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

$62,450 · Sedan

$52,600 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands as the epitome of modern luxury, exciting drivers with its commanding presence and refined sedan dynamics, despite a starting MSRP of $62,450. Contrastingly, the 2026 BMW 4 Series slashes the entry point to dynamic driving with a $52,600 price tag for its sleek coupe body. Both vehicles deliver an identical 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with RWD and premium unleaded fueling. However, the E-Class offers superior fuel economy, netting 28 combined MPG versus the 4 Series' unlisted but implied lower figure due to its coupe focus and dimensions (194.9 inches long vs. 187.9 inches). The Mercedes also boasts a 9-speed automatic versus the BMW's 8-speed unit. While the 4 Series surprisingly offers more cargo space at 15.5 cu ft compared to the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft, the E-Class champions long-haul comfort and efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series offers greater utility with a slightly larger cargo capacity of 15.5 cu ft compared to the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW 4 Series

As a dedicated coupe, the BMW 4 Series inherently promises a sportier, more driver-focused dynamic appealing to pure enthusiasts.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series provides outstanding performance parity for $9,850 less than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

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

You prioritize a more established, larger sedan footprint (194.9 inches long) prioritizing ride quality.
You need the slightly better efficiency, achieving 33 highway MPG.
You desire the smoother gear changes afforded by the 9-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

You want the lowest initial investment, saving $9,850 off the entry MSRP.
You prefer the visual excitement and lower stance of a dedicated two-door coupe body style.
You need maximum usability from the trunk space, with 15.5 cu ft available.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
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 @ 5800 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/33 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	435.0/574.2 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	15.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more expensive is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class than the 2026 BMW 4 Series?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class commands a significant premium, starting at an MSRP of $62,450, which is exactly $9,850 more than the 2026 BMW 4 Series entry price of $52,600.

Do these two competitors offer different levels of power output?

No, remarkably, both the base 2025 E-Class sedan and the 2026 4 Series coupe deliver an identical 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Is there a noticeable difference in fuel economy between the two?

Yes, the Mercedes E-Class is rated at 28 combined MPG, meaning it holds a clear efficiency advantage over the BMW 4 Series in daily commuting scenarios.

Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling luggage?

Surprisingly for a coupe, the 2026 BMW 4 Series offers superior cargo volume, boasting 15.5 cubic feet compared to the E-Class sedan's 12.7 cubic feet.

What is the difference in their physical size?

The E-Class is physically larger in every dimension, measuring 194.9 inches in length and standing taller at 57.9 inches, while the 4 Series is shorter (187.9 inches) and lower (54.6 inches).

Are the transmissions different between the two rear-wheel-drive models?

The Mercedes E-Class utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the BMW 4 Series employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic for delivering power to the rear wheels.