2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar aesthetic, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, but the overall look remained consistent with its predecessor. The headlights were narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece, giving the rear a refreshed appearance. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive fastback roofline, and the grille differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300. Inside, the GLC was luxurious, with options like two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash. The interior was gadget-heavy, with numerous screens and ambient lighting, making it a leader in its class for those who appreciate technology.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 presented a more athletic and seductive appearance. Its long hood and tapering roofline contributed to its sporty look, complemented by expressive 21-inch wheels. The Arctic Race Blue paint and Calm Beige upholstery added to its visual appeal. Inside, the X3's cabin was straightforward, with quality materials in expected areas, though some plastics revealed its price point. The X3 offered a spacious interior, with a simple dashboard and a BMW Curved Display housing digital instruments and infotainment. The cargo area was practical, with a lightweight cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. This engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance. The base GLC 300, with 255 horsepower, was available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the AMG GLC 43 came standard with 4Matic AWD. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension and four-wheel steering made the AMG GLC a sporty choice, though it might not be ideal for daily commuting due to its firmer ride.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite its weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve provided peak performance across a broad range, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. For those seeking more power, the X3 M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires enhanced its driving experience, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect roads. The X3 excelled on twisty roads, offering a delightful driving experience for enthusiasts.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered standard heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe, with its tighter interior, offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet. The power-folding rear seats added convenience, though the cargo space was not class-leading.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior, with a power-adjustable driver's seat providing a sports car-like view of the hood. The dashboard featured a BMW Curved Display with digital instruments and a touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable, with optional ventilation, while the rear seats were less so, with hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cover and additional storage under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a portrait-oriented touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, known for its responsive voice command system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Exclusive trim adding navigation and a Burmester sound system. The Pinnacle trim offered a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Optional tech included an Advanced USB package, increasing the number of USB-C ports.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display ran on the new iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze, and media preferences were sometimes forgotten. Despite these issues, wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. The navigation system, with its augmented video feature, provided accurate directions. While the infotainment experience was frustrating, it may have been unique to the test vehicle.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for its standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available through the Driver Assistance Package, adding features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more rewarding than its infotainment system. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and other advanced features. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for the frontal-impact crash test.