Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3
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 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.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. 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 Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW X3 offers merino leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 4-zone in the BMW X3.
Drivetrain
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.
Space & Comfort
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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.1m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and $2,138/year for the BMW X3.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs $2,138 (BMW X3). 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.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X3 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X3 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3?
The BMW X3 is the cheapest at $86,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by $3,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
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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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