Compare the2023 BMW X3 MVS 2023 Mercedes AMG GLB

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 GLB doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The X3 M has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The AMG GLB doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

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 GLB.

Both the X3 M and the AMG GLB 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 741 pounds more than the Mercedes AMG GLB. 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, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X3 M its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG GLB has not been tested, yet.

The X3 M’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG GLB’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 GLB.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in initial quality. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 24th.

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 GLB’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X3 M Competition’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 201 more horsepower (503 vs. 302) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 295) than the AMG GLB’s 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 GLB doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X3 M has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG GLB (17.2 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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

For better traction, the X3 M has larger tires than the AMG GLB (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 GLB’s standard 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 GLB.

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 GLB; 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 GLB don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The X3 M has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The AMG GLB’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X3 M’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the AMG GLB (112.8 inches vs. 111.4 inches).

The X3 M has 1.7 inches more front shoulder room and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the AMG GLB.

The X3 M has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the AMG GLB with its rear seat up (28.7 vs. 12.4 cubic feet). The X3 M has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the AMG GLB with its rear seat folded (62.7 vs. 62 cubic feet).

The X3 M’s cargo area is larger than the AMG GLB’s in almost every dimension:

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

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

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

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 GLB 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 GLB doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

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

The X3 M will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X3 M will retain 51.51% of its original price after five years, while the AMG GLB only retains 45.67%.

The BMW X3 outsold the Mercedes GLB by almost three to one during 2022.