BMW's X3 and Mercedes-Benz's GLC are positioned as direct competitors in the executive SUV market. Both German marques offer high-end styling, practicality, and various engine options, including hybrid and electric variants.
In terms of performance, the BMW X3 M50 can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, making it 0.2 seconds quicker than its rival, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC. However, for many drivers, this performance difference may not be a significant factor in daily use.
The interior designs of the two vehicles differ, with the BMW X3 featuring a minimalist, tech-oriented cabin dominated by a curved display. In contrast, the Mercedes GLC has a more theatrical interior with a portrait-style touchscreen and premium details, including ambient lighting. Both SUVs can seat five people, with the GLC offering more boot capacity at 620 litres compared to the X3's 570 litres.
The entry-level internal combustion engine models for both the X3 and GLC are priced similarly, below £55,000. Both models are also central to their manufacturers' shift towards electric vehicles, with the iX3 representing BMW's EV offering.