2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$49,950 · Crossover

$49,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 BMW X3 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class often boils down to prioritizing efficiency and all-weather capability versus a slightly lower initial price. The X3 starts at $49,950, while the GLC undercuts it at $49,250, a difference of $700. Performance metrics are nearly identical; both offer 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the X3 pulls ahead in fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the GLC’s 27 MPG combined, potentially saving money over time despite both requiring premium fuel. The BMW is also slightly larger overall, measuring 187.2 inches long versus the Mercedes' 185.7 inches, which helps the X3 offer significantly more hauling space, boasting 31.5 cubic feet of cargo room versus the GLC's 21.9 cubic feet. If traction matters, the X3’s standard all-wheel drive is a key advantage over the GLC’s standard rear-wheel drive configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X3

The 2025 BMW X3 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG versus the GLC's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW X3

Families will appreciate the X3's substantially larger cargo capacity of 31.5 cubic feet compared to the GLC-Class's 21.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X3

The standard all-wheel drive on the X3 offers better assured traction and performance variability than the standard rear-wheel drive setup on the GLC.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the better value proposition because it costs $700 less than the BMW X3 while offering identical power figures.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, as the X3 offers 29 MPG combined versus 27 MPG in the GLC.
You need maximum cargo hauling capability, where the X3 provides 31.5 cu ft against the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.
You live in an area requiring year-round confidence with its standard all-wheel drive system.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...

You want to save $700 upfront, as the GLC has an MSRP of $49,250 compared to the X3's $49,950.
You prefer the specific shifting characteristics of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the X3’s 8-speed unit.
You favor a slightly smaller footprint for easier city parking, given the GLC is marginally shorter and narrower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Length	187.2"	185.7"
Width	75.6"	74.4"
Height	65.4"	64.6"
Wheelbase	112.8"	113.7"

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	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear 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	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	464.4/567.6 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	11.9 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
Speaker System	—	5
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Leg Room	40.2 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	57.3 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	41.3 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	39.7 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X3 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Do the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC have the same engine power?

Yes, on paper, they share identical power output for their base models, both featuring 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the BMW uses an 8-speed automatic while the Mercedes uses a 9-speed unit.

Which crossover is better for hauling large items?

The 2025 BMW X3 is significantly better for cargo, offering 31.5 cubic feet of storage space. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class provides less space at 21.9 cubic feet.

Is there a significant difference in running costs based on fuel?

Both models require premium unleaded fuel, so that cost is the same, but the X3 is slightly more efficient at 29 MPG combined versus 27 MPG combined for the GLC.

Why choose the GLC if the X3 is more fuel-efficient?

You might choose the GLC if saving $700 on the sticker price ($49,250 vs $49,950) is more important than gaining 2 MPG combined efficiency.

How do the drivetrains differ between these two crossovers?

The BMW X3 comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering better capability in slippery conditions. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is standard with rear-wheel drive.

Are these vehicles similar in exterior size?

They are very close, but the BMW X3 is slightly larger overall, measuring 187.2 inches in length compared to the GLC’s 185.7 inches, and is also marginally wider and taller.