Compare the2026 BMW X3VS 2025 Mercedes GLC

The BMW X3 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GLC doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the X3. But it costs extra on the GLC.

The X3’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the GLC.

The BMW X3’s optional Surround View offers available integrated front and rear camera washers, ensuring clear, all-weather visibility without the need for manual cleaning. In contrast, the Mercedes GLC lacks camera washers, requiring you to manually clean the cameras for optimal performance.

Both the X3 and the GLC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, front seat center airbag, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The X3’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the GLC’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X3 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the GLC.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X3’s reliability 46 points higher than the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. With 14 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mercedes.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

The X3 M50 xDrive’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 80 more horsepower (393 vs. 313) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 406) than the GLC 350e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the X3 30 xDrive 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the GLC 300:

As tested in Motor Trend the X3 M50 xDrive 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the GLC 350e:

On the EPA test cycle the X3 gets better mileage than the GLC running its gasoline engine:

The X3 has 4.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC 350e’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 12.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The X3 M50’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The GLC doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X3 M50 xDrive’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GLC:

The X3 stops much shorter than the GLC:

For better traction, the X3 has larger standard tires than the GLC (245/50R19 vs. 235/60R18).

The X3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GLC’s standard 60 series tires. The X3’s optional 255/40R21 front and 285/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the GLC’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X3 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the GLC. The X3’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the GLC.

The X3 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The GLC’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The X3 30 xDrive handles at .91 G’s, while the GLC 350e pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X3 M50 xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2 seconds quicker than the GLC 300 4MATIC (25.3 seconds @ .76 average G’s vs. 27.3 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X3 M50 xDrive has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GLC (8.3 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the X3 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X3 30 xDrive’s minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the GLC (8.5 vs. 8.2 inches).

The X3 has .9 inches more front hip room and .6 inches more front shoulder room than the GLC.

The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the GLC with its rear seat up (31.5 vs. 21.9 cubic feet). The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the GLC with its rear seat folded (67.1 vs. 56.3 cubic feet).

The X3’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the GLC’s (4001 vs. 3500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mercedes GLC is only 3500 pounds. The X3 offers up to a 4850 lbs. towing capacity.

A Trailer Stabilization Control is standard on the X3, using the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the GLC.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The GLC doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X3’s Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling the transmission and speed with the brake pedal. With its available fully controlled system, the driver just activates it and it parks autonomously, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The GLC’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X3, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes GLC isn't recommended.

The BMW X3 outsold the Mercedes GLC by 8% during 2024.