2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$49,950 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 BMW X3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB often boils down to budget versus performance pedigree. The X3 commands a higher MSRP, starting at $49,950 compared to the GLB's $43,800, a significant $6,150 difference that buyers must weigh immediately. However, the BMW delivers noticeably more grunt, offering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque against the GLB's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Fuel economy is surprisingly similar, with the X3 claiming a slight edge at 29 MPG combined versus the GLB's 28 MPG combined, though both demand premium fuel. While the X3 is slightly longer at 187.2 inches, the GLB wins on height (66.7 inches) but concedes substantially in utility, offering only 22 cubic feet of cargo space versus the X3’s 31.5 cu ft. This comparison pits premium power and space against attainable luxury pricing.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X3

The BMW X3 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 33 MPG highway compared to the GLB's 33 MPG highway, combined with the standard AWD security.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW X3

The X3 is the better family hauler because it provides significantly more space with 31.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLB's 22 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X3

Enthusiasts will prefer the X3 for its substantial power advantage, boasting 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the clear value winner as it costs $6,150 less than the X3 while still providing a luxury crossover experience.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

You prioritize outright performance, needing the extra 34 horsepower the X3 offers.
Maximum cargo space is essential, as the X3 provides 31.5 cubic feet versus the GLB's smaller capacity.
You prefer the sophisticated feel of a standard all-wheel drive system on your daily drive.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

Keeping the initial purchase price under $45,000 is a priority, given the GLB's $43,800 MSRP.
You need a slightly taller vehicle for entry/exit, as the GLB stands 66.7 inches tall compared to the X3's 65.4 inches.
You are comfortable with the automated manual transmission and can leverage the lower entry cost.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	187.2"	182.4"
Width	75.6"	72.2"
Height	65.4"	66.7"
Wheelbase	112.8"	111.4"

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	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	464.4/567.6 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	15.9 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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
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.	41.1 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	40.7 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.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	54.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	39.3 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 GLB.

What is the main powertrain difference between the 2025 BMW X3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB?

The BMW X3 produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from its engine. The Mercedes-Benz GLB lags behind with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, representing a notable 34 hp gap.

Is the BMW X3 significantly more fuel-efficient than the GLB?

The difference is minimal for daily commuting; both vehicles achieve 33 MPG on the highway. The X3 holds a one MPG advantage overall with 29 combined MPG versus the GLB's 28 combined MPG, but both require expensive premium fuel.

Which car is the better choice if I frequently carry gear or large items?

The 2025 BMW X3 is the superior choice for cargo capacity, offering 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is considerably tighter, offering only 22 cubic feet of space.

How does the initial cost compare for these two crossovers?

There is a clear price disparity, with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB starting at an MSRP of $43,800. The 2025 BMW X3 begins $6,150 higher at $49,950.

Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

No, the BMW X3 comes standard with AWD. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is listed here with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as its standard configuration.

Are the physical footprints of these two cars vastly different?

The X3 is slightly larger overall, measuring 187.2 inches in length compared to the GLB's 182.4 inches. The GLB is noticeably taller at 66.7 inches, whereas the X3 measures 65.4 inches in height.