BMW iX3 G08 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA H247

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

The first-generation iX3 (G08), BMW’s electric mid-size SUV on the X3’s CLAR platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX3

Pick the G08 for the electric X3 with a single rear motor, ~74 kWh usable battery and up to ~500 km WLTP range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive) — the only powertrain.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Pick the GLA for a raised driving position, space and efficient engines in a compact premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLA 200 (petrol) or GLA 200 d / GLA 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

iX3 · Electric vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW iX3	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Power	286 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	400 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	180 km/h	210 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	131,2 hp/t Winner	110,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	140 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX3	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Boot	510 L Winner	435 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L Winner	1.430 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,73 m
Length	4,73 m	4,41 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	14,3 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Platform	CLAR (electric)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-DCT
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX3

12V battery issues (occasional reports)
Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque

Mercedes-Benz GLA

M282 (1.3): thermostat/cooling and elevated oil consumption reported
Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
MBUX software glitches (mostly resolved by updates)

Pros

BMW iX3

Facelift (2021) brought better efficiency and range
~74 kWh net battery with 471–505 km WLTP (post-facelift)
DC fast charging up to 150 kW (10–80% in ~32–34 min)

Mercedes-Benz GLA

435 L boot growing to ~1,430 L — roomy for a subcompact SUV
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLA 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.8 L/100 km)
MFA2 platform with MBUX and optional 4MATIC
GLA 250 e PHEV: 218 hp and 450 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

BMW iX3

Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
No frunk, despite the EV concept

Mercedes-Benz GLA

OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
Dual-clutch gearbox needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Early M282 (1.3): elevated oil consumption reported

Driving experience

BMW iX3

The iX3 is refined and composed rather than playful. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure at speed. Ride quality is firm but generally well-controlled — better than many early EVs on adaptive suspension, though larger wheels and the M Sport suspension make it busier over poor surfaces. Instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the single-motor rear-drive layout gives balanced, predictable handling without the artificial feel of some dual-motor systems. Cabin noise is low; wind and tyre roar are the main sounds at motorway speeds. Regenerative braking is strong and well-calibrated (one-pedal driving is possible). Overall it drives like a polished, slightly firmer X3 with electric silence and response — competent and relaxing rather than involving.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Comfortable, easy and closer to a hatchback than an SUV to drive. The GLA rides smoothly, stays quiet at speed, and steers lightly and precisely with little feedback. The 2.0-litre M260 petrol is smooth and pulls strongly from low revs; the OM654 diesel is the one for high mileage, nearly inaudible on the motorway; the 250 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The dual-clutch gearbox is quick once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. There is little here for keen drivers — the GLA puts comfort, quietness and the tech-heavy cabin ahead of any sporting pretension.