KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- BMW X3 starts at 75.80 lakh, and the second variant is priced at 77.80 lakh
- X3 is the longest and widest car in its segment.
- Audi Q5 feels outdated, inside and out.
- GLC petrol engine produces more power than BMW's engine.
BMW India has just launched the highly awaited fourth generation of the BMW X3 on the second day of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. This update is set to create a lot of stir in the luxury car market, as the X3 is one of BMW's highest-selling models and has always faced neck-to-neck competition with the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class. So, let's compare the new model with the GLC and another important rival, the Audi Q5. Lets get started, and before we do, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
Also Read: Top 12 SUVs We Saw At Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025
BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC vs Audi Q5: Price
The all-new X3 starts at Rs 75.80 lakh ex-showroom, with the second and final variant featuring a diesel option priced at Rs 77.80 lakh. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, the SUV based on the C-Class, starts at Rs 76.80 lakh, while the Q5 is the most affordable, starting at just Rs 66.99 lakh. However, unlike its rivals, the Q5 does not offer a diesel powertrain.
| SUVs | BMW X3 | Mercedes Benz GLC Class | Audi Q5 |
| Price of 1st variant | Rs 75.80 lakh (Petrol) | Rs 76.80 lakh (Petrol) | Rs 66.99 lakh (Petrol) |
| Price of 2nd variant | Rs 77.80 lakh (Diesel) | Rs 77.80 lakh (Diesel) | Rs 72.29 lakh (Petrol) |
| Price of 3rd variant | NA | NA | Rs 73.79 lakh (Petrol) |
Dimensions Comparison
| Dimensions | BMW X3 | Mercedes Benz GLC Class | Audi Q5 |
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,716 mm | 4,628 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,890 mm | 1,893 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,640 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,888 mm | 2,827 mm |
This table will give you a clear idea that if your priority is a bigger car with a great amount of space inside, then the all-new BMW X3 is what you're looking for. It is the longest, widest, and tallest vehicle in this comparison. However, its wheelbase is 23 mm shorter than the GLC's, but that wont affect the interior space. Additionally, there is no available data on the boot space of these vehicles, but as soon as we have that information, well update the table.
Powertrains
The all-new BMW X3 is powered by the same 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol and diesel engines, but this time, both are assisted by a 48V mild-hybrid system that enhances both fuel efficiency and performance. As for the GLC Class, it also offers both petrol and diesel engine options, with both equipped with the same 48V mild-hybrid system.
- BMW xDrive 20 M Sport - 190 HP and 310 NM of torque
- BMW xDrive 20d M Sport - 197 HP and 400 Nm of torque
- GLC 220d 4 Matic - 197 HP and 440 Nm of torque
- GLC 300 4 Matic - 258 HP and 400 Nm of torque
The Audi Q5 is different here, as it offers only one engine: a 2.0L TFSI turbo petrol making 265 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. So, for diesel enthusiasts, there is no engine option.
Features Comparison
The interior of the GLC Class is completely identical to the C-Class, and so does all the features on offer. In GLC Class, there is 11.9 Inch of Infotainment screen and 12.3 Inch of driver's display. The central screen is powered by MBUX, Mercedes Benz offical operating system. Apart from that, there are Burmester 3D surround sound system, dual zone climate control, memory function seats, front seat ventialtion, fingerprint scanner.
For safety, the car comes equipped with ADAS, a 360-degree parking camera, TPMS, blind spot assist, and 7 airbags. The new BMW X3 features the BMW Curved Display, which includes a 12.3-inch driver's display and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. Additionally, the interior feels futuristic, with no visible AC vents. BMW has also added crystal elements with ambient lighting running through them, making the interior experience unbelievably good.
Additional features include a panoramic glass roof, memory front seats with ventilation, a massage function, and various adjustability options. The car also comes equipped with ADAS and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, ensuring an exceptional audio experience.
Lastly, the Audi Q5 feels dated as soon as you step inside, with a dashboard layout that is quite basic and uninspiring. It features a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a 12-inch driver's display, which Audi calls the Virtual Cockpit. The Q5 also comes with a panoramic sunroof and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
In terms of the overall interior feel and feature on offer, the Audi is miles behind its rivals and feel like a decade old car.
Also Read: Skoda At The 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo
Verdict
By comparing these three cars side by side, one thing I've observed is that the all-new BMW X3 feels more special, centered, and luxurious than the GLC and Q5. The GLC shares so much with the C-Class that, apart from its SUV stance, it doesn't have a strong personality of its own like the X3. Additionally, the overall interior quality and technology are a step ahead. As for the Q5, this SUV badly needs an update, as it feels like it still belongs to the 2010s era and doesn't offer multiple engine options like its rivals.
