BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
When we compare the BMW X3's and the Mercedes-Benz GLA's specifications and ratings, the BMW X3 has the advantage in the areas of overall quality score and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the BMW X3's and the Mercedes-Benz GLA's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is a better car than the BMW X3.
Pricing: For a new model, the BMW X3's price is between $54,175 and $73,916, with the Mercedes-Benz GLA priced between $43,420 and $54,540.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW X3 loses 53.9 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz GLA loses 48.2 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz GLA retains 5.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW X3.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW X3 is 8.4 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz GLA's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the BMW X3 being ranked 6 out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs and the Mercedes-Benz GLA being ranked 13 out of 68.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW X3 is 7.7 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz GLA the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz GLA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW X3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW X3’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA base engine makes 221 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The BMW X3 has an average safety rating of 4.90 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
54175 - 73916
Starting MSRP:
50900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
47438
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
24600 - 63100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
43420 - 54540
Starting MSRP:
41500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
40750
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
26100 - 49900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
59368
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
57126 - 63354
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
50037
Price Range:
47130 - 52398
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
45657
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
29166 - 57767
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
27574
Depreciation %:
0.5417354
Resale Value $:
23326
Residual Value %:
0.4582646
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.5347415
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.44440421 - 0.60245917
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20234
Depreciation %:
0.4875725
Resale Value $:
21266
Residual Value %:
0.5124275
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
0.4977078
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
0.45978416 - 0.54197624
BMW X3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.9 / 10
Mercedes-Benz GLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
15.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
12.0 - 16.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.065
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz GLA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
13.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
13.4 - 13.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.064
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
BMW X3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 68Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
16 out of / 68Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 68Ranking
32 out of / 64Ranking
35 out of / 68Ranking
48 out of / 68Mercedes-Benz GLA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
12 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 64Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
24 out of / 68Ranking
37 out of / 68Ranking
40 out of / 68Ranking
43 out of / 68Ranking
53 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW X3 Trim Levels
30 xDrive, M50 xDrive
Mercedes-Benz GLA Trim Levels
AMG GLA 35, GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.90 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
31.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
67.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
50.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
114.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4176 lbs
Width:
83.9 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
187.2 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3605 lbs
Width:
79.5 inches
Height:
63.5 inches
Length:
173.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/50R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Arctic Race Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Dune Grey Metallic / Frozen Deep Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
White
Polar White
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Calm Beige
Black
Black / Black/Atlas Grey
Brown
Amber/Atlas Grey / Espresso Brown
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Bahia Brown / Bahia Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Sage Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
