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BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW X3

2026 BMW X3

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 3Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class wins 3 of 5 categories
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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The BMW X3 is more fuel-efficient: 29 vs 27 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $200 a year less in fuel for the BMW X3 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-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 GLC-Class is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,244 lb (300 4matic 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2023 X3 and the 2024 GLC-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 X3.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid
Fuel
Hybrid
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

29 MPG
Best combined MPG
27 MPG
27 city
City / highway MPG (best)
24 city
$2,850
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,050

Performance & space

393 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
187.4 in
Length
185.8 in
75.6 in
Width
74.4 in
65.4 in
Height
63 in
4,176 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,244 lb

Safety & reliability

11
Driver-assist features standard
–
2
Recalls (2026)
0
62
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
22
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

24,272
Wikipedia views, 30 days
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Buying used

2023
Best used year
2024
2020
Year to avoid
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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 27 MPG)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if…

  • 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 GLC-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 BMW X3 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →