BMW iX3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
BMW iX3: we're still completing ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW iX3 starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe opens at $111,400. That makes the BMW iX3 the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $120,890 and $122,540 respectively.
The BMW iX3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, against 6 on the BMW iX3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
82.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 400kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that the BMW iX3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX3 gets artificial leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW iX3 uses a Electric producing 345kW and 645Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe responds with a Petrol making 190kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The BMW iX3 has the clear power advantage at 345kW vs 190kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX3 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Boot space is 520L in the BMW iX3 and 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe a 50L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.4 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW iX3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe?
The BMW iX3 is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe uses the least fuel at 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX3 makes the most power at 345kW. The BMW iX3 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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