If fuel cost matters most
Mercedes-Benz GLC with up to 33 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC answer the same shopping question from different directions. The GLC is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the GLC reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | BMW X3 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 2003 - present | 2015 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 382 hp | 421 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 25 MPG | 33 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | NR | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2024/2022) | 3 | 0 |
| Latest dimensions | 4708 × 1891 × 1676 mm | 4716 × 1890 × 1640 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1958 kg (4317 lbs) | 1970 kg (4343 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol, Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
If power matters most
Mercedes-Benz GLC with a verified peak of 421 hp.
If safety is the filter
The available data is incomplete, so use the side-by-side table rather than a one-line verdict.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | BMW X3X3 III (G01) xDrive30i 2.0L Turbo | Mercedes-Benz GLCGLC X254 GLC 200 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 + ISG |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1998 cc) | 2.0L (1999 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 320 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 6.0 s | 7.8 s |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 222 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | 8-Speed Steptronic Automatic | Automatic |
| Gears | — | 9 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 21.0 MPG | 29.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 28.0 MPG | 38.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 24.0 MPG | 33.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | — | 169 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4708 mm | 4716 mm |
| Width | 1891 mm | 1890 mm |
| Height | 1676 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2864 mm | 2888 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1860 kg | 1910 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 5 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the X3 or the GLC?
Mercedes-Benz GLC wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 33 MPG, versus 25 MPG for the BMW X3.
Which has more horsepower, the X3 or the GLC?
Mercedes-Benz GLC reaches the higher verified peak at 421 hp, compared with 382 hp for the BMW X3.
Which is safer: X3 or GLC?
BMW X3 has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of not rated; Mercedes-Benz GLC has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.