Compare the2024 Mercedes AMG GLAVS 2024 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 its rear seat belts.

Both the AMG GLA and X3 M have rear cross-traffic warning, but the AMG GLA has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The X3 M’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

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, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 10 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the AMG GLA’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the AMG GLA third among small premium suvs in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The X3 M isn’t in the top three in its category.

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 .9 feet tighter than the X3 M’s (40.4 feet vs. 41.3 feet).

The Mercedes AMG GLA may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 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.

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 and exit feature 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 optional 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 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the X3 M.

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 $1065 to $1555 less than the X3 M over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mercedes AMG GLA will be $17294 to $24778 less than for the BMW X3 M.