| Service: 2060 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Open Today Sales: 8:30 AM-8 PMOpen Today Service: 7 AM-7 PM
The decision to purchase a luxury SUV requires thoughtful research, and we're here to help with a 2026 BMW X3 vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC guide. Each of these two-row SUVs is an excellent choice for your garage. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a spacious, comfortable model with legendary style. But, if you want an efficient engine with better cargo space (up to 67.1 cubic feet) and a gorgeous dashboard with impeccable design, the BMW X3 at Braman BMW Miami is a must-shop vehicle.
The exterior is the most subjective part of our 2026 BMW X3 vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC digital tour, as both vehicles are listed as high-end SUVs for good reason. The Mercedes-Benz brand is known for its luxury, and the GLC upholds that legacy. The interior is homey, featuring a curved dashboard with small screens, and the cabin prioritizes a living-room feel.
The new BMW X3 for sale is similarly comfortable, but it wants your interior to be more than a home on the road. A slick, gorgeous central console – with the BMW Interaction Bar and Curved Display prominently displayed just above – welcomes the driver into the modern feel of the BMW X3. The steering wheel has a flat bottom and a sport-inspired cockpit, making it perfect for drivers who enjoy the responsive engines of the BMW lineup.
Both the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC share a similar powertrain: a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This creates a responsive system, able to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds for the Mercedes-Benz GLC (six seconds for the AWD powertrain) and six seconds for the BMW X3. However, the BMW X3 comes with standard AWD, which is an available option for the GLC.
The BMW model has one additional engine option for the BMW X3 M50 trim: a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that produces 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. The Mercedes-Benz GLC has an electric variant and two performance options.
BMW X3
|
Mercedes-Benz GLC
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2L turbo I-4 | 2L turbo I-4 |
| Standard Horsepower | 255 | 255 |
| Standard Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD, AWD available |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (City / Highway / Combined) | 27 / 33 / 291 | 24 / 32 / 272 |
| 0–60 MPH Acceleration | 4.4 – 6 sec | 3.5 – 6 sec |
| Towing Capacity | 4,001 lbs3 | 3,500 lbs4 |
| Length | 187.2 in | 185.7 in |
| Width | 75.6 in | 74.4 in |
| Height | 65.4 in | 64.6 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 40.2 / 36.3 in | 40.7 / 37.4 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) | 40.5 / 38.2 in | 41.3 / 39.7 in |
| Cargo Space (Second / First Row) | 31.5 / 67.1 cu ft | 21.9 / 56.3 cu ft |
If your goal is to head to the interstate and save fuel, the 29 MPG (Combined)1 of the BMW SUV will serve you well without sacrificing responsiveness.
The above chart also reveals the advantages of each model in terms of size. The BMW X3 is the larger SUV and offers 31.5 cubic feet of trunk space (or 67.1 cubic feet of overall storage), which is significantly more than the Mercedes-Benz option. However, the GLC has a slight advantage in passenger space. We recommend you visit Braman BMW Miami so you can see in person how spacious 40.2 inches of front-row legroom feels, and how your kids will enjoy 36.3 inches of rear legroom.
The dimensions of these models stay consistent across the standard levels, but both SUVs have some options to select from. The BMW X3 arrives in two editions:
These two models are a choice between the standard 2.0-liter or the available 3.0-liter engine. Once you've chosen your vehicle, an array of optional comfort and safety features is available through packages.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is significantly more complicated, with five listed models:
Each GLC can come with a base, Exclusive, and/or Pinnacle upgrade level, in addition to add-ons like a Driver Assistance Package or Winter Package.
The final part of our 2026 BMW X3 vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC comparison touches on these models' tech features. The GLC, for example, comes with a standard 11.9-inch central screen. The PRE-SAFE system braces your vehicle for impact, while a Rearview Camera and features like ATTENTION ASSIST help keep your eyes on the road.
The BMW X3 takes things a step further. By default, you get a 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display that moves seamlessly between your console and instrument cluster. Standard safety includes an Active Driving Assistant (software that's available in a package for the GLC) and Active Blind Spot Detection (a more advanced version of the standard Mercedes-Benz equivalent). Upgrading your driving assistance features is easier with the BMW X3 than with the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Our BMW X3 specials can showcase incredible option packages, like the Convenience or Premium equipment groups.
Yes, the BMW X3 has more cargo space than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at every stage. The trunk measures 31.5 cubic feet (nearly 10 extra cubic feet than the Mercedes-Benz SUV), making the BMW option ideal for luggage or beachwear. Need more room? With 67.1 cubic feet in a BMW X3 vs. 56.3 cubic feet in the GLC, the former SUV gives you more room.
Yes, the BMW X3 has better fuel economy estimates than the Mercedes-Benz GLC. At 27/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 the baseline BMW X3 outdoes the 24/32/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 achieved by the GLC. It doesn't get better for the Mercedes-Benz SUV as each model climbs in trim, with the BMW X3 M50 offering better efficiency than the GLC 300 AWD.
While comfort is personal, the BMW X3 offers more amenities up front. One of the more obvious examples is the 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display and BMW Interaction Bar, giving you an intuitive hub of interaction, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC is less extravagant with its 11.9-inch screen. We highly recommend stopping by our showroom for a full tour of the BMW model's cabin.
1Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
2EPA-estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated MPG to the estimated MPG of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
3When properly equipped.
4With optional trailer hitch. Read Operator's Manual before towing. In some states, aftermarket trailer brakes are required. See dealer for details.
