BMW Z4 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Z4 starts from $99,200 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the BMW Z4 the more affordable entry point by $29,700.
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 $109,120 and $141,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW Z4 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that the BMW Z4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW Z4 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 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 145kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW Z4 is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW Z4 measures 4,335mm long on a 2,470mm wheelbase, 589mm 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 210L in the BMW Z4 and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 420L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 12.1m
Based on 10.6m 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 $2,223/year for the BMW Z4 and $2,109/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (BMW Z4) vs $2,109 (Mercedes-Benz GLE). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW Z4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW Z4 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLE takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $114 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 Z4 and Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The BMW Z4 is the cheapest at $99,200 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $29,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Z4 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.4s.
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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