VS
At a Glance
Power
220 kW
215 kW
Torque
450 Nm
550 Nm
Fuel
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 wh
5.5 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.2 s
6.3 s
Engine
1998 cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X3 delivers 220 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 215 kW. On fuel, the X3 returns 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 when discharged l/100km while the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 337 000 for the X3 and R1 347 055 for the GLC. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
220 kW
215 kW
Torque
450 Nm
550 Nm
0-100 kph
6.2 s
6.3 s
Top Speed
215 Km/h
243 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 wh
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
26 when hybrid battery charged g/km
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4755 mm
4716 mm
Width
1920-2132 mm
1890-2076 mm
Height
1660 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2888 mm
Kerb Weight
2065 DIN / 2140 EU Kg
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
460-1600 l
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
645 l
545 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batter
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X3
Fuel Economy
X3
Value
X3
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
More powerful engine (220 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 when discharged l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 337 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.2 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (5.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (215 kW vs 220 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X3 or GLC?
The X3 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 when discharged l/100km and the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X3 or GLC?
The X3 produces 220 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The X3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X3 and GLC?
The X3 starts from R1 337 000 and the GLC from R1 347 055. The X3 is cheaper by R10 055 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X3 or GLC?
The X3 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the GLC can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X3 or the GLC?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.