Verdict
The BMW iX3 is the quicker and more future-facing choice for a Malaysian buyer able to charge regularly: its two motors deliver 463 hp and 645 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the 113.4-kWh battery claims 726 km and accepts up to 400 kW DC charging. The GLC counters with a more useful 620-litre boot, 221 km/h top speed and four-year warranty. Its RM440 annual road tax also undercuts the BMW’s RM765, but the 7.8-second sprint and passive cruise control are clear concessions.
Pick the BMW iX3 if you have dependable charging and want 726 km claimed range, 400 kW DC charging and 4.9-second performance.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the larger 620-litre boot, a four-year warranty and lower RM440 annual road tax.
Key differences
- Acceleration: BMW iX3 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLC in 7.8 seconds.
- Storage: BMW iX3 boot is 520 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLC boot is 620 litres.
- Warranty: BMW iX3 has a two-year unlimited-mileage warranty; Mercedes-Benz GLC has four years unlimited mileage.
- Top speed: BMW iX3 reaches 210 km/h; Mercedes-Benz GLC reaches 221 km/h.
- Front wheels: BMW iX3 uses 22-inch alloys; Mercedes-Benz GLC uses 20-inch alloys.
- Road tax: BMW iX3 is RM765 per year; Mercedes-Benz GLC is RM440 per year.
iX3
- 726 km claimed EV range from a 113.4-kWh battery
- 400 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging
- 463 hp, 645 Nm and a 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- 520-litre boot is 100 litres smaller
- Two-year warranty is half the GLC’s four-year cover
- RM765 annual road tax is RM325 higher
GLC
- 620-litre boot
- Four-year unlimited-mileage warranty
- Heated front seats and rear window shades
- 7.8-second 0-100 km/h time trails the BMW by 2.9 seconds
- Passive cruise control instead of active stop-and-go cruise control
- No head-up display
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM378,800 | RM329,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM765 | RM440✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 6th-generation BMW eDrive, 800V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist |
| Capacity | — | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 201 hp |
| Torque | — | 320 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 463 hp✓ | 23 hp |
| Motor Torque | 645 Nm✓ | 205 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 113.4 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 726 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 400 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.7 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | — | 9 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds✓ | 7.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 221 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,782 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,897 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Weight | 2,285 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | — | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 620 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 255/35R22 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R22 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Hungary (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 22" Alloys (9J) | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 22" Alloys (9.5J) | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on outer two rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED, with High-beam Assistant | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | M Sport Seats, Power Adjustable with Driver Memory | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | 3-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic, with Climate Comfort Glazing | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient Light | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | Harman Kardon 13 Speakers (430W); 17.9" Central Display + 43.3" Panoramic Vision, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless Charging | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Comfort Access) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, Parking Assistant Professional with Remote Control Parking | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Flexible Fast Charger (Mode 2) included; Drive Recorder and Remote Theft Recorder; Intelligent Personal Assistant | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | RM399,800 with 5-year extended warranty and service package | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used iX3 & GLC for sale
iX3 vs GLC FAQ
Is the BMW iX3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The BMW iX3 is better for drivers with regular charging access, thanks to 726 km claimed range, 400 kW DC charging and a 4.9-second sprint. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC for its 620-litre boot, four-year warranty and lower annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX3 costs RM48,912 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Which has the bigger boot, the BMW iX3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the bigger boot at 620 litres, versus 520 litres in the BMW iX3. That is a 100-litre advantage for the GLC.