BMW iX3 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: Premium Electric SUV-D Showdown with Over 500 km of Range

Some comparisons are decided by nuances, others by entire generations. This one belongs to the second group. The BMW iX3 arrives in Spain as the first model built on the Neue Klasse platform, and it does so facing a rival that has already been on our roads for a couple of years: the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Two premium proposals, two different philosophies on the electric SUV-D, and a question our editorial team has been asked several times: which of the two makes more sense in 2026?

We will answer it with homologated data, without vague catalogue figures.

BMW iX3, the Neue Klasse generational leap (from €69,900)

The new iX3 is not an evolution of the previous electric X3; it is practically a different car. The version we analysed, the iX3 50 xDrive, uses a 108.7 kWh usable battery that allows it to claim up to 805 km of WLTP range — a figure that, just three years ago, would have sounded like science fiction in this segment. It delivers 345 kW (469 CV) and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h.

The starting price is around €69,900 RRP in Spain. For what it offers on paper, that is not an unreasonable figure.

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, technological maturity (from €83,400)

The EQE SUV already has a commercial track record that gives it a certain advantage: proven reliability, an established after-sales network and a consolidated market position among those seeking a premium mid-size SUV without stepping up to the EQS SUV. The 300 version we tested uses a 90.6 kWh battery and is homologated for 569 km of WLTP range, with 195 kW (265 CV) and a top speed of 210 km/h — curiously, the same top speed as its Bavarian rival.

That said, the price is noticeably higher: it starts at around €83,400 RRP, roughly €13,500 more than the iX3.

WLTP range: who goes further

Here there is no contest. The BMW iX3 is homologated for up to 805 km compared with the EQE SUV’s 569 km — a difference of 236 km, more than 41% in favour of the German model. For a buyer who makes long journeys or simply wants to stop planning charging stops, the iX3 plays in another league in this specific area.

Does this mean the EQE SUV falls short? In practice, 569 km WLTP is still more than enough for 90% of real-world use in Spain. But if range is the number one purchase criterion, the Neue Klasse clearly sets the pace.

Power, performance and battery

The iX3 also wins on raw power: 469 CV versus the EQE SUV’s 265 CV, a difference of 204 CV that is noticeable in any motorway overtaking manoeuvre. The BMW’s battery is also 20% larger (108.7 kWh versus 90.6 kWh), which explains much of that range advantage.

On paper, the iX3 appears to be both faster and more efficient — something that does not always go hand in hand in this type of comparison. It remains to be seen how this translates into real-world consumption once the model has spent more time on Spanish roads, but the homologation figures are encouraging.

Price in Spain: RRP and equipment

It is worth remembering something that sometimes gets lost at the dealership: these prices are the manufacturer’s recommended RRP, without campaign discounts, without one-off promotions and without considering aid under the Plan Auto+, whose current amount should always be checked on the official website before closing any quote.

With that caveat, the iX3 starts at €69,900 and the EQE SUV at €83,400. A difference of €13,500 that, in our view, is hard to justify on brand alone when the rival offers more range and more power for less money.

Comparison table: BMW iX3 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Which is the better buy in 2026?

If the criteria are range, power and entry price, the BMW iX3 clearly wins this comparison. It is not just that it is homologated for more kilometres: it does so with more power and for less money, which is rare when a rival is ahead on everything.

The EQE SUV still has its strengths — a well-established brand image, an interior that many Mercedes customers find decisive and a consolidated sales network — but on paper and in the numbers, it does not quite hold up against what the Neue Klasse offers. For anyone already set on staying within the German premium universe, this comparison leaves a fairly clear winner. We saw something similar when analysing the Volvo EX40 against the Audi Q4 e-tron, where range also ended up tipping the balance.

Frequently asked questions

Which premium electric SUV has more range, the BMW iX3 or the Mercedes EQE SUV?
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is homologated for up to 805 km WLTP, compared with the 569 km of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 300 — a difference of 236 km in favour of the Bavarian model.

What is the price difference between the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes EQE SUV?
The BMW iX3 starts at around €69,900 RRP and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at around €83,400, an approximate difference of €13,500 in favour of the former, always excluding discounts and public aid.

What power do the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes EQE SUV have?
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive produces 345 kW (469 CV) and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 300 offers 195 kW (265 CV), both with a top speed of 210 km/h.

Which is the better buy in 2025, the BMW iX3 or the Mercedes EQE SUV?
Based on current homologated data, the BMW iX3 offers more range, more power and a lower entry price, making it the more recommended option unless the buyer prioritises brand image or the specific EQE SUV interior.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

A

CrossoverAudi Q420 versions · from 49,350 €

CrossoverVolvo EX408 versions · from 46,950 €

CrossoverBMW X35 versions · from 65,050 €

CrossoverBMW iX32 versions · from 62,900 €