Matchup
BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
The 2026 X3 30 xDrive against the 2026 GLC 300 4MATIC, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 3, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the X3 and 3 in the GLC. Simulatedfrom BMWSimulatedfrom Mercedes
- The X3 stops from 70 mph in 155 ft, 6 ft shorter than the GLC (161 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- The X3 has 9.6 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 31.5 cu ft against 21.9 cu ft. PublishedBMWPublishedMercedes
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X3 costs about $267 a year less to run: $2,316/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
Who each one suits
The X3 is the more practical one: 6 large suitcases against 3, 9.6 cu ft more cargo space, 6 ft shorter from 70 mph, 3 mpg better and more head room.
The GLC gets to 60 mph 0.5 s sooner and its headlights rate Good against the X3’s Acceptable.
At a glance
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $52,650PublishedBMW | $52,800PublishedMercedes |
| Powertrain | 2.0 L turbo four (B48B20O2), Miller cycle, port and direct injection, 48-V motor in the transmission, mild hybrid · xDrive (rear-biased, electronically controlled front multi-plate clutch) | 2.0 L turbo four (M254) + 48-V integrated starter-generator (up to 23 hp / 148 lb-ft boost), mild hybrid · 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 5.7 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 155 ft (47.2 m)TestedCar and Driver | 161 ft (49.1 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 31.5 cu ft (892 L)PublishedBMW | 21.9 cu ft (620 L)PublishedMercedes |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom BMW | 3Simulatedfrom Mercedes |
| Seats | 5Published | 5Published |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 4★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | IIHS Top Safety Pick |
Acceleration
The GLC gets to 60 mph 0.5 s sooner: 5.7 s against 6.2 s.
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 255 hp (190 kW)PublishedBMW | 255 hp (190 kW)PublishedMercedes |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm)PublishedBMW | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm)PublishedMercedes |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 5.7 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 6.2 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 5.8 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 4.4 sTestedCar and Driver | 4.5 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 14.6 sTestedCar and Driver | 14.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The X3 stops from 70 mph in 155 ft, 6 ft shorter than the GLC (161 ft).
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 155 ft (47.2 m)TestedCar and Driver | 161 ft (49.1 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 108 ft (32.9 m)TestedMotorTrend | 109 ft (33.2 m)TestedMotorTrend |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 336 ft (102.3 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 345 ft (105.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 258 ft (78.5 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 264 ft (80.3 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 223 ft (67.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 230 ft (70.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the GLC; the X3 goes over at 11 mph.
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 16.9% riskTestedNHTSA | no data |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.22Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.26Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X3 costs about $267 a year less to run: $2,316/yr against $2,583/yr.
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $2,316/yrDerivedEPA | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 32 mpg (7.3 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs | 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Drag coefficient | 0.27PublishedBMW | 0.29PublishedMercedes |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
The X3 rides higher: 8.5 in of ground clearance against 7.4 in.
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.91 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.88 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.91 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.88 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.18 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.17 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 40.0 ft (12.2 m)PublishedBMW | 38.7 ft (11.8 m)PublishedMercedes |
| Ground clearance | 8.5 in (22 cm)PublishedBMW | 7.4 in (19 cm)PublishedFields Motorcars (dealer spec data) |
| Tires | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 ★ 255/40R21 · 285/35R21 · 255/40R21 · 285/35R21TestedCar and Driver | Continental EcoContact 6 MO 255/45R20 F / 285/40R20 R · 255/45R20 F / 285/40R20 RTestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the X3 and 3 in the GLC.
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5Published | 5Published |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom BMW | 3Simulatedfrom Mercedes |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom BMW | 0Simulatedfrom Mercedes |
| Cargo behind the second row | 31.5 cu ft (892 L)PublishedBMW | 21.9 cu ft (620 L)PublishedMercedes |
| Cargo, seats folded | 67.1 cu ft (1,900 L)PublishedBMW | 56.3 cu ft (1,594 L)PublishedMercedes |
| Towing | 4,001 lb (1,815 kg)PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedMercedes |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +1.8 in (4 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +0.4 in (1 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +4.1 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.7 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +7.0 in (18 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +5.7 in (14 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.9 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.2 in (6 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | +0.3 in head · −2.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | −0.3 in head · −2.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 40.5 in (103 cm)PublishediSeeCars | 41.3 in (105 cm)PublishedMercedes |
| Rear head room, published | 38.2 in (97 cm)PublishediSeeCars | 39.7 in (101 cm)PublishedMercedes |
| Rear leg room, published | 36.3 in (92 cm)PublishediSeeCars | 37.4 in (95 cm)PublishedMercedes |
Visibility
No meaningful gap between the X3 and the GLC on what we can measure here.
