Verdict
At RM265,800, the BMW 3 Series is the far more accessible choice, and its 1,590 kg kerb weight, rear-wheel drive and 235 km/h top speed suit buyers after a compact executive sedan. The RM498,888 Mercedes-Benz GLE costs RM233,088 more, but brings SUV space, all-wheel drive, 248 hp and 400 Nm, plus a 31 kWh battery with 114 km of EV range. It is quicker to 100 km/h at 6.1 seconds, yet its 2,685 kg mass and 4,924 mm length demand more room in daily Malaysian parking.
3 Series
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want the RM233,088 saving, a smaller 4,709 mm sedan and a 235 km/h top speed.
GLE
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you can charge its 31 kWh battery and want 114 km of EV range, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and SUV practicality.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM265,800; Mercedes-Benz GLE RM498,888.
- Performance: BMW 3 Series 184 hp/300 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLE 248 hp/400 Nm and 6.1 seconds.
- Electrified driving: BMW 3 Series petrol only; Mercedes-Benz GLE PHEV with one 154 hp/440 Nm motor, 31 kWh battery and 114 km EV range.
- Size and weight: BMW 3 Series 4,709 mm long and 1,590 kg; Mercedes-Benz GLE 4,924 mm long and 2,685 kg.
- Driveline and transmission: BMW 3 Series rear-wheel drive with eight gears; Mercedes-Benz GLE all-wheel drive with nine gears.
- Boot space: BMW 3 Series 480 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLE 490 litres.
3 Series
- RM233,088 less expensive.
- 1,095 kg lighter than the GLE.
- 235 km/h top speed, against 210 km/h.
- No plug-in hybrid system or 114 km EV range.
- Less output at 184 hp and 300 Nm versus 248 hp and 400 Nm.
- Single-zone rear air-con versus the GLE's dual-zone rear system.
GLE
- 31 kWh PHEV battery with 114 km EV range.
- 248 hp, 400 Nm and 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Air suspension, front-seat massage and ventilation, plus a panoramic sliding roof.
- RM233,088 more expensive.
- 2,685 kg kerb weight is 1,095 kg heavier.
- 210 km/h top speed is 25 km/h lower.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 265,800✓ | RM 498,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with PHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 248 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 154 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 440 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 31 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 114 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 8 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | 6.1 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h✓ | 210 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,924 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,947 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,772 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | 2,685 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | 85 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 490 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 275/45R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 315/40R21 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 21" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 21" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Cross-drilled Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Airmatic with Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Powered Front Seats with Massage and Ventilation Functions |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Sliding Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade & Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 12.3" MBUX Multimedia with Burmester Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 379✓ | RM 440 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 3 Series & GLE for sale
3 Series vs GLE FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz GLE better?
The BMW 3 Series is the better buy for a lower-cost, lighter compact executive sedan. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE for its PHEV capability, 114 km EV range, all-wheel drive and greater 490-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE costs RM233,088 more than the BMW 3 Series: RM498,888 versus RM265,800.
Which is quicker, the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is quicker from 0-100 km/h, taking 6.1 seconds against the BMW 3 Series' 7.4 seconds. The BMW has the higher top speed at 235 km/h, versus 210 km/h.