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BMW X3 vs Mercedes S-Class comparison

Compare performance (398 HP vs 635 HP), boot space and price (51,700 £ vs 104,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X3 or Mercedes S-Class?

BMW X3 vs Mercedes S-Class: Key differences

BMW X3

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • slightly lighter
  • only slightly more trunk space
details

Mercedes S-Class

  • clearly more power
  • visibly more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

X3

Costs and Efficiency:

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.

BMW X3 is considerably cheaper – starting at 51,700 £ , while the Mercedes S-Class costs 104,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 52,334 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes S-Class uses 2.2 L/100km and is visibly more efficient than the BMW X3 with 2.8 L/100km. The difference is about 0.6 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes S-Class offers markedly more range – reaching up to 118 km, about 30 km more than the BMW X3.

S-Class

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes S-Class offers clearly more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 398 HP. That’s roughly 237 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes S-Class is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the BMW X3 takes 4.6 s. That’s about 0.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes S-Class delivers noticeably more torque with 850 Nm compared to 670 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm more.

X3

Space and Everyday Use:

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 slightly lighter – 1,930 kg compared to 2,165 kg. The difference is around 235 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW X3 offers only slightly more boot space – 570 L compared to 530 L. That’s a difference of about 40 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes S-Class carries somewhat more – 660 kg compared to 570 kg. That’s a difference of about 90 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes S-Class stands well ahead of its rival 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.

from £104,000
S-Class

Mercedes S-Class

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 336 - 635 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.2 - 11 L/100km
  • Electric Range 98 - 118 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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Mercedes S-Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW X3

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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Reviews BMW X3

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mercedes S-Class

The Mercedes S-Class wraps peerless comfort, whisper-quiet luxury and subtle tech wizardry into a chauffeur-ready package that still knows how to engage the driver. It’s the car for buyers who want to arrive relaxed, be taken seriously and occasionally enjoy a grin when the road reminds them this limousine can dance.

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Reviews Mercedes S-Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Mercedes S-Class
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BMW X3
Mercedes S-Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
51,700 - 73,000 £
Price
104,000 - 201,400 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 11 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
88 km
Electric Range
98 - 118 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
64 - 175 g/km
co2
50 - 252 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,930 - 2,140 kg
Curb weight
2,165 - 2,650 kg
Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
Trunk capacity
345 - 530 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,920 mm
Width
1,921 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
570 kg
Payload
420 - 660 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 398 HP
Power HP
336 - 635 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 5.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
330 - 670 Nm
Torque
560 - 850 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Power kW
145 - 293 kW
Power kW
247 - 467 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the BMW X3 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW X3 is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.