Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3

The Mercedes-Benz GLC starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. 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 $98,890 and $94,710 respectively.

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

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

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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 6 in the BMW X3.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X3. The BMW X3 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.

The BMW X3 responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4,716mm long on a 2,888mm wheelbase, 39mm shorter than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 570L in the BMW X3, 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 $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and $1,938/year for the BMW X3. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the BMW X3.

Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs $1,938 (BMW X3). 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 (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3). Both match on warranty length.