2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW X3 enters the fray with a confident 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, signaling its intent as the sharper driver’s choice, despite its $49,950 starting MSRP. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class grabs attention with a sharper entry point at just $43,000, offering a more accessible taste of luxury motoring, though its 221 hp setup leans towards efficiency. Both deliver an identical 29 combined MPG, proving economy isn't sacrificed entirely for performance. The size difference is stark; the X3 boasts a significantly larger footprint at 187.2 inches long, translating directly to its robust 31.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's more nimble 173.6-inch length and meager 15.4 cu ft. While the BMW utilizes a conventional AWD system, the Mercedes relies on FWD, influencing dynamic feel. The $6,950 premium for the BMW buys a potent performance edge and vastly superior utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The lower $43,000 MSRP and slightly superior 34 MPG highway rating make the GLA-Class the pragmatic choice for daily driving.
2025 BMW X3
The BMW X3 offers nearly double the utility with 31.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2025 BMW X3
The X3’s commanding 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque offer a significantly more thrilling performance envelope than the GLA's 221 hp.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class achieves the same 29 combined MPG while undercutting the X3's price by $6,950.
Choose the BMW X3 if...
- You prioritize superior driving dynamics, evidenced by the 255 hp output.
- You require maximum utility, leveraging the 31.5 cu ft of available cargo space.
- You prefer the security and stability of an all-wheel-drive configuration standard on the model.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You need the lowest possible initial outlay, starting at $43,000.
- You highly value slightly better aerodynamic efficiency, achieving 34 MPG highway.
- You prefer a smaller, more city-friendly footprint at only 173.6 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW X3 | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 173.6" |
| Width | 75.6" | 72.2" |
| Height | 65.4" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 464.4/567.6 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Leg Room | 40.2 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Head Room | — | 39.0 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.1 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X3 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
How much more powerful is the BMW X3 compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The 2025 BMW X3 boasts 255 horsepower, giving it a significant 34 hp advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which produces 221 hp.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class significantly more fuel-efficient for highway commuting?
Both vehicles share an excellent 29 MPG combined rating, but the GLA edges out the X3 slightly on the highway, achieving 34 MPG versus the X3’s 33 MPG.
What is the key difference in cargo capability between these two crossovers?
The BMW X3 offers substantially more space with 31.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, dwarfing the GLA-Class, which only provides 15.4 cubic feet.
Why does the BMW X3 cost $6,950 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The higher MSRP of $49,950 for the X3 accounts for its superior power figures, standard all-wheel drive, larger dimensions, and potentially more luxurious standard equipment.
Are both models picky about fuel type?
Yes, both the X3 and the GLA-Class specifically require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance and efficiency metrics.
How do their physical sizes compare on the road?
The X3 is noticeably larger, measuring 187.2 inches long, whereas the GLA-Class is more compact at 173.6 inches, making the Mercedes potentially easier to maneuver in tight urban settings.
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