparable horsepower figures.

Choose the BMW X4 if...

You prioritize a lower starting MSRP of $55,300.
You value slightly better fuel economy with a combined 24 MPG.
You prefer a more compact footprint, measuring 187.6 inches in length.

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

You absolutely require maximum utility, benefiting from 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You desire stronger pulling power, provided by 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the stable, sure-footed feel of a standard Rear Wheel Drive platform.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Length	187.6"	194.3"
Width	75.5"	76.7"
Height	63.8"	70.7"
Wheelbase	112.8"	117.9"

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	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	248 hp @ 5200 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1450 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	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	361.2/464.4 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	22.5 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear 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	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	12	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.7 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	59.3 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 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 Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.2 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	58.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	59.8 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	✓	255/50R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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.
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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X4 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

What is the main difference in power between the 2025 BMW X4 and the GLE-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a slight edge in raw power, producing 255 horsepower compared to the BMW X4's 248 horsepower. More significantly, the GLE-Class delivers 295 lb-ft of torque, notably beating the X4’s 258 lb-ft.

Is the significant price difference worth the trade-off in cargo space?

The GLE-Class costs $6,550 more upfront than the X4. This extra investment buys you nearly double the cargo space; the GLE offers 33.3 cu ft while the X4 is limited to 18.5 cu ft.

How does the standard drivetrain configuration differ?

The BMW X4 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing enhanced traction in poor conditions. Conversely, the standard Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive configuration.

Which vehicle is the better choice for long-distance highway driving?

Both vehicles require premium fuel and have similar city mileage (21 MPG), but the X4 has a slightly better highway rating at 27 MPG compared to the GLE's 28 MPG, which should translate to marginally fewer stops on long treks.

Are there major differences in transmission technology?

Yes, the two vehicles use different automatic transmissions; the X4 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the larger GLE-Class incorporates a 9-speed shiftable automatic.

Which crossover is dimensionally larger?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is substantially larger in all dimensions, being 194.3 inches long and 70.7 inches tall, compared to the X4's 187.6-inch length and 63.8-inch height.