BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC: 2024 Comparison

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3 are two of the most popular luxury SUVs, let alone the compact SUV segment in particular. Hailing from two of the most recognizable and respected luxury brands, it’s not surprising that car shoppers so frequently turn to the GLC and X3 when seeking a more premium small SUV. That does not mean you should only look at this pair (look for alternatives at the bottom of this comparison rundown), but they are unquestionably solid choices.

Of all the differences between them, though, perhaps the one most important to bring to the forefront is that the Mercedes GLC was redesigned for the 2023 model year whereas the X3 dates back to 2018 with a significant update for 2022. That means one is among the newest in the segment, while the other is among the oldest (the Audi Q5 is of an equal vintage). We’re not sure how much this really impacts the comparison below for the 2024 model year, but in terms of the X3 at least, it’s probably good to know that you’ll be missing out on an all-new model in one or two model years.

Below you’ll find our answers to a variety of questions asking which of the X3 and GLC are better in certain respects. Overall, we’d choose the GLC, but the below categories should highlight where one might be superior for your particular priorities.

Which has a nicer interior?

Winner: Mercedes GLC

We’d say the GLC’s more recent redesign benefits here, but the last-generation GLC had a nicer interior than the X3, too. The new one, however, manages to stand out in terms of both technology and traditional luxury. The broad swath of wood or other trim across the dash, the clicky circular air vents and touchscreen rising out of the center console are equal parts elegant and cool. If you’re looking for a compact SUV that looks and feels deserving of the term “luxury vehicle,” it’s hard to think of a more convincing entry.

By contrast, the X3 has a more old-school BMW aesthetic that is rather technical in appearance. The quality is high, in appearance and materials, but in a way more indicative of high-end electronics. It certainly does have the style or polish of BMW’s more recent efforts, including the X1 below it (in fact, that’s not a bad choice to consider instead of the X3).

Which has better infotainment technology?

Winner: Mercedes GLC

If we’re talking screen size, this is no contest: the GLC’s standard touchscreen measures 12.3 inches to the BMW’s 10.3-inch unit, which is also placed farther away. The Mercedes digital instrument panel is bigger, too, with multiple vibrant designs compared to the odd, underutilized one-look-fits all of the BMW. In terms of the functionality, the X3 at least has the older iDrive7 touch interface that was greatly superior to the iDrive8 that would come after it (though not as good as iDrive9 in the new X1). This means if may be a bit easier to use than the Mercedes MBUX system, but both have rather steep learning curves, and we’ve become acclimated to MBUX with time and appreciate its various distinctive features.

Which is safer?

Winner: Tie

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named both SUVs a Top Safety Pick+ for their best-possible crash test scores, plus sufficiently high scores for its headlights and frontal crash prevention system (the GLC’s Driver Assistance package upgrades get a slightly higher score than the standard systems).

Which has the bigger back seat?

Winner: Mercedes GLC

The GLC is basically the same length overall compared to the X3, but having an extra inch of wheelbase helps it have an extra inch of back seat legroom. Neither is among the roomiest in the segment, though. If that’s important, look to the Acura RDX, Volvo XC60 or stepping up to a Lexus RX or Jaguar F-Pace.

Which has more cargo capacity and functionality?

Winner: Mercedes GLC

The answer to this question is far more complicated than it should be.

If you just looked at the specs, you’d see the X3 has 28.7 cubic-feet while the GLC has 21.9. Easy conclusion, right? Wrong. Mercedes measures its cargo areas differently, with the result being it actually has more space than its rather paltry figure would suggest. Our luggage test of the GLC revealed it could seven suitcases with room to spare, or more than everything in the segment except the RDX and XC60.

The X3 is complicated in its own way. That 28.7 cubic-feet is for an X3 without a spare tire. If you opt for a spare tire, it has to go somewhere, so the cargo floor is awkwardly raised several inches to accommodate the tire below. Our X3 luggage test (with spare tire) showed it could just barely fit five suitcases plus an overnight bag. We’re not quite sure what the results would be with the lower floor, but it certainly wouldn’t be substantially better than the GLC.

Which gets better fuel economy?

Winner: Mercedes GLC

The GLC’s mild-hybrid powertrain is likely beneficial here as it’s considerably more efficient. The rear-drive GLC 300 returns an excellent (for a luxury SUV) 29 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive GLC 300 4Matic returns 27. The comparable X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i return 25 and 24 mpg combined, respectively.