The battle for the electrical luxurious SUV crown simply obtained severe. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have unveiled their most essential EVs but—the all-new BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC EV. Each promise wide array, lightning-fast charging, and the type of efficiency German automakers are recognized for. However with Tesla and Chinese language manufacturers elevating the bar, which of those two heavyweights actually comes out on high? Right here’s how the specs stack up.
| Spec | BMW iX3 50 xDrive | Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic (EQ Tech) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 188.3 in | 190.7 in |
| Energy | 469 hp | 483 hp |
| Torque | 475 lb-ft | 596 lb-ft |
| 0–62 mph | 4.9 sec | 4.3 sec |
| Battery | 108.7 kWh usable | 94 kWh usable |
| WLTP Vary | 400 miles | 443 miles |
| Effectivity | 3.87–4.59 mi/kWh | 4.7 mi/kWh |
| Charging Energy | 400 kW | 330 kW |
| 10–80% | 21 min | 24 min |
| 10-min increase | +231 miles | +160 miles |
| Structure | 800-volt, Sixth-gen cylindrical cells | 800-volt, NMC chemistry |
| Tech | Panoramic iDrive, BMW Assistant | Hyperscreen, multi-agent AI |
| Steering | Customary AWD | AWD + rear-wheel steering |
| V2H / V2X | Sure | Sure |
| U.S. Launch | Summer season 2026 | Late 2026 |
| Beginning Worth | TBA |
Efficiency: Mercedes Delivers Extra Punch
On paper, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 holds the sting in uncooked numbers. Its 483 horsepower and a staggering 596 lb-ft of torque outgun the 469 hp and 475 lb-ft of the BMW iX3 50 xDrive. The distinction reveals up within the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h): Mercedes claims 4.3 seconds, versus BMW’s 4.9 seconds. Each vehicles use two motors at every axle.
The GLC additionally introduces a two-speed transmission, designed to maximise effectivity at freeway speeds. BMW sticks with a single-speed setup.
Vary: BMW Strikes Again
Whereas the Mercedes is faster, BMW places the deal with vary—arguably an important issue for U.S. EV patrons. The iX3 50 xDrive gives a WLTP-rated 500 miles (400 miles on EPA), relying on wheels and trim. The Mercedes comes shut with 443 miles WLTP, however it will possibly’t fairly match BMW’s headline numbers. The sting comes from BMW’s bigger 108.7 kWh usable battery, versus Mercedes’ 94 kWh pack.
BMW’s new Sixth-generation cylindrical cells additionally carry a 20% increase in power density and 30% quicker charging functionality in comparison with its earlier tech. For patrons prioritizing long-distance journey, the BMW’s numbers are powerful to beat.
Charging: BMW Leads Once more
Each EVs journey on superior 800-volt architectures, enabling ultra-fast charging. However BMW takes the crown right here too.
- BMW iX3: as much as 400 kW, 10–80% in 21 minutes, provides 231 miles WLTP in simply 10 minutes.
- Mercedes GLC: as much as 330 kW, 10–80% in 24 minutes, provides 160 miles WLTP in 10 minutes.
For road-trip practicality, shaving off these minutes and gaining extra vary per cost could possibly be decisive.
Effectivity: Mercedes Has the Edge
Curiously, whereas BMW wins on vary, the Mercedes proves extra environment friendly. The GLC 400 is rated at 4.7 miles per kWh, whereas the iX3 sits between 3.87 and 4.59 mi/kWh relying on spec.
That’s partly as a result of Benz’s two-speed gearbox, which optimizes effectivity at greater cruising speeds. For drivers who spend lengthy hours on the freeway, this benefit might matter greater than sheer vary.
Tech and Options: Two Completely different Philosophies
Mercedes-Benz is placing loads of emphasis on the electrical GLC’s Hyperscreen. And it’s arduous to not—in any case, the show stretches throughout the complete dashboard, dominating the cabin. The BMW iX3 introduces the Panoramic Show, alongside a central display screen and Head-Up Show.
- BMW iX3: Options the brand new Panoramic iDrive with a pillar-to-pillar show, plus the BMW Clever Private Assistant, totally built-in into the automotive’s ecosystem.
- Mercedes GLC: Packs the MBUX Hyperscreen, however with a twist—its “multi-agent” AI can pull from ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Bing, or Mercedes’ personal assistant relying on the request.
Mercedes additionally gives rear-wheel steering, bettering maneuverability in tight areas, whereas BMW skips this characteristic. An air suspension can be obtainable on the GLC. Each assist vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) charging, which means they will function cellular energy stations.
Worth and Availability
- BMW iX3 50 xDrive: Arrives summer season 2026 within the U.S. Beginning below $60,000 earlier than choices, with entry-level variations beneath $55,000.
- Mercedes GLC 400: Launches late 2026, with base RWD GLC 300+ following in early 2027. Pricing has not but been introduced.
BMW’s earlier arrival and decrease entry worth may make it the extra enticing possibility for budget-conscious patrons.
Each vehicles present that BMW and Mercedes are lastly taking the EV combat severely. Whether or not they can fend off Tesla, BYD, and others will rely much less on specs and extra on how nicely they execute these guarantees in the true world.
