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BMW iX3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

BMW iX3

BMW iX3

BMW’s electric mid-size SUV.

VS
Mercedes-Benz GLC

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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For sale at dealers