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 24 ft (7.3 m)Simulated | 25 ft (7.7 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 33%Simulated | 34%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
IIHS rates the GLC’s headlights Good and the X3’s Acceptable.
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | AcceptableTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 358 ft (109.1 m)TestedIIHS | 374 ft (114.0 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 77 mph (124 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 78 mph (126 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 369 ft (112.5 m)TestedIIHS | 477 ft (145.5 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the X3 and the GLC on what we can measure here.
| X3 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4★TestedNHTSA | no data |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS | 2026 Top Safety PickPublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 4,246 lb (1,926 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 4,406 lb (1,999 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
BMW X3
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the X3 and 3 in the GLC. Simulatedfrom BMWSimulatedfrom Mercedes
- The X3 stops from 70 mph in 155 ft, 6 ft shorter than the GLC (161 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- The X3 has 9.6 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 31.5 cu ft against 21.9 cu ft. PublishedBMWPublishedMercedes
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X3 costs about $267 a year less to run: $2,316/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The X3 is rated 29 mpg combined by the EPA, 3 mpg better than the GLC (26 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +1.8 in between head and headliner in the X3 and +0.4 in in the GLC. Simulated, estimated inputs
- The X3 is rated to tow 501 lb more: 4,001 lb against 3,500 lb. PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data)PublishedMercedes
- The X3 rides higher: 8.5 in of ground clearance against 7.4 in. PublishedBMWPublishedFields Motorcars (dealer spec data)
- The X3 held 0.91 g on the skidpad against 0.88 g for the GLC. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- The GLC gets to 60 mph 0.5 s sooner: 5.7 s against 6.2 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- IIHS rates the GLC’s headlights Good and the X3’s Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the GLC; the X3 goes over at 11 mph. Simulated, estimated inputs
Other trims
- X3 30 xDrive · on this page
- X3 M50 xDrive
- GLC 300 4MATIC · on this page
- GLC 350e 4MATIC
Keep comparing
Sources
- BMW Group PressClub USA: The All-New 2025 BMW X3 (US specifications: 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive) (2024-06)
- Mercedes-Benz USA: GLC 300 4MATIC SUV specifications (mbusa.com, now showing model year 2027) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive Rests on Its Laurels but Remains Appealing (2025-07)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Adds Junk to the Trunk (2023-05)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 BMW X3 xDrive30 ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4matic ratings (2026-10)
- BMW of North America: 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive: starting MSRP $51,300, excludes destination (2026-10)
- Mercedes-Benz USA (media.mbusa.com): 2026 Mercedes-Benz model line updates and pricing (GLC 300 4MATIC $51,550, GLC 350e 4MATIC $60,300; excludes $1,250 destination) (2025-09)
- MotorTrend: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive First Test (M Sport package, 21-in wheels) (2025-04)
- MotorTrend: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic First Test (2023-05)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 BMW X3 SUV N/A AWD (VehicleId 21368) (2026-10)
- BMW Group PressClub: The new BMW X3: technical specifications (Cd × A, gear ratios, dimension drawings) (2024-06)
- Mercedes-Benz AG (press kit): The new GLC: press kit (Cd 0.29, frontal area 2.60 m², dimensions) (2022-06)
- Fields Motorcars (dealer spec data): 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV showroom: off-road geometry (187 mm max ground clearance) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive features and specs (4,001-lb towing, 3.39 axle, 13.0-in rotors) (2026-10)
- iSeeCars: 2026 BMW X3 dimensions (head, leg and shoulder room) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 BMW X3 ratings (apply to 2025–26 models) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 4-door SUV ratings (apply to 2023–26 / 2024–26 models) (2026-10)
- IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.