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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes GLE comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 585 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 78,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Mercedes GLE?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes GLE: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • considerably cheaper
  • markedly more efficient
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly lighter
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Mercedes GLE

4.1 (1 Reviews)
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  • marginally more power
  • very slightly more electric range
  • clearly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BMW 3 Series Saloon is considerably cheaper – starting at 39,900 £ , while the Mercedes GLE costs 78,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 38,970 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is markedly more efficient than the Mercedes GLE with 3.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes GLE offers very slightly more range – reaching up to 104 km, about 3 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

GLE

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLE offers marginally more power – delivering 585 HP compared to 530 HP. That’s roughly 55 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Mercedes GLE takes 4.5 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLE delivers marginally more torque with 750 Nm compared to 700 Nm. That’s about 50 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Saloon is clearly lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 2,390 kg. The difference is around 815 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLE offers clearly more boot space – 655 L compared to 480 L. That’s a difference of about 175 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLE carries noticeably more – 770 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 275 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range 96 - 101 km
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Mercedes GLE

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Mercedes GLE

The Mercedes GLE blends luxurious comfort with a confident road presence, wrapping tech and refinement in an SUV shape that still knows how to behave on a twisty back road. Inside it's plush and quiet, with clever storage and driver aids that make long trips effortless — plus the badge gives it that easy-to-respect curb appeal.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Mercedes GLE

Costs and Consumption

Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
78,900 - 115,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
3.2 - 10.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
91 - 104 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
72 - 241 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
2,390 - 2,815 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
485 - 655 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
2,010 - 2,018 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
495 - 770 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
309 - 585 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
560 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
6
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
227 - 430 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 2,999 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.