2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV, with its redesigned features capturing attention. Despite the oversized grille, the vehicle's overall proportions, including a long and tall hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline, contributed to its athletic look. The test model, adorned in BMW’s new Arctic Race Blue paint, paired perfectly with machined surface wheel finishes and gloss black M Sport details. Inside, the cabin offered quality materials where expected, though some plastic elements revealed the X3’s price point. The interior was functional, with nifty ambient lighting, but the lower cabin plastics, particularly on door armrests and storage bins, detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded luxury and comfort, with a lineup that included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured 21-inch AMG wheels and a premium leather interior, enhancing its sporty appearance. The interior, similar to the smaller GLE, boasted high-quality materials and detailing, though body creaks were noted on chilly mornings. The GLS offered a tailored feel, accommodating up to seven adults comfortably, with options for ventilated and massaging seats, a rapid heating system, and a five-zone climate control. Despite some storage limitations, the GLS provided a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, making it a refined choice for luxury SUV enthusiasts.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 1,894-kilogram weight, the X3 achieved a credible zero-to-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve, combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhanced off-the-line responsiveness and improved fuel economy. The M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The X3 excelled on twisty roads, though its sport-tuned suspension and large wheels made for a jiggly ride on imperfect pavement.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, the GLS 450 accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension enhancing ride quality. The GLS 450's powertrain occasionally exhibited delays in responsiveness, but the turbo-six engine sounded sensational under hard acceleration. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin and composed ride, making it a standout in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior, with a power-adjustable driver’s seat providing an excellent view of the road. The cabin felt wider and larger than most compact crossovers, featuring a simple dashboard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 892 litres, with a lightweight, easy-to-remove cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided standard seven-passenger seating, with an optional six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS offered exceptional comfort, with standard features including a four-zone climate control system, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and heated outboard second-row seats. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs, though storage locations were limited. The cargo area offered 355 litres of space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second row folded down. Despite falling short of traditional full-size luxury SUVs in cargo capacity, the GLS accommodated luggage with ease.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with Operating System 9, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze and became unresponsive, prompting reliance on wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, which worked flawlessly. Despite the frustrating experience with the infotainment tech, the navigation system with augmented video feature provided accurate directions and arrival estimates.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality enhancement, and a Burmester surround-sound system. The MBUX system was easy to use, with configurable digital driver displays and a responsive touchscreen. The digital assistant, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” performed well, though it stumbled with specific requests.

The 2025 BMW X3 came equipped with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Steering Assistant technology. The Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech, operable via the MyBMW smartphone app. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact crash test.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured nearly 40 safety and driver assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist technologies. The GLS offered a hands-on driver assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel, though it struggled with more dramatic road curves. The system required active driver participation, behaving as a refined partner on longer drives. The GLS braked harder than necessary in certain situations, but overall, it provided a safe and secure driving experience.