BMW iX3 vs Mercedes GLC Electric: What I found in these next-gen EVs

Update: Story updated with exclusive images and first-hand impressions.

BMW and Mercedes are introducing their next-generation electric SUVs this year. The BMW iX3 50 xDrive goes on sale this summer, while the Mercedes GLC 400 4MATIC Electric will reach U.S. dealers in the second half of 2026.

Both are global models positioned in the premium SUV segment, combining long range, powerful dual-motor drivetrains, highly connected cabins, and rapid charging.

I’ve had a chance to spend time with both vehicles, and here’s how the next-gen SUVs compare, along with the preliminary data.

Design & Interior

BMW iX3 50 xDrive Space Silver front — Both SUVs debut a new front design, reinterpreting looks from their history. The LED-packed grille of the GLC hits very differently in person compared to photos!

Mercedes GLC Electric Patagonia Red front — Both SUVs debut a new front design, reinterpreting looks from their history. The LED-packed grille of the GLC hits very differently in person compared to photos!

The iX3 retains BMW’s upright SAV proportions, lavished with a vertical kidney grille that stays faithful to the brand’s heritage and flush glazing for aerodynamic efficiency. Its stance reinforces the connection to the gas-powered X3, with body-color wheel arches and a strong horizontal light signature at the rear.

Inside, the focus is minimalist with a driver-oriented cockpit with Panoramic iDrive on a 14.9-inch screen, a floating instrument panel, and sustainable trim options.

BMW iX3 50 xDrive Space Silver interior — While the GLC Electric settles for an evolution of the existing design, BMW has adopted a new display bar that runs across the bottom of the windshield. I feel more OEMs will adopt this format in the future.

Mercedes GLC Electric Patagonia Red infotainment — While the GLC Electric settles for an evolution of the existing design, BMW has adopted a new display bar that runs across the bottom of the windshield. I feel more OEMs will adopt this format in the future.

Mercedes harks back to the vintage models with a reimagined illuminated grille featuring 942 light points and an animated center star. It features sculpted shoulder lines and 0.26 Cd aerodynamic profile.

The cabin contrasts BMW’s restraint, centering on the 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen and a SKY CONTROL panoramic roof with an optional starry sky effect. Materials include a world-first Vegan Package certified by The Vegan Society.

Utility & Features

2026 BMW iX3 Space Silver front seats — As a six-footer, I felt slightly more comfortable in the front seat of the iX3, though I didn’t find anything lacking in the GLC Electric in terms of support or visibility.

Mercedes GLC Electric Patagonia Red front seats — As a six-footer, I felt slightly more comfortable in the front seat of the iX3, though I didn’t find anything lacking in the GLC Electric in terms of support or visibility.

The iX3 offers 520 liters (18.3 cu ft) of cargo space expandable to 1,750 liters (61.8 cu ft), plus a 58-liter (2.0 cu ft) frunk. Seats look sporty and comfortable, with Econeer recycled fabric standard and higher trims offering Veganza and Merino leather.

The GLC Electric provides greater utility on paper, with 570 liters (20.1 cu ft) of cargo space, expandable to 1,740 liters (61.4 cu ft), and a 100-liter (3.5 cu ft) frunk. Mercedes also integrates advanced comfort features such as ENERGIZING COMFORT wellness programs and AGR-certified ergonomic seating.

The iX3 is rated to tow up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs). The GLC offers stronger utility with 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) braked capacity.

2026 BMW iX3 rear seat — As a six-footer, I felt slightly more comfortable in the rear seat of the GLC Electric, compared to the iX3. Both cars get long wheelbase versions for the Chinese market.

Mercedes GLC Electric Patagonia Red rear seat — As a six-footer, I felt slightly more comfortable in the rear seat of the GLC Electric, compared to the iX3. Both cars get long wheelbase versions for the Chinese market.

Specifications

Battery & Range

The BMW iX3 uses a 108.7 kWh net battery pack delivering 679-805 km (422-500 miles) WLTP range, and around 400 miles in the EPA cycle. Mercedes fits a smaller 94 kWh battery but claims 571-713 km (355-443 miles) WLTP.

