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BMW 4 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2026 BMW 4 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW 4 Series

2026 BMW 4 Series

Subcompact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 1BMW 4 Series wins 2 of 3 categories
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The BMW 4 Series is more fuel-efficient: 31 vs 28 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $300 a year less in fuel for the BMW 4 Series (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the bigger car, about 7 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 1).

The two cars

The 2026 BMW 4 Series is a subcompact 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 188 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,920 lb (430i 2dr Cabriolet).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a midsize 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 195 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,269 lb (Amg 4dr Sedan).

Buying used? The 2024 4 Series and the 2024 E-Class have the fewest problems in our data.

Basics

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

Efficiency

31 MPG
Best combined MPG
28 MPG
28 city
City / highway MPG (best)
25 city
$2,650
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,950

Performance & space

187.8 in
Length
194.9 in
72.8 in
Width
74 in
54.3 in
Height
57.9 in
3,708 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,189 lb

Safety & reliability

0
Recalls (2026)
0
1
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

10,935
Wikipedia views, 30 days
28,957

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
–
Year to avoid
–

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW 4 Series if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (31 vs 28 MPG)
  • You want something easier to park (7 in shorter)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if…

  • You want more room (7 in longer)

Pros & cons of each

2026 BMW 4 Series

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2026 subcompact car (24 MPG).
  • 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 E-Class

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

Full 2026 BMW 4 Series specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →