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BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW X3

2026 BMW X3

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 3Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class wins 3 of 5 categories
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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The BMW X3 is more fuel-efficient: 29 vs 23 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $700 a year less in fuel for the BMW X3 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 62).

The two cars

The 2026 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,176 lb (30 Xdrive 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 11% worse than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

Buying used? The 2023 X3 and the 2024 GLE-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 X3.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Hybrid
Fuel
Hybrid
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

29 MPG
Best combined MPG
23 MPG
27 city
City / highway MPG (best)
21 city
$2,850
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,550

Performance & space

393 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
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187.4 in
Length
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75.6 in
Width
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65.4 in
Height
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4,176 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
–

Safety & reliability

11
Driver-assist features standard
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2
Recalls (2026)
0
62
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
22
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

24,272
Wikipedia views, 30 days
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Buying used

2023
Best used year
2024
2020
Year to avoid
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Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW X3 if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (29 vs 23 MPG)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if…

  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 62 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 BMW X3

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 BMW X3 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →