BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

2026 BMW X3
2026 BMW X3
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$49,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 BMW X3
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$49,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2004-Present

Years produced

2016-Present

MSRP

$50,900

MSRP

$49,250

Listings

9385

Listings

9815

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Quirky technology

Pros

  • Thrifty fuel economy (especially on GLC 350e)

  • Commendable handling and ride quality

  • Good size and cargo room

Cons

  • Buzzy engine note

  • Tighter backseat area

  • Complicated infotainment

Reviews Summary

BMW offers the 2026 X3 in two flavors: 30 xDrive and M50. The latter is tuned for performance, but the base X3 30 xDrive is so good that you might be happy trading the M50’s outright speed and sheer capability for significant savings. BMW redesigned this compact luxury crossover in 2025, and the only tweaks for 2026 make the base model look and feel a little more upscale inside.

Verdict: For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money.

Reviews Summary

Mercedes’ handsome compact SUV continues into the 2025 model year with a few revisions and a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant. With just two powertrain options and a simplified array of trims, the GLC shows us that a simple-yet-measured approach makes it a strong candidate up against compact luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Genesis, Lexus, Porsche, and Volvo.

Verdict: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is a handsome and compelling new car fit for most duties.

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

32
2026 BMW X3
2026 BMW X3
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$49,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 BMW X3
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$49,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2004-Present
2016-Present
MSRP
$50,900
$49,250
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.5

4.6

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Quirky technology

Pros

  • Thrifty fuel economy (especially on GLC 350e)

  • Commendable handling and ride quality

  • Good size and cargo room

Cons

  • Buzzy engine note

  • Tighter backseat area

  • Complicated infotainment

Summary

BMW offers the 2026 X3 in two flavors: 30 xDrive and M50. The latter is tuned for performance, but the base X3 30 xDrive is so good that you might be happy trading the M50’s outright speed and sheer capability for significant savings. BMW redesigned this compact luxury crossover in 2025, and the only tweaks for 2026 make the base model look and feel a little more upscale inside.

Verdict: For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money.

Mercedes’ handsome compact SUV continues into the 2025 model year with a few revisions and a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant. With just two powertrain options and a simplified array of trims, the GLC shows us that a simple-yet-measured approach makes it a strong candidate up against compact luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Genesis, Lexus, Porsche, and Volvo.

Verdict: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is a handsome and compelling new car fit for most duties.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 4700 rpm
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
MPG City
27
24
MPG Highway
33
32
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