BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW X3 starts from $86,100 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the BMW X3 the more affordable entry point by $42,800.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $94,710 and $141,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLE hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the BMW X3 and 91% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLE packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW X3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X3 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW X3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X3 stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Diesel making 195kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 195kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X3 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 169mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 60L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the BMW X3 and $2,109/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the BMW X3.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (BMW X3) vs $2,109 (Mercedes-Benz GLE). The BMW X3 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLE trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW X3 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The BMW X3 is the cheapest at $86,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $42,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X3 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLE all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the largest boot at 630L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE makes the most power at 195kW. The BMW X3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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