BMW X3 G01 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA 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 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

B48 20i · Petrol vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol

	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	184 hp	211 hp Winner
Torque	290 Nm	350 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,3 s	7,3 s Winner
Top speed	215 km/h	222 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	105,4 hp/t	121,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	154 g/km	152 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,8 L/100km	6,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	550 L	550 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L	1.600 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,71 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	20,4 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
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 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 X3

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

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 X3

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

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

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 GLC

Comfortable, quiet and more car-like than its height suggests. The GLC steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well on the standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. 4MATIC is standard on most versions and adds sure-footed traction without altering the relaxed character. The M274/M264 petrols are smooth and willing, the OM654 diesel is the economical distance choice, and the 300 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a well-rounded, easy-to-live-with compact SUV that does everything competently.