BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC: which is better?
Discover whether the X3 or GLC comes out on top for design, practicality and performance in our comparison review below
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In a typical battle of German SUV stars, the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC tick many of the same boxes.
Both are big luxury cars with space, style and a superb drive on their side, but how do you pick between the pair?
We take a look at engines, safety credentials, interiors and tech to help you see if the GLC or X3 is right for you.
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X3 vs. Mercedes
Our guide will answer:
Which model has the better styling?
Is the Mercedes GLC or BMW X3 better to drive?
Does the BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC have better tech?
Is the Mercedes GLC or BMW X3 more reliable?
What are the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC dimensions?
BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC: styling
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If you’re eyeing up both the X3 and GLC, it’s very unlikely you’re going to find a problem with design. Both cars are modern, commanding, and massively on-trend.
They both get a sizeable grille at the front that’s quintessential of each brand. The BMW has its classic kidney grille, while the GLC has the ‘squaval’, spotted Merc design.
The BMW also has a chunkier look to it, with sharper folds and edges, whereas the Mercedes is slightly bubblier and curvy in comparison.
If you fancy something truly menacing then the BMW might suit you better, but the Merc is luxuriously classic.
Sam, our Motoring Editor, says: “We love the way the GLC looks, both inside and out. Mercedes seems to have got the balance just about right, which isn’t easy with the lofty SUV proportions it’s working with.
BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC: what are they like to drive?
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You get a few engine options in both SUVs, but they’re mostly based on comfort rather than performance.
The Mercedes and the BMW feel secure and smooth on the roads, and are still nimble enough for daily driving in urban areas, despite their larger size.
The GLC has a choice of the mild-hybrid GLC 300 4Matic petrol with 258hp, or the two diesel options. These are the 220d and 300d – offering 197hp and 269hp respectively.
There are also two plug-in hybrid GLC models. One’s an unusual diesel hybrid (the 300de), or there’s the 300e petrol PHEV as well.
In the X3, you can pick from petrol, diesel and hybrid engines. These include the xDrive20 (202hp), xDrive 30e (290hp), and M50 XDrive (386hp).
BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC: interior and technology
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As the old saying goes, everything is better in a luxury SUV. Okay, maybe it’s not really an old saying, but there are worse places to be than in the cabin of the X3 or GLC.
There’s a lot going on inside the X3. The latest models get a twin-curved screen set up of a 12.3-inch driver’s display and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit.
There’s plenty of ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, and the iconic rotary controller for the excellent iDrive system.
The latest GLC is just as impressive, with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display that matches the BMWs, and a 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment unit that sits in the dash.
There’s also an impressive head-up display that’s larger than most competitors' offerings, and a surprisingly intuitive voice assistant system.
BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC: boot space and practicality
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SUVs tend to be a practical choice for families – they’re spacious, have good visibility, and the added height means you’re not hurting your back to lift the kids in and out of the car.
The standard X3 has a 570-litre boot space that shrinks to 450 litres in the plug-in models. Older models of the X3 have a slightly smaller 550-litre boot.
The GLC is the winner here, with a 620-litre boot on the petrol and diesel models. Plug-in models shrink to 470 litres, but that’s still plenty of space for family life or travelling with luggage.
BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC: safety and reliability
Euro NCAP ratings are a good indicator of how safe a car is, so it’s reassuring to know the Merc GLC was awarded the full five-stars in 2022.
The BMW X3 was last tested in 2017, so its rating has now expired, but it did score five stars then.
Safety tech in the GLC includes rear-view cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and driver attention assist.
You can also get plenty of safety tech in the X3, including a reversing camera and reverse assist, plus traffic sign recognition.
Both cars have a good reliability record as well, with the forums and long-term reviews praising both models.
The build quality you expect from these two brands is definitely on show.
BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC: dimensions
BMW X3 (fuel-powered models)
Length: 4,755mm
Width: 1,920mm
Height: 1,660mm
Boot space: 570 litres (1,700 litres with the rear seats down)
Mercedes GLC (fuel-powered models)
Length: 4,716mm
Width: 1,890mm
Height: 1,640mm
Boot space: 620 litres (1,680 litres with the rear seats down)
Verdict: BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC: which should you buy?
There’s no argument that the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC battle is a tough one. Both SUVs are luxurious and enjoyable to drive, but still practical for family life.
The BMW has options that bring more power than the GLC, so it’s ideal if performance is important to you.
The GLC has a massive boot space and a roomy cabin, so it’s perfect for family drives.
Read our Mercedes GLC review and BMW X3 vs. X1 review to get even more details.