BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Potent Performance

The BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA both come with a similar 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine. The TwinPower turbo engine in the X3 out does the competition with 248 horsepower. The 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine of the GLA tops out at just 221 horsepower.

Both SUVs offer a sporty configuration, but you'll get more energy with the X3 M40i. Its 3.0L M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder produces 382 horsepower that can take you from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds. It takes the AMG GLA 35 5.1 seconds to hit the same speed with its standard 302-horsepower, AMG-enhanced 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine.

If you're looking to maximize your efficiency, only the BMW X3 offers a hybrid configuration. The X3 xDrive30e is powered by a 2.0L TwinPower turbo and a 107-horsepower integrated electric motor. They work together to produce a total power output of 288 horsepower. You will also get to enjoy a total range of about 340 miles.

X3 vs GLA: Which Has the Better Interior?

When you step inside these luxury SUVs, you will find the comfort of available leather-trimmed upholstery, but only the BMW X3 ensures the comfort of the folks in the back. It comes standard with automatic 3-zone climate control that lets them dial in the ideal temperature. The GLA only comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control.

Both vehicles come with an intuitive infotainment system that will keep you connected on the go. They share the following features:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen display
• Touchpad controller
• Voice Control
• Apple CarPlay™
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio

When your favorite song comes on, you'll want to be in the BMW X3. It can be outfitted with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon® surround sound system. The Burmester® surround sound system, available in the Mercedes-Benz GLA only offers 12 speakers.

Innovations in Safety

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have long stood on the forefront of vehicle safety, and the X3 and GLA have some of their latest innovations. They both come with confidence-inspiring driver-assistive features. The X3 puts them all in one convenient package called the Active Driving Assistant. It includes:

• Frontal Collision Warning
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Lane Departure Warning

Both SUVs offer a system that will prepare the vehicle for an imminent collision. In the BMW X3, it's called the Active Protection System. When it detects an imminent collision, it prepares by automatically tightening the safety belts, closing windows, and activating post-crash braking.

You will have more confidence in crowded parking lots with their available surround-view monitors. These features will help give you a clear picture of your surroundings, so you can maneuver into even the tightest parking spots.