The 2026 Mercedes GLC EQ 400 and BMW iX3 50 xDrive are close in price positioning but different in priorities. BMW pushes battery size, range and charging peak; Mercedes emphasises usable space, towing and a smaller battery paired with strong efficiency. This comparison uses manufacturer figures, not invented road-test impressions. For the Mercedes alone, read our GLC EQ 400 review.
GLC EQ vs BMW iX3: key specifications
| Specification | Mercedes GLC 400 4MATIC | BMW iX3 50 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 360 kW / 490 hp | 345 kW / 469 hp |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Usable battery | 94 kWh | 108.7 kWh |
| WLTP range | 568–714 km; up to 715 km in production communication | 677–805 km |
| Peak DC charging | 330 kW | 400 kW |
| 10–80% | 22 minutes | 21 minutes |
| Range added in 10 minutes | Up to 305 km | Up to 371 km |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.3 sec | 4.9 sec |
| Rear boot | 570–1,740 L | 520–1,750 L |
| Frunk | 128 L | 58 L |
| Braked towing | Up to 2,400 kg | Up to 2,000 kg |
Range and efficiency
The BMW has a clear manufacturer-figure advantage: a larger battery and up to 805 km WLTP. The Mercedes counters with a lower 14.9 kWh/100 km best-case WLTP consumption and a smaller battery, but its official maximum remains lower. Drivers who regularly cover very long legs should favour the exact certified configuration, not the brand-level headline.
For honest planning examples, see our GLC EQ real-world range guide. BMW's own release also warns that actual range changes with specification, temperature, route and driving style.
Charging
BMW quotes a 400 kW peak, 21-minute 10–80% time and up to 371 km added in ten minutes. Mercedes quotes 330 kW, 22 minutes and up to 305 km. On paper the iX3 wins. In practice both need a compatible high-power site, a prepared battery and a low arrival state of charge; network reliability can matter more than the one-minute difference.
Our GLC EQ charging-time guide explains why peak power is not the same as average power.
Space and family use
The GLC provides 50 litres more rear space with the seats up and a frunk more than twice the size. The iX3 gains ten litres with the rear seats folded. Families carrying a pushchair every day may prefer the GLC's seats-up figure; cyclists loading a long, flat cargo bay should inspect both cars in person.
Towing
Mercedes publishes a 2,400 kg braked limit for the GLC 400 4MATIC, 400 kg more than BMW's 2,000 kg iX3 figure. That is a decisive advantage for some caravan and horsebox owners. Battery range and charging-site layout can still make the lighter trailer and easier route the more practical combination.
Cabin technology
Mercedes offers its screen-led MBUX environment, including the available 39.1-inch Hyperscreen and a standard multi-display Superscreen arrangement described at launch. BMW introduces Panoramic iDrive, which projects information across the lower windscreen and pairs it with a central display. This is a usability choice: test common actions, voice control and night-time distraction rather than counting screen inches.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the GLC EQ if 2,400 kg towing, the larger everyday boot, large frunk or quicker quoted acceleration is decisive.
- Choose the iX3 if maximum official range, 400 kW charging and the newest BMW interface matter most.
- Test both exact configurations if price is close; wheels and options can alter range, ride and value.
- Check current Mercedes pricing in our GLC EQ price and release guide.
Mercedes GLC EQ FAQ
Which has the longer official range?
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive, at up to 805 km WLTP versus up to 715 km in Mercedes production communication.
Which charges faster?
BMW leads on the published figures: 400 kW and 21 minutes from 10–80%, versus 330 kW and 22 minutes for Mercedes.
Which has the larger boot?
Mercedes has more space with the seats up and a larger frunk; BMW has ten litres more with the rear seats folded.
Which can tow more?
Mercedes: up to 2,400 kg braked versus BMW's 2,000 kg.
Which is quicker to 100 km/h?
The published figures are 4.3 seconds for the GLC 400 and 4.9 seconds for the iX3 50 xDrive.
Are these independent test results?
No. They are manufacturer specifications and should be followed by comparable independent road tests.
Continue your GLC EQ research
Sources and methodology
Specifications and dates were checked against manufacturer material. Range and charging results in daily use vary with temperature, speed, wheels, traffic, payload and charger conditions.
- Mercedes-Benz current GLC specifications (official manufacturer source)
- Mercedes-Benz production range announcement (official manufacturer source)
- BMW Group official iX3 press kit (official manufacturer source)
