DecodedCarsBMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The BMW X3 is more fuel-efficient: 29 vs 18 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $1,650 a year less in fuel for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The BMW X3 is the bigger car, about 6 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 62).
The two cars
The 2026 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,176 lb (30 Xdrive 4dr SUV).
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 182 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,479 lb (550 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2023 X3 and the 2024 G-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 X3.
| 2026 BMW X3 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 29 MPG | 18 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 27 city | 17 city |
| EV range | – | 239 mi |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $2,850 | $1,200 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | 393 hp | – |
| Driver-assist features standard | 11 | – |
| Length | 187.4 in | 181.9 in |
| Width | 75.6 in | 76 in |
| Height | 65.4 in | 77.6 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 4,176 lb | 5,479 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 2 | 0 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 62 | 0 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 22 | 0 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 24,272 | 40,177 |
| Best used year | 2023 | 2024 |
| Year to avoid | 2020 | – |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the BMW X3 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (29 vs 18 MPG)
- You want more room (6 in longer)
Choose the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if…
- You want an EV with more range (239 miles)
- You want something easier to park (6 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (0 vs 62 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 BMW X3
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and electric as well as gas.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 BMW X3 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →