Compare the2022 Mercedes AMG GLAVS 2022 BMW X3 M

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes AMG GLA have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X3 M doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

Both the AMG GLA and the X3 M have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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, available lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 9 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the AMG GLA’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the AMG GLA gets better mileage than the X3 M:

The AMG GLA offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The X3 M doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The AMG GLA’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the X3 M Competition’s 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the AMG GLA can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The X3 M doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The AMG GLA’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The X3 M doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the AMG GLA’s turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the X3 M’s (39.9 feet vs. 41.4 feet).

The Mercedes AMG GLA may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 950 pounds less than the BMW X3 M.

The AMG GLA is 11.4 inches shorter than the X3 M, making the AMG GLA easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The AMG GLA has .7 inches more front legroom and 1.6 inches more rear legroom than the X3 M.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the AMG GLA easier. The AMG GLA’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 27.2 inches, while the X3 M’s liftover is 28.5 inches.

The AMG GLA has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The X3 M doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the X3 M, the AMG GLA has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The AMG GLA’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The X3 M doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Heated windshield washer fluid is standard on the AMG GLA to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The X3 M doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

The AMG GLA offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the X3 M.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes AMG GLA offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The X3 M doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The AMG GLA has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The X3 M doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Insurance will cost less for the AMG GLA owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the AMG GLA will cost $310 to $775 less than the X3 M over a five-year period.

The AMG GLA will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the AMG GLA will retain 51.44% to 53.29% of its original price after five years, while the X3 M only retains 50.69%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mercedes AMG GLA will be $12850 to $19262 less than for the BMW X3 M.