Lets Predict- you’re cruising through downtown in a sleek, silent electric SUV, turning heads with a glowing grille or futuristic dash screens, all while knowing you’re driving the cutting edge of German engineering. At the 2025 IAA Mobility show in Munich, BMW and Mercedes-Benz dropped bombshells with the 2027 BMW iX3 and the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology. These compact luxury electric crossovers are set to battle it out in showrooms, and X users are already picking sides—posts like “BMW iX3’s 400-mile range is a mic drop” and “Mercedes GLC’s Hyperscreen is next-level” are lighting up the platform. As an EV enthusiast who’s been geeking out over these reveals, I’ve dug into every spec, feature, and detail to bring you the ultimate comparison. Which one’s got the edge? Let’s break it down.
The GLC 400 4MATIC EQ and iX3 aren’t just new models—they’re statements. BMW’s iX3 kicks off the Neue Klasse era with game-changing range and charging specs, while Mercedes’ GLC blends its best-selling SUV DNA with futuristic tech and a bold new look. From horsepower to frunks, screens to towing, this showdown is about which German titan delivers the better luxury EV experience. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into specs, range, pricing, and US availability to find out who steals the show.
Design: Style That Screams “Future”
Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC EQ: Goodbye, Jellybean
Mercedes heard the complaints about the EQS’s blob-like shape and responded with a GLC that’s sharp, sleek, and unmistakably premium. The GLC 400 EQ rocks a 0.26 drag coefficient, but it’s no boring aero blob. Its redesigned grille sports 942 LED-lit polycarbonate dots, creating a metallic illusion with optional animations that play when you lock or unlock the car. The three-pointed star glows, and the two-piece taillights mimic rocket thrusters—perfect for showing off at the valet. X users are raving, with one calling it “a spaceship you can park at Whole Foods.”
The GLC’s 117-inch wheelbase (3.1 inches longer than the gas GLC) boosts front legroom by 0.5 inches and rear legroom by 1.9 inches, with headroom up 1.8 inches upfront and 0.6 inches in back. Cargo space is 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats (down from 21.9 in the gas model) but expands to 61.4 cubes with seats folded (vs. 56.3). Oh, and there’s a 3.5-cubic-foot frunk—Mercedes’ first in an EV. With 21-inch wheels available and a stance that’s more aggressive than the outgoing EQC, the GLC looks ready to dominate the luxury EV scene.
BMW iX3: Neue Klasse, New Attitude
BMW’s iX3 isn’t just a refresh—it’s a complete reinvention, built on the Neue Klasse platform. Its design is evolutionary, keeping the iconic kidney grille (blanked for aero) but adding sleek, minimalist lines and a 0.25 drag coefficient. The iX3’s silhouette is sportier than the GLC’s, with flush door handles and slim LED headlights that scream “BMW, but make it electric.” X posts praise its “clean, futuristic vibe,” though some say it’s “less bold than the GLC’s glowing grille.”
The iX3’s dimensions aren’t fully disclosed, but it’s slightly shorter in wheelbase at ~115 inches, offering comparable legroom but a tighter rear headroom due to a sloping roofline. Cargo space is estimated at 20–22 cubic feet behind the seats and up to 60 cubes folded, with a small frunk (~3 cubic feet). Standard 19-inch wheels (up to 21 inches) keep it planted, and the aerodynamic focus gives it a slight edge in efficiency. The iX3’s design is understated but purposeful, appealing to buyers who want subtle sophistication.
Design Verdict: The GLC 400 EQ wins for flash with its animated grille and rocket-like taillights, but the iX3’s cleaner, sportier look might appeal to purists. It’s a toss-up based on whether you want showy or sleek.
Tech and Interior: Screens, Sounds, and Smarts
Mercedes GLC 400 EQ: Hyperscreen Heaven
Mercedes is doubling down on screens, and the GLC’s optional 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen is a jaw-dropper. It’s three displays in one: a 10.25-inch gauge cluster, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger screen, all under a single glass panel. Don’t want the passenger screen? You get a digital trim piece that can display personal photos or 12 preloaded images. Powered by the Unity Game Engine, the MBUX system uses AI for natural voice commands, Google Maps integration, and app organization like a smartphone. New apps include Microsoft Teams (yawn) and Disney+, perfect for keeping the kids entertained.
The GLC’s interior is a tech lover’s dream, with optional Burmester 3D/4D audio (with seat transducers for “feel the sound” vibes) and Active Ambient Lighting that syncs with music or movies. The panoramic roof, standard with infrared coating, can go opaque with Sky Control’s PDLC tech, showing 162 glowing “stars” in 64 colors at night—a Rolls-Royce vibe for less. Seats, certified by the German Organization for Healthy Backs, offer memory, heating, and optional massage with Energizing Comfort modes like “Warm & Cozy” or “Power Nap.” A vegan interior option uses 30% recycled materials, and X users are calling it “the most luxurious GLC ever.”
Unique to the GLC is its “Sound Experience” with six modes, including retro “Fractal Fusion” (think 80s arcade vibes) and “Granular Fuzz” (guitar riffs meets nature sounds). These play on startup, locking, or charging, separate from the pedestrian alert system. It’s quirky, fun, and pure Mercedes.
