Compare performance (680 HP vs 398 HP), boot space and price (50,300 £ vs 51,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLC or BMW X3?
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.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
Mercedes GLC is only slightly cheaper – starting at 50,300 £ , while the BMW X3 costs 51,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 930 £.
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 considerably more range – reaching up to 714 km, about 626 km more than the BMW X3.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLC offers clearly more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 398 HP. That’s roughly 282 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the BMW X3 takes 4.6 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.
Looking at top speed, the Mercedes GLC is barely faster – reaching 275 km/h, while the BMW X3 tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 25 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLC delivers markedly more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 670 Nm. That’s about 350 Nm more.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLC is marginally lighter – 1,910 kg compared to 1,930 kg. The difference is around 20 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLC offers only slightly more boot space – 620 L compared to 570 L. That’s a difference of about 50 L.
For maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLC offers barely more capacity – up to 1,740 L, about 40 L more than the BMW X3.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLC carries marginally more – 600 kg compared to 570 kg. That’s a difference of about 30 kg.
The Mercedes GLC holds a decisive overall lead 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 Mercedes GLC blends plush cabin comfort and composed road manners into an SUV that feels more grown-up than it looks. It won’t shout for attention, but will quietly please buyers who want refinement, usable space and a touch of luxury without the drama.
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The BMW X3 mixes Bavarian poise with everyday practicality, delivering a composed ride and a cabin that feels both premium and lived-in. It’s the sort of SUV that lets you enjoy sporty handling without sacrificing family-friendly space, so you get fun and sense in one neat package.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
50,300 - 126,600 £
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Price
51,300 - 72,400 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.7 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
12 - 714 km
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Electric Range
88 km
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Battery Capacity
94 kWh
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
0 - 221 g/km
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co2
64 - 175 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
62 - 65 L
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Fuel tank capacity
60 - 65 L
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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
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,910 - 2,535 kg
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Curb weight
1,930 - 2,140 kg
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Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
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Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
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Length
4,716 - 4,845 mm
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Length
4,755 mm
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Width
1,890 - 1,913 mm
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Width
1,920 mm
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Height
1,603 - 1,644 mm
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Height
1,660 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1,490 - 1,740 L
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Max trunk capacity
1,700 L
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Payload
475 - 600 kg
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Payload
570 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Electric
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Reduction 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
186 - 680 HP
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Power HP
197 - 398 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
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Max Speed
210 - 275 km/h
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Max Speed
215 - 250 km/h
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Torque
320 - 1,020 Nm
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Torque
330 - 670 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
137 - 500 kW
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Power kW
145 - 293 kW
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Engine capacity
1,991 - 2,989 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F, G, D, B, E, A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Brand
BMW
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España