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The BMW iX3 arrives as our Electrifying Car of the Year, and it earns the badge. Fresh battery technology delivers a claimed 500 miles of range, it handles superbly, and the latest infotainment generation lands well, too. Yet a serious rival has appeared. The new Mercedes GLC Electric brings more traditional styling, a plusher cabin and a generous helping of equipment and screen real estate. Its weakness? Range, where it trails with 406 miles on the WLTP cycle. Let us see which premium electric SUV deserves a spot on your driveway.
Start with the headline gap. The iX3 xDrive50 draws its 500 miles from a 108.7kWh battery, while the GLC manages 406 miles from a 94.5kWh pack. Real-world testing brought both close together on efficiency, returning roughly 3.7 to 3.9 miles per kWh on mixed country roads and motorways in warm weather. That works out to around 413 miles for the BMW and 360 miles for the Mercedes. In cold, wet conditions, the BMW still held about 360 miles on a motorway run, and we expect the Mercedes to dip closer to 300. Charging favours the BMW too, with up to 400kW peak speeds against the Mercedes’ still rapid 330kW.
Styling splits the two neatly. The iX3 is the sharp, modern choice, with clean surfacing, no chrome and a striking illuminated grille. The GLC plays the traditionalist, smart and slick with its glowing lit-up grille, but nothing radical. Inside, Mercedes pushes its vast Hyperscreen, a sweep of display that genuinely impresses, paired with sumptuous wood and brushed aluminium. The BMW counters with more dashboard and less glass, its parallelogram touchscreen feeling modern without overwhelming the cabin. The Mercedes wins on luxury and material richness, while the BMW keeps things minimalist and uncluttered.
Both seats accommodate tall passengers with ease, offering generous head and leg room, climate control and USB-C ports in the rear. On boot space, the GLC edges ahead with 570 litres to the BMW’s 520, and its 125-litre frunk dwarfs the iX3’s 58-litre nose compartment. Better still, the Mercedes frunk opens with a simple external button, making it far more usable. For outright practicality, the GLC takes the points, though neither will leave a family wanting. Folding 40/20/40 rear seats in both adds welcome flexibility for longer loads.
On the road, the pair diverge again. The GLC, fitted with optional air suspension, glides with a soft, floaty ride that soaks up bumps but allows noticeable body movement. The standard suspension arguably suits it better. The iX3 rides a touch firmer, lacking adaptive dampers for now, yet rewards with sharp, alert responses and a keen, sporting character. It is the more engaging companion while remaining a superb long-distance cruiser. Both cars are refined and satisfying, but the BMW’s crisper handling and composed motorway manners give it the edge. With its range, dynamics and measured infotainment, the iX3 stays the one to beat. Only the upcoming Volvo EX60 looms on its horizon.
