X3 vs GLC
Put the X3 next to the GLC and you have BMW and Mercedes-Benz going after exactly the same compact luxury suv crowd. Where they differ, they differ gently, which makes the few meaningful gaps worth a closer look.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Engine & Performance4.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on engine & performance; the numbers are close throughout. In short, engine & performance is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the X3 and the GLC differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X3 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X3 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 27 mpg Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 32 mpg Best highway economy |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X3 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X3 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X3 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Price
| Spec | X3 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,500 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X3 or the GLC?
There’s no single right answer. The X3 leads on the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the GLC on the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy BMW or Mercedes-Benz. I only care that you end up with the right one of the X3 and the GLC.
I think of the X3 as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the GLC as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: there’s no single winner, so choose the X3 for the things a spec sheet can’t capture or the GLC for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.