2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW X3 bursts onto the scene with a punchier 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, promising a more engaging drive right out of the gate compared to the refined yet slightly less potent 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 221 hp. While both crossovers achieve an identical 29 MPG combined, the X3 offers significantly more practicality with 31.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the GLA’s tighter 15.4 cu ft. Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the X3's superior power figures and standard All-Wheel Drive system, contrasting with the GLA's FWD setup. The GLA counters this dynamic edge with a compelling entry price, saving buyers a significant $8,450 off the X3's $49,950 MSRP. Ultimately, the choice hinges on prioritizing raw performance and utility (X3) or fiscal sensibility in a compact, premium package (GLA).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW X3
The BMW X3 wins due to its slightly better City MPG rating of 27 versus the GLA's 26, offering marginally better daily efficiency.
2025 BMW X3
The 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 is the enthusiast's choice, boasting 255 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive against the GLA's 221 hp and Front-Wheel Drive setup.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers strong performance for its $41,500 MSRP, creating a significant $8,450 saving over the X3.
Choose the BMW X3 if...
- You demand maximum hauling potential, as the X3 provides 31.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- Performance is paramount, given the X3's 255 hp output and standard AWD system.
- You prefer the stability of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over an automated manual.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Saving $8,450 on the initial purchase price is a primary financial goal.
- You prioritize highway cruising efficiency, with the GLA achieving 34 MPG highway.
- You prefer a smaller vehicle footprint, as the GLA is 13.6 inches shorter in length than the X3.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW X3 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X3 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 BMW X3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The BMW X3 holds a clear performance edge, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Additionally, the X3 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the GLA utilizes a Front-Wheel Drive system.
How substantial is the difference in cargo capacity between these two crossovers?
The difference is vast; the BMW X3 provides 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is nearly double the 15.4 cubic feet offered in the Mercedes-Benz GLA. This makes the X3 far more suitable for larger hauling needs.
Do these vehicles require the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 BMW X3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA strictly require premium unleaded fuel for operation. This should be factored into the long-term cost of ownership for both vehicles.
Is the fuel economy comparable despite the performance differences?
Remarkably, yes; both vehicles achieve an identical 29 MPG combined rating. However, the GLA has a slight edge on the highway at 34 MPG versus the X3's 33 MPG.
What is the MSRP gap between the X3 and the GLA?
There is a substantial $8,450 difference in base pricing, with the 2025 BMW X3 starting at $49,950 compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's $41,500 MSRP.
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