Verdict
Just RM4,088 separates the RM325,800 BMW X3 from the RM329,888 Mercedes-Benz GLC, but the Mercedes is the more capable car on the numbers. Its 201 hp and 320 Nm cut the 0-100 km/h time to 7.8 seconds against 8.5 seconds, and its 620-litre boot adds 50 litres. The BMW counters with adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and a 14.9-inch screen while costing less. For Malaysian use, the 215 versus 221 km/h top-speed difference matters far less than the GLC's larger luggage space and four-year warranty.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the lower entry price, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want stronger 201 hp/320 Nm performance, a 620-litre boot and four years of warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888.
- Performance: BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 201 hp and 320 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLC 7.8 seconds.
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLC 620 litres.
- Warranty: BMW X3 two years plus three-year extended cover; Mercedes-Benz GLC four years.
- Front wheels: BMW X3 19-inch alloys; Mercedes-Benz GLC 20-inch alloys.
X3
- RM4,088 cheaper to buy.
- Adaptive cruise control and head-up display.
- Larger 14.9-inch display.
- Slower 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time versus 7.8 seconds.
- 570-litre boot is 50 litres smaller.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus four years.
GLC
- 201 hp and 320 Nm, with 7.8-second 0-100 km/h performance.
- 620-litre boot.
- Four-year manufacturer warranty, plus heated memory front seats.
- Costs RM4,088 more.
- Passive cruise control instead of adaptive cruise control.
- No head-up display.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM329,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 201 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 320 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 23 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 205 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 8 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 7.8 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | 221 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Fuel Tank | — | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres | 620 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear 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 Projector | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 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 and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
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 X3 & GLC for sale
X3 vs GLC FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the better choice for performance, luggage capacity and manufacturer warranty: it has 201 hp, a 620-litre boot and four years of cover. Choose the BMW X3 for adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and lower purchase cost.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM4,088 more than the BMW X3: RM329,888 versus RM325,800.
Which has more luggage space and longer warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC does. Its 620-litre boot is 50 litres larger than the BMW X3's 570 litres, and it has a four-year manufacturer warranty versus the BMW's two years.