BMW iX3 EV vs Mercedes-Benz GLC EV

At the IAA Mobility 2025 show, BMW and Mercedes-Benz revealed two of their most significant new models: the BMW iX3 EV, built on the brand’s new Neue Klasse architecture, and the all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC EV, which joins the EQ-inspired family.

BMW seems to have simmered down there in-your-face design after years of backlash while Mercedes has decided to pick where the Bavarians left off with one of the flashiest designs ever

Design

BMW has taken a relatively cautious approach with the iX3 EV. The silhouette is familiar, instantly recognisable as part of the X3 family, with tweaks for aerodynamics. 

The sealed kidney grille is there, but it does not scream for attention, and the rest of the exterior is marked by cleaner surfaces and tight proportions. This makes the iX3 look elegant and balanced, but some might find it too safe. 

Mercedes has no interest in subtlety. The GLC EV is bold and, at times, borderline flashy. The massive, illuminated grille, the light signatures across the front and rear, and the animated lighting patterns make sure you notice it. It is unapologetically extroverted, almost like Mercedes wanted to ensure that no one mistakes it for the petrol GLC. 

The longer wheelbase improves proportions, but the sheer amount of lighting bling can divide opinion. Traditional Mercedes owners who like discreet luxury might find it too much, while younger buyers may love the drama.

Interior

Step into the BMW iX3 and you get a taste of the Neue Klasse interior philosophy. The Panoramic iDrive screen stretches across the dashboard ( like the one you see in Xiaomi SU7) but is angled toward the driver, reminding you that BMW still thinks in terms of driving first. The graphics are crisp, the interface is cleaner than before, and physical controls for key functions have been retained.

 Materials feel premium, with sustainable trim options and vegan leather on offer, though it still plays things safe. It is modern but restrained.

The GLC EV, by contrast, wants to wow you from the second you enter. The optional EQS like 39-inch MBUX Hyperscreen dominates the cabin. Everything from climate control to navigation runs through this massive display. Add in the pulsing ambient lighting, the illuminated dashboard inserts, and the panoramic roof that can simulate a starry sky, and it feels more like stepping into a lounge than an SUV. 

The problem is, not everyone wants their car to feel like a nightclub. It looks spectacular, but the reliance on touch and haptic feedback over physical buttons might frustrate traditionalists.

Features and Technology

Both SUVs bring state-of-the-art digital systems, but they approach them differently. The iX3 comes with BMW’s “Heart of Joy” supercomputer, which oversees energy management, drivetrain response, and regenerative braking. It makes the car feel sharp and responsive, with updates delivered over the air to refine performance. 

The voice assistant works reasonably well, and BMW’s adaptive charging learns your usage patterns. Yet, compared to Mercedes, the cabin tech feels more purposeful than playful.

The GLC EV’s MB.OS operating system is arguably the most advanced infotainment system currently in a car. It integrates AI for predictive navigation, natural speech commands, and smart route planning that takes weather and charging stops into account. 

The transparent bonnet feature for off-roading is a neat trick, and AIRMATIC suspension with rear-wheel steering makes the SUV both comfortable and manoeuvrable. 

But the sheer dependency on touchscreens and digital menus can overwhelm. Mercedes has gone all-in on turning the car into a rolling smart device, which may or may not appeal depending on how much you actually like big tech ecosystems.

Battery, Power and Range

The BMW iX3 EV sets a benchmark here. With its new Gen6 cylindrical cells and 800-volt architecture, the SUV carries a usable battery capacity of around 108–109 kWh. WLTP range is claimed at over 800 km, which should translate to around 400 miles EPA. This is higher than most rivals, including the Mercedes, and shows BMW’s advantage in efficiency. It also eases range anxiety, particularly in countries like ours where public charging is still patchy.

Mercedes offers the GLC EV with different battery options, the flagship being a 94.5 kWh NMC pack. Claimed WLTP range tops out at around 713 km, closer to 450 miles in real-world terms. That is respectable but still falls short of BMW’s numbers. Mercedes also offers a more affordable LFP option in some markets, but that may not come to India.

Charging is where infrastructure often limits cars, but on paper, both are fast. The iX3 supports up to 400 kW DC charging, letting you go from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes. That is blisteringly quick, but the reality is that chargers of that speed are rare, especially in India. Still, it is future-proof.

The GLC EV uses an 800-volt system too but peaks at around 320–330 kW charging. Mercedes says it can add about 300 km of range in 10 minutes. Again, this is excellent on paper, but in practice, India’s current chargers usually max out at 150 kW. For Indian buyers, both cars will feel slower to charge than their specs suggest, at least for the next few years.

BMW’s iX3 delivers 463 hp and 640 Nm of torque from dual motors, hitting 0–100 km/h in under 5 seconds. 

The GLC EV is more about comfort than dynamics. With dual motors making around 400–450 hp (spec varies by variant), it is quick enough, but not as focused as the BMW. 

Safety and Assistance

 BMW leans on its partnership with Qualcomm to deliver a Level 2+ system powered by the Snapdragon Ride platform. This gives the iX3 hands-free capabilities on highways, automated lane changes, AI-assisted parking, and adaptive cruise control that feels more like a co-pilot than a controlling system. 

Cameras, radar, high-definition maps, and eye-tracking ensure the car knows not just the road around it but also whether the driver is paying attention. For India, where regulations around autonomous driving are still evolving, this Level 2+ setup is arguably more realistic and usable.

Mercedes takes a bolder step with the GLC EV, equipping it with Drive Pilot, a certified Level 3 conditional automation system already in operation in Germany and select U.S. states. Unlike BMW’s setup, this allows the driver to truly take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel at speeds up to 95 km/h on mapped highways. 

The system uses more than 35 sensors, including LiDAR, radar, cameras, and ultrasonic devices, paired with ultra-precise maps and fallback redundancies. If the driver fails to respond, the car can bring itself to a safe stop.

Indian Availability

Neither SUV is on Indian roads yet. BMW will start production of the iX3 in late 2025, with global sales beginning in early 2026. India is expected to see it later that year, possibly assembled locally at the Chennai plant, but pricing will likely hover around ₹80–90 lakh.

Mercedes has not given exact dates either, but the GLC EV is expected to arrive in India around a similar timeframe. Given that Mercedes already sells the EQB and EQE SUV here, it has a stronger EV footprint locally. Prices should sit around ₹90 lakh to ₹1 crore, depending on configuration.

BMW India currently sells the i4 sedan, the iX SUV, and the i7 luxury limousine. and iX1 LWB The Mini Cooper SE is also available. All are niche products, but the iX has found some traction thanks to its size and presence. The iX3 will be the brand’s first true mass-appeal luxury electric SUV in India, sitting below the flagship iX.

Mercedes-Benz India, on the other hand, has a broader EV lineup. The EQB serves as the entry point, followed by the EQE SUV and the EQS luxury sedan. The GLC EV will slot between the EQB and EQE, arguably becoming the most relevant for Indian buyers because of its size and positioning. Mercedes has already invested in a charging network at its dealerships, giving it an advantage in customer confidence.