2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric SUV vs 2027 BMW iX3: Full Comparison

Performance and Powertrain

The GLC 400 4MATIC® electric SUV uses dual Permanently Excited Synchronous Motors producing a combined 360 kW (483 hp) and 590 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Fully variable 4MATIC® all-wheel drive with Torque Shift distributes power between the axles continuously. A rear-axle two-speed gearbox helps optimize efficiency across different driving speeds.

The iX3 uses BMW's sixth-generation 800V eDrive system producing 463 hp and 476 lb-ft. Its 0-60 mph time is 4.7 seconds. Both vehicles use 800V electrical architecture, while the GLC electric SUV has the higher listed torque output by 114 lb-ft and reaches 60 mph 0.5 second sooner.

For range, the iX3 lists 383-434 miles versus 350 miles for the GLC electric SUV. The GLC electric SUV also integrates navigation with charging station reservation and MB.CHARGE Public connectivity for trip planning. The iX3 includes bidirectional charging capability, a feature not listed for the GLC electric SUV in the information available here.

The GLC electric SUV's One-Box braking system handles more than 99% of braking events through regenerative braking alone, with four selectable regeneration levels including one-pedal driving. Four drive programs, including ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, and INDIVIDUAL, plus a dedicated Terrain mode round out the driving experience.

Interior, Space, and Cargo

The iX3 has the larger listed cargo capacity behind the second row at 30.4 cu ft versus 20.1 cu ft for the GLC electric SUV. Shoppers who regularly carry larger gear or equipment may want to weigh that difference carefully.

The GLC electric SUV provides 61.4 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity when all seats are folded, plus a 4.5-cu-ft front trunk accessible by touching the Mercedes-Benz star on the hood.

Inside, the GLC electric SUV offers standard MB-Tex upholstery, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, KEYLESS GO® with HANDS-FREE ACCESS, and 64-color LED ambient lighting. Optional upholstery choices include leather and AMG MB-Tex/microfiber. The optional SKY CONTROL electrochromic panoramic glass roof features 162 illuminated three-pointed Mercedes stars.

Trim packages including Exclusive, Pinnacle, and Pinnacle Plus add features such as the illuminated EQ grille, front passenger display, and illuminated door sills. The iX3's interior is described as minimalist and driver-oriented, although specific trim-level features are not available for direct comparison here.

Technology and Safety

The GLC electric SUV runs MB.OS, the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz operating system, with an MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by integrated AI from Microsoft and Google. The standard cockpit pairs a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 14-inch multimedia display. The optional 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen spans the dashboard and incorporates a front passenger display.

Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® are available as Digital Extras. Over-the-air software updates keep the system current. An optional Head-Up Display and optional MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation are also available.

The iX3 uses BMW Panoramic iDrive, a full-width windshield projection display that places key information in the driver's sightline without requiring a traditional instrument cluster. Its 17.9-inch central touchscreen handles navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Both approaches prioritize driver information, but the physical formats differ.