Compare the2022 BMW X3 MVS 2021 Mercedes AMG GLA

The BMW X3 M has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The X3 M’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG GLA.

Both the X3 M and the AMG GLA have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The BMW X3 M weighs 957 pounds more than the Mercedes AMG GLA. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, with its optional front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X3 M its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 113 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG GLA has not been tested, yet.

The X3 M’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG GLA’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X3 M for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG GLA.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 20th in initial quality. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The X3 M’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 171 more horsepower (473 vs. 302) and 162 lbs.-ft. more torque (457 vs. 295) than the AMG GLA 35’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X3 M’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 91 more horsepower (473 vs. 382) and 103 lbs.-ft. more torque (457 vs. 354) than the AMG GLA 45’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X3 M Competition’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 121 more horsepower (503 vs. 382) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 354) than the AMG GLA 45’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

Regenerative brakes improve the X3 M’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X3 M has 4.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG GLA (17.2 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the X3 M’s brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG GLA:

For better traction, the X3 M has larger tires than the AMG GLA (F:255/45R20 & R:265/45R20 vs. 235/50R19).

The X3 M’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG GLA’s standard 50 series tires. The X3 M Competition’s tires have a lower 40 series profile than the AMG GLA’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X3 M has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the AMG GLA 35.

The X3 M has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the AMG GLA; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the AMG GLA don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X3 M’s wheelbase is 5.4 inches longer than on the AMG GLA (112.8 inches vs. 107.4 inches).

The X3 M has 1.3 inches more front headroom, 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the AMG GLA.

The X3 M has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the AMG GLA with its rear seat up (28.7 vs. 19 cubic feet). The X3 M has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the AMG GLA with its rear seat folded (62.7 vs. 50.5 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X3 M’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The engine in the X3 M is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the AMG GLA. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the X3 M has standard extendable sun visors. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 M to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X3 M has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the AMG GLA. The X3 M also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the AMG GLA.

On extremely cold winter days, the X3 M’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The BMW X3 outsold the Mercedes GLA by almost four to one during the 2021 model year.