Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3: Comparing New Generation Electric Cars

Competition from two German brands

The German auto industry is facing a major challenge from the rise of Tesla and Chinese automakers. In this context, Mercedes and BMW have launched two strategic electric models: the Mercedes GLC EV and the BMW iX3. Both are expected to help the brand regain its position in the luxury segment, where mid-size crossovers have always been the "golden goose".

For years, the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC have been the top choices for customers. However, when entering the era of electric vehicles, both companies encountered many difficulties. The first generation BMW iX3 manufactured in China could not expand to the US market. The Mercedes EQC encountered quality barriers and never set foot in the US market as planned.

Luxury electric SUV segment

In the new generation, both Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3 are equipped with an 800-volt electric platform, support for remote software updates and many smart utility features. This improvement helps the car achieve better performance, save energy and reduce production costs.

The Mercedes GLC EV impresses with a fresh, much sharper design language than the previous EQ line, while the BMW iX3 retains its signature sporty style.

Although rated higher than the previous generation, both models still face fierce competition. The Tesla Model Y, along with a series of cheap but technology-rich Chinese electric cars, are putting Mercedes and BMW under great pressure.

With the Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic and BMW iX3 50 xDrive versions, both companies target customers who prefer luxury high-chassis vehicles with 4-wheel drive.

The Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3 confrontation will not only be about design and technology, but also depend on price, software experience and the ability to compete directly with Tesla. This will be a battle to reshape the position of the two German brands on the global electric vehicle map.

Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3: Dimensions

Both models are positioned right up there with their traditional gasoline-powered counterparts, though there’s no mechanical connection to existing internal combustion-engined models. The Mercedes GLC EV is slightly longer at 190.7 inches compared to the BMW iX3’s 188.3 inches, while its width and height are nearly identical.

Both are based on a new electric platform. BMW claims the iX3 uses a “zonal” architecture, a modern design style that reduces the number of wires and control computers in the car.

Mercedes did not specify whether the GLC uses this architecture or not, but also said that the entire software system can be upgraded over the air.

Another common point is that both models feature an 800-volt electrical architecture, supporting faster charging and more efficient operation.

Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3: Power & Speed

In terms of power, the Mercedes GLC 400 has 483 horsepower, slightly more than the BMW iX3 50 xDrive with 469 horsepower. The more obvious advantage comes from torque: the GLC reaches 596 lb-ft, surpassing the iX3's 475 lb-ft.

On the drag strip, the difference is clear. Mercedes says the GLC 400 will do 0–62 mph in 4.3 seconds, while the BMW iX3 50 xDrive will do it in 4.9 seconds. Both German brands are notoriously modest when it comes to performance figures, though, so the real-world experience could be even more impressive.

In this category, the advantage belongs to Mercedes. However, this is not the final limit. Both companies are expected to launch higher performance versions soon, such as AMG for the GLC or M-Sport for the iX3, to satisfy the needs of customers who want even more outstanding speed.

Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3: Range & Energy Efficiency

Mercedes says the GLC 400 W/EQ Technology is capable of traveling up to 443 miles (713 km) on the WLTP test cycle, which is the standard used in many international markets and is often more optimistic than the US EPA standard. However, the actual expected range is still around 400 miles, enough to meet the needs of most users.

However, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive tops it out with a range of 421–500 miles (679–805 km) on the WLTP scale, depending on options and wheel size. Converted to the EPA range, that figure could still exceed 400 miles, even surpassing the Mercedes and most electric SUVs on the market.

That doesn’t mean the BMW is more efficient. Early estimates put the Mercedes at 4.7 mpg, while the BMW ranges from 3.87–4.59 mpg. Mercedes has put a lot of effort into improving the energy efficiency of its electric vehicles, and early numbers suggest that the effort is paying off. The GLC also stands out as one of the few EVs to feature a two-speed transmission, which helps save power at high speeds.

Even though Mercedes has the performance advantage, the win in this category still goes to the BMW iX3. The reason is that American customers tend to prioritize long driving range over fuel economy.

Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3: Battery Capacity & Technology

The performance of an electric car also depends heavily on battery capacity. The Mercedes GLC EV has a range of around 400 miles with a 94 kWh battery pack. Meanwhile, the BMW iX3 has a larger battery pack with a capacity of up to 108.7 kWh, giving it an advantage in terms of range.

