BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
BMW X3
BMW’s mid-size premium SUV.
VS
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Mercedes' compact SUV 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
|
| Width |
1,89 m
|
1,83 m
|
| Height |
1,68 m
|
1,61 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X3 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the 5 Series) | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W177, B-Class W247 and CLA C118) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 7G-DCT / 8G-DCT dual-clutch (no manual) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
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
- Rear-drive base gives sharp handling
- Big boot (550 l) & 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 suspension (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
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers
BMW X3
44 for sale · from € 6.950
Mercedes-Benz GLA
15 for sale · from € 14.750
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 25.995
DR Motors
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG · Camera · CarPlay · Navigation
€ 34.990
idCAR
idCAR
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Camera · CarPlay · Leather
€ 15.995
DR Motors
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarPlay
€ 39.990
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