The fourth-gen BMW X3 has finally entered the Indian market, but how does it fare against its longstanding German competitors?
BMW India launched the new fourth-generation X3 at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2025. The SUV starts at an introductory price of Rs 75.80 lakh, placing it in the ballpark of German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5. Both of these SUVs have been in the market for a few years, so it’s worth taking a look at how the new BMW X3 stacks up against them on the spec sheets.
New BMW X3 vs rivals: exterior dimensions
| NEW BMW X3 VS RIVALS: DIMENSIONS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| X3 | GLC | Q5 | |
| Length (mm) | 4755 | 4716 | 4682 |
| Width (mm) | 1920 | 1890 | 1893 |
| Height (mm) | 1660 | 1640 | 1655 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2865 | 2888 | 2827 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | – | 201 | 200 |
| Boot space (litres) | 570 | 620 | 520 |
| Tyres | 245/50 R19 | 235/55 R19 | 235/55 R19 |
The new BMW X3 is evidently the largest SUV here, but it does have a 23mm shorter wheelbase compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Another area where the GLC takes the lead is its cavernous 620-litre boot, which offers an additional 50-litre of capacity over the new X3 and a 100-litre increase over the Audi Q5’s boot. All three SUVs get 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, but the X3’s tyres offer a 10mm larger section width over the others.
New BMW X3 vs rivals: powertrain
| NEW BMW X3 VS RIVALS: ENGINES, POWER, PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| X3 | GLC | Q5 | |
| Engine(s) | 4-cyl, 1998cc, turbo-petrol / 4-cyl, 1995cc, turbo-diesel | 4-cyl, 1999cc, turbo-petrol / 4-cyl, 1993cc, turbo-diesel | 4-cyl, 1984cc, turbo-petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed TC w/ paddleshifters | 9-speed TC w/ paddleshifters | 7-speed DCT w/ paddleshifters |
| Power (hp) | 190/197 | 258/197 | 249 |
| Torque (Nm) | 310/400 | 400/440 | 370 |
| 0-100kph (seconds) | 7.8/7.7 | 6.2/8.0 | 6.1 |
| Top speed (kph) | – | 240/219 | 240 |
| Drive layout | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| ARAI mileage (kpl) | 13.38 | – | 13.4 |
Unlike the Q5 and its sole petrol offering, both the GLC and the new X3 offer petrol and diesel engine options. The diesel version of the Mercedes SUV matches the X3 diesel’s power output but develops 40Nm more torque, although the BMW SUV finishes the 0-100kph run slightly quicker. The delta between the petrol versions of the X3 and GLC is even greater, as the latter generates nearly 70hp and 90Nm more than the BMW SUV. Compared to the Q5, the petrol X3 falls short by about 60hp and 60Nm. Mild-hybrid systems are standard across the board on these SUVs, but unlike the 48V motors in the X3 and GLC, the Q5 only gets a 12V motor.
New BMW X3 vs rivals: price
| NEW BMW X3 VS RIVALS: PRICE (EX-SHOWROOM, INDIA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| X3 | GLC | Q5 | |
| Price (Rs, lakh) | 75.80(petrol) / 77.80(diesel)^ | 75.90(petrol) / 76.90(diesel) | 66.99-72.29 |
^Introductory prices
The petrol variants of the X3 and GLC trade blows when it comes to price, making the newer BMW SUV a compelling proposition. However, the diesel version of the X3 demands a Rs 90,000 premium over the GLC. The Audi Q5, meanwhile, is the most affordable SUV of the lot, with its top-spec variant being roughly Rs 3.5 lakh cheaper than the equivalent petrol versions of the X3 and GLC. It’s worth mentioning, though, that the current Q5 model is the oldest SUV here, and is expected to be replaced by a new-generation model sometime in 2025.
Also see:
New BMW X3 review: A fresh new direction