BMW achieved this by applying sixth-generation cylindrical battery technology, which increases energy density by 20% and charges 30% faster than the previous generation. This is an important step forward to help the iX3 compete more strongly in the electric SUV segment.

Both Mercedes and BMW use NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) lithium-ion battery technology, which has a high energy density but is not as durable as the LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) type popular in China. However, Mercedes is expected to equip the LFP battery in the standard version of its future electric CLA.

Overall, it is not possible to say which company has the advantage in the battery category, because each side has its own strengths: Mercedes focuses on optimizing performance from smaller battery packs, while BMW bets on new battery technology with larger capacity.

Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3: Charging Speed

The biggest advantage of the 800-volt electrical architecture is the ability to charge quickly with less heat. It is no surprise that both the Mercedes GLC EV and the BMW iX3 are considered “bright candidates” in the group of fast-charging electric vehicles.

According to the company's announcement, the Mercedes GLC EV can receive a maximum charging capacity of 330 kW, helping to charge the battery from 10–80% in just 24 minutes. However, by the time the GLC is still charging, the iX3 driver may have already left the station.

The BMW iX3 is more impressive with a maximum charging speed of 400 kW, reducing the charging time from 10–80% to just 21 minutes. Notably, with just 10 minutes of charging, the iX3 can add 231 miles (according to WLTP standards), while the Mercedes only adds about 160 miles.

In the charging speed category, the advantage clearly belongs to the BMW iX3, putting it at the top of the list of EVs with the fastest charging capabilities today.

Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3: Driving Technology

Both the BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC EV represent the most advanced generation of technology in the automotive industry. The two German brands are already famous for “cramming” a series of smart features into their cars, and with the new generation of EVs, this level is raised another notch.

Both models are equipped with an entertainment screen that spans the entire dashboard: Mercedes calls it Hyperscreen, BMW uses the name Panoramic iDrive. It also comes with an integrated AI virtual assistant. BMW uses its own assistant entirely, while Mercedes applies a “multi-agent” strategy: depending on the need, the GLC can activate ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing AI, conversational navigation using Google Gemini or an assistant developed by Mercedes itself.

One obvious difference: the Mercedes GLC EV has rear-wheel steering, which helps with tight turns, while the BMW iX3 doesn’t. However, both have the latest suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which can control braking, steering, and acceleration on the highway, and help with traffic jams from stop to slow.

If you want to turn your car into a “mobile power station,” both also come with Vehicle-to-Home and Vehicle-to-Everything features, which allow the car battery to power other devices.

Despite their impressive feature lists, neither Mercedes nor BMW has achieved the level of intuitiveness and seamlessness that Tesla, BYD, or Rivian have when it comes to software. Who wins this category will depend on how well they can turn complex technology into a simple, easy-to-use customer experience.

For now, the Mercedes GLC EV and BMW iX3 are tied in the technology category.

Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3: Price & Release Date

BMW says the iX3 50 xDrive will start at just under $60,000 when it launches in the summer of 2026. Lower-end versions like the iX3 40 sDrive (RWD) and 40 xDrive will follow, with prices expected to start below $55,000. That’s a bargain compared to the gas-powered X3, which starts at around $52,000. But like many German cars, the actual cost will rise sharply as customers add options, and it’s likely the final figure will exceed $60,000.

As for the Mercedes GLC EV, the company has not yet announced the official selling price. According to the plan, the GLC 400 4Matic With EQ Technology version will be launched at the end of 2026, while the GLC 300+ RWD version will appear in early 2027. Currently, the selling price is still unknown.

Mercedes GLC EV Vs. BMW iX3: Final Review

Based on the specs, the Mercedes GLC 400 has the advantage in acceleration, energy efficiency, various AI features, and rear-wheel steering. On the other hand, the BMW iX3 stands out with its longer range, faster charging speed, and attractive sporty design.

On paper, both cars are fairly evenly matched. But the real success will depend on whether each can turn complex technology into a simple, friendly experience at a reasonable price. It’s a big gamble, and in the fiercely competitive electric vehicle market, neither Mercedes nor BMW can afford to lose.

Quoc Duong