BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The BMW X3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $0 less per year to fuel.
Across 3 measured categories, the BMW X3 leads in 2. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
BMW X3
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 47 configurations
2016–2027
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW X3 | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 29 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,600 | $2,600 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 204 g/mi | 84 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd, Automatic (S9) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel | Premium, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2016–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 47 | 72 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
X3 vs GLC-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The BMW X3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $0 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class runs about $2,600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the BMW X3 — a difference of roughly $0 per year.
What engines do the X3 and GLC-Class offer?
BMW X3: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More X3 comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-x3-vs-mercedes-benz-glc-class