Compare performance (398 HP vs 472 HP), boot space and price (51,700 £ vs 50,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The SUV segment is rife with rivalry, and none is more compelling than the clash between the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC. Each has distinctive qualities that cater to different driving enthusiast preferences. In this article, we'll dive into the technical specifications, innovations, and overall performance to give you an overview of what these luxury SUVs offer.
The BMW X3 provides a wide array of powertrain options, from the base diesel MHEV to the high-performance petrol engines, delivering power ranging from 184 to 510 HP. The standout is the petrol engine offering up to 510 HP with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds. Meanwhile, the Mercedes GLC offers its own impressive selection, sporting engines from a modest 186 HP to a potent 680 HP, with acceleration starting at 3.5 seconds for the top-tier models.
Both SUVs employ modern Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology to improve efficiency and performance, but the GLC edges ahead on the electric range front, offering up to 130 km on its plug-in hybrid models compared to X3’s 90 km maximum electric range.
When it comes to fuel consumption, the BMW X3 offers competitive figures, with its plugin hybrid variant consuming as little as 2.1 L/100km. The Mercedes GLC matches closely with its hybrid offering consuming just 0.4 L/100km, thanks to its superior electric range capability.
Regarding CO2 emissions, both models fall within varying efficiency classes. BMW X3's CO2 emissions range from 47 g/km for its eco-friendly models to 246 g/km for higher performance variants. The Mercedes GLC, notably with its top-of-the-line hybrid, boasts CO2 emissions starting at an exceptionally low 10 g/km.
In terms of design, both SUVs maintain a poised stance typical of German automakers. The BMW X3 has a slightly taller height of up to 1676 mm, providing a more towering presence on the road, while the Mercedes GLC offers a sleeker profile with a maximum height of 1647 mm. Both models hold five doors and accommodate up to five passengers comfortably.
Dimensionally, the GLC measures slightly longer at 4792 mm, compared to the X3’s longest option at 4755 mm. The width is almost identical, with the X3 at 1891 mm, offering excellent balance and stability.
As premium SUVs, both vehicles come with luxurious finishes and cutting-edge infotainment systems. However, for cargo space, the Mercedes GLC takes a slight lead with a maximum trunk capacity of 620 liters, in contrast to the X3’s 570 liters maximum in its largest configuration, making it slightly more practical for hauling goods.
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the Mercedes GLC comes down to your driving priorities. The BMW X3 is ideal for those seeking a broader range of performance options, including a super sporty variant. The Mercedes GLC, however, shines with its unmatched hybrid efficiency and additional cargo room.
Both SUVs offer superb craftsmanship, luxurious interiors, and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring that whichever you choose provides not just transportation but a compelling driving experience.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
Mercedes GLC is barely cheaper – starting at 50,300 £ , while the BMW X3 costs 51,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,358 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLC uses 1.6 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the BMW X3 with 2.8 L/100km. The difference is about 1.2 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Mercedes GLC offers markedly more range – reaching up to 128 km, about 40 km more than the BMW X3.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLC offers a bit more power – delivering 472 HP compared to 398 HP. That’s roughly 74 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is marginally quicker – completing the sprint in 4.2 s, while the BMW X3 takes 4.6 s. That’s about 0.4 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLC delivers somewhat more torque with 750 Nm compared to 670 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, BMW X3 is very slightly lighter – 1,930 kg compared to 1,985 kg. The difference is around 55 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLC offers marginally more boot space – 620 L compared to 570 L. That’s a difference of about 50 L.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLC carries only slightly more – 575 kg compared to 570 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.
The Mercedes GLC is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The BMW X3 blends sporty handling with premium comfort, making it a strong choice for drivers who want an engaging everyday SUV. Its well-appointed interior and confident road manners give it broad appeal for families and commuters who value style and versatility.
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The Mercedes GLC blends quiet refinement with premium materials to create a comfortable, modern cabin that feels more upscale than its size might suggest. It delivers composed handling and confident on-road manners while offering practical versatility and a strong suite of driver assistance and infotainment features.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
51,700 - 73,000 £
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Price
50,300 - 82,100 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.4 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
88 km
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Electric Range
122 - 128 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
64 - 175 g/km
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co2
41 - 214 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,930 - 2,140 kg
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Curb weight
1,985 - 2,400 kg
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Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
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Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,920 mm
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Width
1,890 - 1,920 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
570 kg
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Payload
475 - 575 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
197 - 398 HP
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Power HP
186 - 472 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 9 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
330 - 670 Nm
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Torque
380 - 750 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
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Power kW
145 - 293 kW
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Power kW
137 - 347 kW
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Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, E, F, G
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Brand
BMW
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España