BMW iX3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

BMW iX3
BMW’s electric mid-size SUV.
VS

Mercedes-Benz GLC
Mercedes' mid-size SUV on the MRA platform.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW iX3
Pick the iX3 for a practical, refined electric SUV with familiar BMW dynamics and a mature real-world range.
Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Pick the GLC for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium mid-size SUV.
Best engine: The GLC 220 d (diesel) or GLC 250 (petrol) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Performance
iX3 · Electric vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol
| BMW iX3 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
286 hp
Winner
|
211 hp
|
| Torque |
400 Nm
Winner
|
350 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
6,8 s
Winner
|
7,3 s
|
| Top speed |
180 km/h
|
222 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
131,2 hp/t
Winner
|
121,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
0 g/km
Winner
|
152 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
—
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW iX3 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
510 L
|
550 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.560 L
|
1.600 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
|
2,87 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,73 m
|
4,66 m
|
| Width |
1,89 m
|
1,89 m
|
| Height |
1,67 m
|
1,64 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW iX3 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (based on the X3 G01, electric) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the C-Class W205) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | Single electric motor (fifth-generation eDrive) | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio) | 9G-TRONIC automatic |
| Euro standard | N/A (electric) | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW iX3
- 12V battery issues (occasional)
- Parking-sensor or camera faults
- Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Early OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx watch-points
- 9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
- AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
- COMAND/MBUX software glitches (mostly fixed via updates)
Pros
BMW iX3
- Practical, familiar X3 packaging with a 510 L boot
- Proven single-motor drivetrain (less complexity)
- Refined, quiet drive with familiar BMW character
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- 550 L boot growing to ~1,600 L — roomy for a mid-size SUV
- Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLC 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm)
- MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
- GLC 350 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 560 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
BMW iX3
- No frunk and no all-wheel drive available
- Firm ride on larger wheels and M Sport
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- OM651/OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
- PHEV (GLC 350 e) shrinks boot space (395 L)
- Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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