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

$52,600 · Coupe

$63,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2026 BMW 4 Series (Car 1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Car 2) is the initial cost, with the E-Class demanding a $11,300 premium ($63,900 vs. $52,600 MSRP). Beyond price, the E-Class offers a quantifiable fuel economy advantage, achieving a combined 28 MPG compared to the BMW's unstated figure (though both require premium unleaded). Performance specs are identical on paper, with both producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Dimensionally, the E-Class is longer at 194.9 inches versus 187.9 inches for the 4 Series, which paradoxically offers slightly more storage space with 15.5 cu ft compared to the Mercedes' 12.7 cu ft. The Mercedes utilizes a 9-speed automatic, while the BMW employs an 8-speed unit in this base configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes E-Class, being a sedan with greater overall dimensions (194.9 inches long), is structurally better suited for family transport than the smaller coupe body style of the 4 Series.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW 4 Series

Enthusiasts will prefer the BMW 4 Series for its inherently sportier coupe body style and smaller, presumably lighter, footprint.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series offers identical core power figures (255 hp/295 lb-ft) for $11,300 less than the E-Class, indicating superior cost efficiency.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

You prioritize lower initial outlay, as the MSRP is $52,600 compared to the E-Class's $63,900.
You prefer the performance orientation of a coupe body style over a sedan.
You require slightly more trunk space, as the 4 Series offers 15.5 cu ft versus 12.7 cu ft.

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

Achieving 28 MPG combined is critical, significantly outperforming the unrated efficiency of the 4 Series.
You desire the smoother operation of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the BMW's 8-speed unit.
You need the increased overall size and height (57.9 inches) afforded by the E-Class sedan platform.

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	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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 Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	435.0/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.5 gal.	17.4 gal.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	—	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	—	28 MPG

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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

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 Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
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 2026 BMW 4 Series and 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

What is the exact horsepower and torque difference between the 2026 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Based on the provided specifications, there is no difference in rated performance; both models deliver 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

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

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class commands a starting MSRP of $63,900, making it $11,300 more expensive than the 2026 BMW 4 Series, which is listed at $52,600.

Which vehicle offers better utility in terms of cargo space?

The BMW 4 Series coupe provides a slightly larger cargo volume at 15.5 cubic feet, whereas the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan is rated at 12.7 cubic feet.

Are there any differences in the required fuel type for these vehicles?

Both the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class strictly require premium unleaded fuel for operation.

Which car has a more efficient transmission system based on the specifications?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic, giving it a potential advantage in cruising efficiency over the 8-speed automatic found in the BMW 4 Series.