2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. 2026 BMW X3
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV and the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive are five-passenger luxury SUVs with standard all-wheel drive, turbocharged four-cylinder engines rated at 255 horsepower, and the same 6.0 second 0-60 mph time. The X3 30 xDrive holds more cargo behind its rear seats, 31.4 cubic feet to the GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV’s 21.9 cubic feet, and is rated 29 mpg combined to the GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV’s 26 mpg combined. The GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV starts at $54,400 and the X3 30 xDrive at $51,300, both excluding destination.
Key differences
- The X3 30 xDrive holds 31.4 cubic feet behind its rear seats to the GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV’s 21.9 cubic feet.
- The X3 30 xDrive is rated 29 mpg combined and the GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV 26 mpg combined.
- The Mercedes-AMG® GLC 53 4MATIC®+ SUV produces 443 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque to the X3 M50 xDrive’s 393 horsepower.
- The Mercedes-AMG® GLC 53 4MATIC®+ SUV reaches 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and the X3 M50 xDrive in 4.4 seconds.
- BMW includes scheduled maintenance for 36 months or 36,000 miles. Mercedes-Benz publishes no included scheduled maintenance.
Core matchup
| Specification | 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV | 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP, excluding destination | $54,400 | $51,300 |
| Destination charge | $1,450 | $1,350 |
| Engine | 2.0L inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 48V mild-hybrid technology |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | Not published by BMW |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC 9-speed | Not published by BMW |
| Standard drivetrain | 4MATIC® all-wheel drive | xDrive all-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 sec | 6.0 sec |
| EPA combined fuel economy | 26 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Cargo volume, behind second row / maximum | 21.9 / 56.3 cu ft | 31.4 / 67 cu ft |
| Maximum towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 4,001 lbs |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| New vehicle limited warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | No separate term published | No separate term published |
| Complimentary scheduled maintenance | None | 36 months / 36,000 miles |
| IIHS award, this model year | Not yet rated | TOP SAFETY PICK+ |
Notes: BMW does not publish torque or transmission for the 2026 X3 on bmwusa.com. BMW publishes X3 cargo volume and seating capacity for the X3 model line without separating them by trim. IIHS has not published 2027 ratings for the GLC.
Performance matchup
The performance trim of the GLC is the Mercedes-AMG® GLC 53 4MATIC®+ SUV.
| Specification | 2027 Mercedes-AMG® GLC 53 4MATIC®+ SUV | 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP, excluding destination | $69,900 | $66,500 |
| Destination charge | $1,450 | $1,350 |
| Engine | AMG®-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with hybrid assist and electric auxiliary compressor | M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder with 48V mild-hybrid technology |
| Horsepower | 443 hp | 393 hp |
| Torque | 443 lb-ft | Not published by BMW |
| Transmission | AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed | Not published by BMW |
| Standard drivetrain | AMG® Performance 4MATIC®+ all-wheel drive | xDrive all-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 4.0 sec | 4.4 sec |
| EPA combined fuel economy | 22 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Cargo volume, behind second row / maximum | 21.9 / 59.3 cu ft | 31.4 / 67 cu ft |
| Maximum towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 4,850 lbs |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| New vehicle limited warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | No separate term published | No separate term published |
| Complimentary scheduled maintenance | None | 36 months / 36,000 miles |
| IIHS award, this model year | Not yet rated | TOP SAFETY PICK+ |
Notes: BMW does not publish torque or transmission for the 2026 X3 M50 xDrive on bmwusa.com. BMW publishes X3 cargo volume and seating capacity for the X3 model line without separating them by trim. IIHS has not published 2027 ratings for the GLC.
Maintenance
Mercedes-Benz publishes no included scheduled maintenance for the 2027 GLC. BMW includes scheduled maintenance on the 2026 X3 for 36 months or 36,000 miles. Mercedes-Benz Prepaid Maintenance plans are available at Mercedes-Benz of Columbus North.
Why shop the GLC at Mercedes-Benz of Columbus North
- America’s first AMG® Brand Center, in Sunbury, minutes from Westerville, Polaris, and New Albany
- No market adjustments above MSRP and no mandatory dealer add-ons on any new vehicle. See How We Price.
- Test drive the GLC and compare it in person
Questions
Which is bigger, the GLC or the X3?
The X3 30 xDrive holds 31.4 cubic feet behind its rear seats and 67 cubic feet maximum. The GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV holds 21.9 cubic feet behind its second row and 56.3 cubic feet maximum.
Which has more horsepower?
In the core matchup both are rated 255 horsepower. In the performance matchup the Mercedes-AMG® GLC 53 4MATIC®+ SUV produces 443 horsepower and the BMW X3 M50 xDrive 393 horsepower.
Which includes scheduled maintenance?
BMW includes scheduled maintenance for 36 months or 36,000 miles. Mercedes-Benz publishes none, and Mercedes-Benz Prepaid Maintenance plans are available at Mercedes-Benz of Columbus North.
Where can I test drive a GLC near Columbus?
At Mercedes-Benz of Columbus North, 7990 State Route 37 East, Sunbury, Ohio 43074.
View GLC Inventory Request a Test Drive
Sources
- https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/model/glc/suv/glc300w4
- https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/model/glc/suv/glc53w4
- https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/build/glc/suv/glc300w4
- https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/build/glc/suv/glc53w4
- https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb-nafta/us/my27-content-request/PCwarrantymanualusa.pdf
- https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/service-maintenance/prepaid
- https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/x-series/x3/bmw-x3.html
- https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/m-series/x3-m50/bmw-x3-m50.html
- https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/x-models.html
- https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-own.html
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/50551.shtml
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/50753.shtml
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/49476.shtml
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/49477.shtml
- https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/bmw/x3-4-door-suv/2026
Last verified: October 14, 2026
Specifications and prices are from each manufacturer’s US website or press release as of the date above and may change. Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s base price and excludes the destination charge, taxes, title, registration, options, and dealer fees. BMW, X3, 3 Series, Lexus, and RX are trademarks of their respective owners. Mercedes-Benz of Columbus North is not affiliated with BMW or Lexus.