Performance

The iX3 50 xDrive delivers 345 kW (469 hp) and 645 Nm (475 lb-ft) from dual motors, achieving 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. Mercedes offers more performance on paper: 360 kW (483 hp) and 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Both have top speeds limited to 210 km/h (130 mph).

New BMW iX3 side — The GLC Electric feels closer to its combustion counterpart from this angle. The iX3 keeps well clear of curvy, dome-styled elements.

Mercedes GLC Electric Patagonia Red side — The GLC Electric feels closer to its combustion counterpart from this angle. The iX3 keeps well clear of curvy, dome-styled elements.

Charging

BMW is ahead on charging speed, with 400 kW DC capability, 10-80% in 21 minutes, and up to 372 km (231 miles) added in ten minutes. AC charging is 11 kW standard, 22 kW optional. It also supports bidirectional Vehicle-to-Load, Vehicle-to-Home, and Vehicle-to-Grid.

Mercedes supports up to 330 kW DC fast charging, adding 10-80% in 22 minutes. AC charging matches BMW at 11 kW standard, 22 kW optional.

Safety

BMW equips the iX3 with sixth-generation eDrive motors, Panoramic Vision displays, and a zonal electronics architecture with smart fuses to cut wiring weight. Standard driver assistance includes Dynamic Stability Control, trailer stability control, besides 7 airbags.

BMW iX3 50 xDrive Space Silver rear three quarter — I noticed a stark difference in the design and volumes of the two designs in this angle. The GLC is more rounded, while the iX3 opts for quirky, polygonal shapes.

Mercedes GLC Electric Patagonia Red rear three quarter — I noticed a stark difference in the design and volumes of the two designs in this angle. The GLC is more rounded, while the iX3 opts for quirky, polygonal shapes.

The GLC Electric integrates MB.OS, an AI-driven supercomputer managing everything from infotainment to ADAS. Up to ten cameras, five radars, and twelve ultrasonic sensors feed the MB.DRIVE assistance suite.

Safety includes an advanced high-voltage protection system, PRE-SAFE, a new One-Box braking system, and up to 11 airbags.

Aspect	BMW iX3 50 xDrive	Mercedes GLC 400 4MATIC Electric
Battery (usable)	108.7 kWh	94 kWh
Range (WLTP)	679-805 km (422-500 mi)	571-713 km (355-443 mi)
Power / Torque	469 hp / 475 lb-ft	483 hp / NA
0-62 mph	4.9 seconds	4.3 seconds
Top speed	210 km/h (130 mph)	210 km/h (130 mph)
Charging (DC)	400 kW, 10-80% in 21 min	330 kW, 10-80% in 22 min
Charging (AC)	11 kW std / 22 kW opt	11 kW std / 22 kW opt
Cargo space	520-1750 L (18.3-61.8 cu ft) + 58 L (2.0 cu ft) frunk	570-1740 L (20.1-61.4 cu ft) + 100 L (3.5 cu ft) frunk
Towing capacity	2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)	2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Wheelbase	114.1 in	117.0 in
Length / Width / Height	188.3 / 74.6 / 64.4 in	190.7 / 75.3 / 64.7 in
Launch (U.S.)	Summer 2025	H2 2026
Pricing	~USD 60,000	~USD 60,000 (expected)

Specifications are from the global media sites of BMW and Mercedes. We’ll update the final specs for the U.S. market once they are released.

Price & Release Date

BMW iX3 50 xDrive Space Silver rear — I sensed that these two bear the weight of the future of Germany’s car industry on their shoulders as the Chinese surge ahead with the electrification lead.

2026 Mercedes GLC Electric rear — I sensed that these two bear the weight of the future of Germany’s car industry on their shoulders as the Chinese surge ahead with the electrification lead.

Production of the iX3 began in Hungary in November 2025, with the first cars available at U.S. dealers in summer 2026. Mercedes targets the second half of 2026 for U.S. market introduction.

BMW has confirmed a starting price of about USD 60,000, and the GLC Electric is expected to be positioned in a similar range.

Shrawan Raja Founder & CEO

An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.