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BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz EQE

2026 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW 3 Series

2026 BMW 3 Series

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS1 – 1Tie: 1 categories each
Mercedes-Benz EQE

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

Swap in a different car →

The short version

That works out to about $1,850 a year less in fuel for the Mercedes-Benz EQE (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is the bigger car, about 6 inches longer.

The two cars

The 2026 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,494 lb (3-Series 330i Xdrive 4dr Sedan).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE is a midsize car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 195 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 123-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,456 lb (Class 350 4dr Sedan).

Basics

Compact Cars
Class
Midsize Cars
Hybrid
Fuel
EV
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

31 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
28 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
308 mi
$2,650
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$800

Performance & space

–
Horsepower (most powerful)
288 hp
–
Seats (most)
5
185.4 in
Length
191.3 in
72 in
Width
76.4 in
56.7 in
Height
59.1 in
3,494 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
5,456 lb

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
10
0
Recalls (2026)
0
4
Recalls, all years since 2005
4
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
1

Interest

47,774
Wikipedia views, 30 days
3,291

Buying used

2024
Best used year
–
–
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW 3 Series if…

  • You want something easier to park (6 in shorter)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz EQE if…

  • You want an EV with more range (308 miles)
  • You want more room (6 in longer)

Pros & cons of each

2026 BMW 3 Series

  • 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.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE

  • Long EV rangeUp to 308 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Full 2026 BMW 3 Series specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →