Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV vs BMW X3

If you want a luxury SUV that’s spacious and comfortable, yet not too large, then you’ve likely narrowed down your options to the Mercedes-Benz GLB and the BMW X3. Both are excellent options, but they cater to slightly different needs. Both seat five and offer similar turbo engines in their base models. However, one is sportier, while the other is more family-friendly and offers the option to expand the seating to seven. Our team at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates has compiled this guide to explore them in detail, so you can find the one that suits you best.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is spacious inside, featuring, as standard, two rows of seats for five people, with an optional third row available to accommodate up to seven. It has two 12.3-inch displays and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Heated front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard, while ventilated seats and leather seating are available options. You’ll find 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which expands to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded. A third row can be added as an optional extra.

The BMW X3 has just two rows of seats, limiting the capacity to five passengers. It features a smaller, single 9-inch infotainment display and an optional head-up display, heated and ventilated seats as standard, and power and faux leather-upholstered sports seats. You can opt for faux suede instead, a mix of both, or genuine leather. Another standout feature is the available instrument panel, made from recycled polyester — a first for BMW. You’ll find a slightly larger cargo space in the BMW, measuring 32 cubic feet with the seats in place or 67 cubic feet with them folded down.

Safety Features and Ratings

Both are excellent choices in terms of safety. The Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV comes with standard cruise control, adaptive braking, and active brake assistance. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring are available. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to rate the GLB class; however, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has rated previous models five stars overall in crash testing.

On the other hand, the BMW comes with more limited standard safety features, with just the basics, including automated braking and lane departure warning, as standard. More advanced tech features, such as adaptive cruise control, are available, but you’ll have to pay extra for them. The IIHS rated the 2024 BMW X3 a Top Safety Pick+, and the NHTSA gave it five stars.

Performance and Engine Options

The primary difference between these two SUVs is that the Mercedes-Benz offers only one engine option, whereas the BMW provides two. The Mercedes-Benz comes with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt hybrid system can add up to 13 horsepower under certain conditions, such as during acceleration. The engine pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). While the 2025 model’s acceleration has yet to be tested, the 2024 model achieved a 0-to-60 mph time of six seconds.

The BMW X3 features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 30 xDrive, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system. The more powerful M50 has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 393 horsepower. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. Like the Mercedes-Benz, the 2025 model has yet to be track-tested, but the previous version achieved 0 to 60 mph in six seconds, putting the BMW and Mercedes-Benz in a tie, despite their different configurations.

Fuel Efficiency Ratings

The Mercedes-Benz GLB has improved on its fuel economy compared to previous generations. It now offers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with FWD; adding AWD reduces the city fuel economy to 24 mpg. In comparison, the BMW X3 is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The more potent M50 is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Pricing, Trims, and Value Proposition

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is available in a choice of three trim levels plus available AMG® versions, whereas the BMW has just two. The Mercedes-Benz GLB-class starts at $45,800 for the base GLB 250 ($47,800 for the 4MATIC® AWD) and increases to $60,100 for the AMG® GLB 35 SUV. Mercedes-Benz offers a competitive warranty, including a limited warranty and a powertrain warranty of four years or 50,000 miles. However, complimentary scheduled maintenance is not included.

The BMW X3 starts at a slightly higher price point of $49,950 for the base model xDrive30 and increases to $64,700 for the X3 M50 xDrive. BMW offers the same warranty coverage as Mercedes-Benz, but with the addition of complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

Which SUV Is Right for You?

Deciding between the BMW X3 versus the Mercedes-Benz GLB is a personal choice and comes down to what you’re looking for in a luxury SUV. The X3 is known for its sporty handling and engaging driving experience. The GLB has a more spacious interior with an optional third row, making it ideal for larger families. It’s focused on comfort and family-friendliness with more standard safety features. The best way to decide is to take both options for a test-drive and see which one feels right to you. Visit Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates to schedule a test-drive of the GLB today.