BMW X3 G01 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA H247

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

The third-generation X3 (G01), on the 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 X3

Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel).

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

B48 20i · Petrol vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Power	184 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	290 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,3 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	215 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	105,4 hp/t	110,1 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	154 g/km	140 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,8 L/100km	5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Boot	550 L Winner	435 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.430 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,73 m
Length	4,71 m	4,41 m
Ground clearance	20,4 cm	14,3 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Platform	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-DCT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X3

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

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 X3

Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
Big boot & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

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 X3

Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

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 X3

Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.

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.