BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz EQB
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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW X3 starts from $86,100 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB opens at $84,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz EQB the more affordable entry point by $1,200.
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 $94,710 and $93,390 respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz EQB qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW X3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the BMW X3 and 95% for the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz EQB packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW X3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X3 and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X3 stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQB. The Mercedes-Benz EQB counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQB responds with a Electric making 140kW and 375Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The BMW X3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X3 is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 71mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz EQB at 4,684mm (2,829mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 495L in the Mercedes-Benz EQB, giving the BMW X3 a 75L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz EQB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 X3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQB). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQB if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BMW X3 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 X3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB?
The Mercedes-Benz EQB is the cheapest at $84,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X3 by $1,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X3 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X3 has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW X3 makes the most power at 150kW. The BMW X3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
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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