Verdict
The BMW X3 undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by RM4,088, at RM325,800 against RM329,888, but this is not a simple budget call. The GLC has the stronger numbers: 201 hp and 320 Nm versus 188 hp and 310 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds versus 8.5, plus a 620-litre boot against 570 litres. The X3 counters with a longer, wider and taller body, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. For a Malaysian buyer, the Mercedes is the more useful family SUV on paper; the BMW has the sharper equipment mix.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, contactless boot opening and the lower entry price more than outright pace.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the quicker SUV, the larger boot, more torque and extra comfort kit up front.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888
- Power/torque: BMW X3 188 hp/310 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 201 hp/320 Nm
- 0-100 km/h/top speed: BMW X3 8.5 seconds/215 km/h; Mercedes-Benz GLC 7.8 seconds/221 km/h
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLC 620 litres
- Length/width/height: BMW X3 4,755/1,920/1,660 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 4,716/1,890/1,640 mm
- Wheelbase: BMW X3 2,865 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 2,888 mm
X3
- Lower list price by RM4,088
- Adaptive cruise control, while the GLC has passive cruise
- Head-up display and contactless powered boot opening
- 13 hp and 10 Nm down on the GLC
- 0-100 km/h is 0.7 seconds slower
- Boot is 50 litres smaller
GLC
- 201 hp and 320 Nm, with a 7.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- 620-litre boot and 2,888 mm wheelbase
- Front seats add memory and heating
- Costs RM4,088 more
- Passive cruise control against the BMW’s adaptive cruise
- 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 |
| Battery Capacity | — | 1 kWh |
| 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 | 5 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 better if you prioritise performance and cargo space: 201 hp, 320 Nm, 7.8 seconds to 100 km/h and 620 litres beat the X3’s 188 hp, 310 Nm, 8.5 seconds and 570 litres.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM329,888, which is RM4,088 more than the BMW X3 at RM325,800.
Which has better driver assistance equipment?
The BMW X3 has the edge for highway use because it gets adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The GLC has passive cruise control and no head-up display. Both have autonomous braking, blind spot info, lane-keeping assist and 360-degree cameras.