BMW iX3: iDrive X Simplicity
BMW takes a different approach with the iX3’s iDrive X system, featuring a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a Panoramic Vision display at the windshield base. A 3D head-up display is optional, and while it’s less in-your-face than the GLC’s Hyperscreen, it’s intuitive and driver-focused. X posts praise its “clean, no-nonsense interface,” though some note it “lacks the GLC’s wow factor.” The system supports over-the-air updates, navigation with charge-point integration, and apps like Spotify, but it’s less flashy than Mercedes’ setup.
The iX3’s interior is premium but understated, with high-quality materials and optional vegan leather. Ambient lighting is present but doesn’t sync with media like the GLC’s. The audio system, likely a Harman Kardon or optional Bowers & Wilkins, is crisp but lacks the GLC’s seat-shaking 4D option. Seats are comfortable with heating and memory standard, but no massage or wellness modes. The iX3 also supports bidirectional charging (V2L, V2H, V2G) via a DC wallbox, a feature Mercedes doesn’t mention. For tech geeks, the iX3 feels functional; for luxury lovers, the GLC’s cabin is a sensory overload.
Tech Verdict: The GLC 400 EQ’s Hyperscreen, 4D audio, and starry roof make it a tech showcase, but the iX3’s simpler iDrive X and bidirectional charging appeal to practical buyers. Mercedes wins for luxury, BMW for usability.
Performance and Range: Power Meets Efficiency
Mercedes GLC 400 EQ: Punchy and Practical
The GLC 400 4MATIC EQ uses dual electric motors for 483 horsepower, paired with a two-speed rear transmission and a front disconnect for efficiency. Mercedes doesn’t quote 0–60 mph times, but expect ~4.8–5.0 seconds based on its 483 hp and 130-mph top speed. The 94-kWh battery delivers a WLTP range of 713 km (443 miles), likely 300–320 miles EPA, with 330 kW charging adding 188 miles in 10 minutes. The one-box braking system, borrowed from the S-Class, offers smooth regenerative braking up to 300 kW, stopping the car without friction brakes in most scenarios—a big improvement over the EQS’s wonky pedal feel.
The GLC’s 5,291-pound towing capacity is a standout, perfect for hauling a trailer or boat. Optional Airmatic suspension and rear-axle steering (up to 4.5 degrees) make it agile despite its 117-inch wheelbase. X users are impressed, with one saying, “483 hp and a frunk? Mercedes is coming for the crown.” The GLC’s MB.EA platform uses silicon carbide inverters for efficiency, and the 800-volt architecture ensures future-proof charging.
BMW iX3: Range King
The iX3 50 xDrive, the only variant at launch, packs 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque from dual motors (rear EESM, front ASM), hitting 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and topping out at 130 mph. Its 108.7-kWh battery delivers a WLTP range of 805 km (500 miles), likely 400 miles EPA, outpacing the GLC. Charging at 400 kW adds 231 miles in 10 minutes, and the sixth-gen eDrive tech cuts energy loss by 40%, weight by 10%, and costs by 20%. Regenerative braking handles 98% of stops, making the iX3 a master of efficiency.
Towing is weaker at 4,400 pounds, but the iX3’s sportier suspension tuning offers sharper handling, though it’s firmer over rough roads. X posts call it “the EV to beat,” with one user noting, “400 miles and 400 kW charging? BMW’s not playing.” The Neue Klasse platform prioritizes scalability, and the iX3’s single-cell battery tech (no mixed cells) boosts cost efficiency. A single-motor RWD variant is coming later, potentially dropping the price further.
Performance Verdict: The iX3’s longer range and faster charging give it an edge, but the GLC’s towing capacity and smoother ride make it more versatile. BMW wins for efficiency, Mercedes for utility.
Pricing and US Availability: The Bottom Line
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive hits US dealers in mid-2026 with a starting price of ~$60,000, a steal for its 400-mile EPA range and 463 hp. Mercedes hasn’t released GLC 400 EQ pricing, but expect $65,000–$70,000 based on the gas GLC 300 4MATIC ($51,250) and the EQE SUV ($80,000). The GLC arrives in late 2026, giving BMW a slight head start. Both are premium, but the iX3’s lower price and superior range make it a value leader, while the GLC’s tech-heavy cabin justifies a higher price for luxury seekers.
Which One Wins?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC EQ and BMW iX3 are neck-and-neck, but they cater to different buyers. The GLC shines with its tech-heavy interior, dazzling Hyperscreen, and superior towing capacity, making it the choice for luxury lovers who want a plush, feature-packed ride. The iX3, with its longer range, faster charging, and lower price, is the value king for efficiency-focused drivers who still want premium vibes. X users are split—some love the GLC’s “starry roof and sci-fi cabin,” while others call the iX3 “the EV bargain of the decade.”
If you prioritize range and cost, the iX3 takes the crown. If luxury and utility are your jam, the GLC’s your ride. What’s your pick? Drop a comment and let’s argue it out like true car nerds. For more EV battles, check our reviews of the Mercedes EQE SUV and BMW i4, or visit Mercedes-Benz USA and BMW USA for the latest. The electric SUV war is heating up, and these two are leading the charge.
Source- mercedes-benz-media.co.uk
