BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

The BMW X3 starts from $86,100 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the BMW X3 the more affordable entry point by $3,800.

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 $98,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the BMW X3 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-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 GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X3 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 39mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 30L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the BMW X3 and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the BMW X3.

Estimated annual total: $1,938 (BMW X3) vs $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The BMW X3 saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Both match on warranty length.