BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC asks RM9,088 more than the BMW X3, and the extra spend shows up in useful numbers: 201 hp and 320 Nm versus 188 hp and 310 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds instead of 8.5, plus a 620-litre boot against 570 litres. It also has seven airbags and a four-year warranty. The BMW is slightly larger outside and a touch cheaper, but with both using all-wheel drive and conventional automatics, the GLC has the stronger spec sheet for most Malaysian premium SUV buyers.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the lower entry price, the larger exterior footprint and can accept less power, boot space and warranty cover.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the quicker, roomier-boot SUV with more power, one extra airbag and a longer warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM320,800; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888
- Output: BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 201 hp and 320 Nm
- Performance: BMW X3 0-100 km/h in 8.5 s and 215 km/h; Mercedes-Benz GLC 7.8 s and 221 km/h
- Size: BMW X3 4,755 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, 1,660 mm tall; Mercedes-Benz GLC 4,716 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, 1,640 mm tall
- Wheelbase and boot: BMW X3 2,865 mm and 570 L; Mercedes-Benz GLC 2,888 mm and 620 L
- Safety and warranty: BMW X3 6 airbags and 2-year warranty; Mercedes-Benz GLC 7 airbags and 4-year warranty
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 320,800✓ | RM 329,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Power | 188 hp | 201 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 320 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.5 s | 7.8 s✓ |
| Top speed | 215 km/h | 221 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 1.0 kWh |
| 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 |
| Boot space | 570 L | 620 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | — | 62 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 4✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 439✓ | RM 440 |
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.
X3
- RM9,088 cheaper to buy
- Larger exterior: 4,755 mm long and 1,920 mm wide
- Slightly lower annual road tax at RM439
- Slower 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds
- Smaller 570-litre boot
- Shorter 2-year warranty
GLC
- Quicker 0-100 km/h time of 7.8 seconds
- Higher output at 201 hp and 320 Nm
- Bigger 620-litre boot
- Costs RM9,088 more
- Smaller exterior footprint: 4,716 mm long and 1,890 mm wide
X3 vs GLC FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the better pick on numbers: it is quicker, more powerful, has a bigger boot, one extra airbag and a longer warranty. The BMW X3 mainly counters with a lower price and larger exterior dimensions.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM9,088 more than the BMW X3, at RM329,888 versus RM320,800.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the bigger boot at 620 litres, compared with 570 litres in the BMW X3. That 50-litre gap matters for airport runs, balik kampung luggage and family use.