The BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC are two of the most prominent offerings in the luxury mid size SUV segment in India. Both models are offered with petrol and diesel engine options along with all wheel drive systems as standard. While the X3 focuses on a more upright SUV stance and driving oriented setup, the GLC positions itself with a sleeker design and emphasis on interior luxury. Here is a comparison of their exterior dimensions, interior features, powertrain options and pricing based on available specifications.
BMW X3 vs Mercedes Benz GLC – Exterior Design and Dimensions
The BMW X3 features a more upright design with a conventional SUV silhouette. It gets a kidney grille flanked by LED headlamps and angular bumpers, especially in the M Sport trim. The Mercedes-Benz GLC adopts a more curved design language with a chrome finished grille and pronounced bonnet lines. The roofline of the GLC is slightly more tapered which gives it a more streamlined profile when compared to the boxier stance of the X3.
The BMW X3 in the xDrive20 and xDrive20d M Sport trims comes equipped with 19 inch alloy wheels as standard. However, the newly launched xDrive30 M Sport Pro trim gets larger 20 inch M alloy wheels. This variant also features a staggered tyre setup with wider rear section tyres compared to the front, replacing the 19 inch units offered on the lower variants.
In terms of dimensions, the BMW X3 measures 4755 mm in length, 1920 mm in width and 1660 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2865 mm. The Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4716 mm in length, 1890 mm in width and 1640 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2888 mm. Boot capacity also differs, with the GLC offering 640 litres while the X3 offers 570 litres.
BMW X3 vs Mercedes Benz GLC – Interior Design and Features
Inside the cabin, both SUVs offer premium materials and feature rich layouts. The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 12 inch central touchscreen with integrated HVAC controls along with a 12.3 inch digital driver display. The BMW X3 comes with a dual screen setup that includes a larger 14.9 inch central touchscreen paired with a 12.3 inch digital driver display.
In terms of comfort features, the GLC offers ventilated and heated front seats along with seat kinetics massage function, while the X3 offers ventilated seats but does not get a massage function. The GLC also features a split opening panoramic sunroof, whereas the X3 gets a fixed glass roof.
Electronic steering adjustment is offered on the GLC but is not available on the X3. Both SUVs come equipped with a head up display along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The X3 features a three zone climate control system, while the GLC gets a two zone setup. Both models offer rear sunblinds, an electric tailgate and a space saver spare wheel as standard. Rear backrest recline is not offered on either of the two SUVs. Additionally, adaptive suspension is available on the X3, whereas the GLC does not offer this feature.
BMW X3 vs Mercedes Benz GLC – Safety Equipment
Both the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems including features such as adaptive cruise control among others. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers a higher level of passive safety with a total of 10 airbags, while the BMW X3 comes equipped with 8 airbags.
BMW X3 vs Mercedes Benz GLC – Powertrain Options
The BMW X3 is offered with two petrol variants and one diesel variant. The xDrive20 petrol produces approximately 190 hp, while the xDrive30 petrol produces approximately 258 hp. The diesel option, offered in the xDrive20d variant, produces approximately 197 hp. All three engine options are paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission and come with xDrive all wheel drive as standard. The X3 lineup is also equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system across both petrol and diesel powertrains.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is offered with one petrol and one diesel engine option. The GLC 300 4MATIC petrol features a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine producing approximately 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The GLC 220d 4MATIC diesel features a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine producing approximately 197 hp and 440 Nm of torque. Both variants are paired with an automatic transmission and come with 4MATIC all wheel drive as standard along with a 48V mild hybrid system.
BMW X3 vs Mercedes Benz GLC – Price Comparison
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is offered in two variants in India, the GLC 300 4MATIC petrol and the GLC 220d 4MATIC diesel. Both variants are priced at Rs 73.97 lakh ex showroom.
The BMW X3 on the other hand is offered in three variants. The base xDrive20 petrol is priced at Rs 71.20 lakh ex showroom, which makes it Rs 2.77 lakh more affordable than both variants of the GLC. However, at this price point, the X3 xDrive20 is considerably down on power when compared to the GLC 300 petrol.
The xDrive20d diesel is priced at Rs 73.10 lakh ex showroom, making it Rs 87,000 more affordable than the GLC 220d diesel. When comparing the top end xDrive30 M Sport Pro petrol with the GLC 300 petrol, the BMW X3 is priced at Rs 74.50 lakh ex showroom, which makes it Rs 53,000 more expensive than the GLC 300 petrol.
This places the BMW X3 in a wider price band, with the entry level variant being more accessible than the GLC, while the range topping petrol variant commands a marginal premium over the equivalent GLC petrol offering.