Compare the BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: Which Luxury SUV Wins Your Daily Drive?
December 15 2025,
When you shop for a premium compact SUV in Aurora, ON, two names rise to the top right away: the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Both bring strong performance, upscale interiors and the kind of everyday practicality Canadian drivers lean on year-round. But their personalities are very different, and those differences matter when you’re choosing a vehicle you’ll live with every day. Here’s a closer look at how the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive stacks up against the GLC 300 4MATIC.
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Thrill That Matches Luxury
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive delivers 255 horsepower and moves from zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. It’s built around BMW’s signature xDrive all-wheel drive system and offers driving dynamics that feel confident and athletic on Ontario highways and winding rural roads. With tuning that prioritizes precision and response, the X3 leans into its identity as an engaging driver’s SUV.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC also produces 255 horsepower, although delivered at 5,800 rpm, and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It adds 295 lb-ft of torque, giving it a slightly more relaxed, smooth feel in everyday driving. Where the X3 aims for sharpness, the GLC’s personality leans toward calm, composed comfort.
Road Presence Compared
The BMW X3 stands out with bold, expansive surfaces and crisp contours. Its reinterpreted illuminated kidney grille makes an impression day or night, while optional M Sport styling sharpens the SUV’s stance and improves the driving feel through variable sport steering with Servotronic. The available Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof also gives the X3’s cabin a bright, open atmosphere.
On the GLC side, Mercedes-Benz builds its appeal around flowing lines, LED lighting and a wide palette of wheels and paint colours. You can personalize the look further with the AMG Line or Night Package for a sportier or darker aesthetic. Overall, the GLC favours soft athleticism, while the X3 projects a more muscular, sculpted design.
Tech Forward and Comfy on the Inside
Step inside the BMW X3 and you’re met with a modern, minimalist cabin featuring premium materials and the BMW Curved Display. You’ll also find dynamic lighting, the BMW Interaction Bar, available knit-textile surfaces and generous rear legroom. Digital Key Plus lets you unlock the X3 with your smartphone, and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant responds naturally to voice commands. During breaks, you can even stream movies directly on the display.
The GLC takes a tech-forward approach with the latest MBUX system, wireless smartphone integration and fingerprint recognition for personalized settings. Heated power front seats and a variety of upscale upholstery options help create a warm and refined cabin. With programmable routines, the GLC can automate certain functions based on your habits, adding a layer of intuitive convenience.
Practicality Meets Functionality
The BMW X3 offers a flexible cargo area with a generous 570-litre minimum capacity and up to 1,700 litres when fully expanded. Trailer load for the X3 30 xDrive reaches 1,815 kg, making it a strong match for weekend getaways or light towing needs.
Mercedes-Benz goes up to 1680 litres in its cargo capacity with a towing capacity of 1588 kgs. GLC is also known for comfort-focused versatility. Its available Active Parking Assist and 360-degree camera system also simplify tight-space manoeuvres in busy urban centres.
The Recap
|
Category |
BMW X3 30 xDrive |
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC |
|
Horsepower |
255 hp |
255 hp |
|
0-100 km/h |
6.3 seconds |
6.2 seconds |
|
Drivetrain |
xDrive AWD |
4MATIC AWD |
|
Cargo Capacity |
1,700 litres |
1680-litres |
|
Towing Capacity |
1,815 kgs |
1588 kgs |
Discover the SUV Designed to Elevate Every Drive
If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that blends everyday versatility with performance that truly feels alive, the BMW X3 stands out as a natural match. Its athletic drive, modern interior technology and generous cargo flexibility come together in a way that enhances both weekday commutes and weekend escapes.
To experience how seamlessly the X3 fits into your life, stop by BMW Aurora in Aurora, ON. Our team is ready to walk you through its features, explore customization options and help you get behind the wheel for a test drive.
