BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: Spacious & Luxurious Interiors

Both SUVs can seat five passengers in the sophisticated comfort of available leather-trimmed upholstery. The BMW X3 will keep everyone a little cozier, thanks to its standard automatic 3-zone climate control. The dual-zone automatic climate control system in the Mercedes-Benz GLC can only personalize the temperature for the passengers up front.

Whether you're heading out on a business trip or planning a weekend down on the Gulf Coast, you will need an SUV with plenty of cargo space. The X3 has the advantage in that department. It boasts up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are lowered. The GLC tops out at just 56.5 cubic feet.

Both SUVs come standard with Apple CarPlay™, so you can keep up with your favorite apps and music on the go. You will also find that their infotainment systems are very similar. They both come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, along with a touchpad controller and voice control.

Innovative Safety Systems

Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have proven to be front-runners in the automotive industry when it comes to advanced safety features. In fact, both the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC come with a system that will help you stay focused behind the wheel. They monitor driver behavior and warn you if you become distracted or drowsy.

These luxury SUVs also have safety systems that can prepare the vehicle for impact when it detects an imminent collision. They do this by closing the windows, tightening the seat belts, and activating post-crash braking.

You will get blind-spot detection with either SUV. This system will warn you when a vehicle is riding alongside you, so you can change lanes and merge onto the open road safely.

X3 vs GLC: Efficient & Exciting Performance

The BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC come with similar 2.0L 4-cylinder standard engines. If you're looking for the more efficient SUV, however, you will want to go with the X3. It achieves an EPA-estimated 25 city/29 highway MPG. The GLC, on the other hand, can only manage an EPA-estimated 22 city/29 highway MPG.

Both SUVs offer a track-tuned trim level that's equipped with a turbocharged 3.0L engine. You will have more fun in the BMW X3 M40i. It can take you from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds. It takes the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 4.7 seconds to reach the same speed.

If you're heading out during a storm, you will need an SUV that's ready to handle slick roads. That's why both models offer all-wheel-drive systems. They send power to the wheels with the most grip, so you can enjoy sure-footed control.