BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

Two rows of plush comfort. Hundreds of lb-ft of torque. Miles and miles of luxury style.

You’ll find all these qualities in both the 2021 BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. However, in a contest of sheer muscle, progressive features, and smart technology, one SUV goes above and beyond. Which one will it be?

Drivers in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Hardeeville need only read this X3 vs. GLA comparison from the team at Hilton Head BMW to find out!

Power-Packed SUVs: X3 vs GLA

If you want to test the true mettle of a vehicle, you’ll have to look under the hood. Although each of these SUVs—or SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle®), in the case of the BMW X3—is a 2-row model known for a slightly more compact and agile size, they both aim to pack a big punch.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA, in its AMG GLA sport trim, offers a rather impressive 4-cylinder engine that, at maximum, yields 382 horsepower (HP). This is a notable feat for a small engine, but it still struggles to keep up with the competitor.

In the BMW X3 M trim level, we have an available V6 engine and Competition Package that cranks the power up to 503 HP. If we put it in a head-to-head matchup with the GLA, it will charge ahead, leaving the competition to eat its dust.

Technology Infused Into Every Inch

Smart and forward-thinking as these vehicles are, it’s no surprise that modern technologies are embedded throughout each model.

For drivers who like full control of their car even when they aren’t behind the wheel, each vehicle has a connected app. With both the BMW Connected App and the Mercedes me connect app, you can find your car, lock and unlock doors, and do much more—all from afar.

In addition to this, the X3 offers an available Surround View with Remote 3D View, so you can fully monitor your car from a distance.

The X3 has a habit of offering convenient tech features such as this that its competitor does not. These small features—like Surround View or the available full-color Head-up Display on the windshield—provide a sense of technological mastery that’s somewhat lacking in the GLA.

Are You Ready to Go Electric?

In addition to its sport trims, the BMW X3 comes with an available plug-in hybrid trim level in the form of the xDrive30e.

With 17 miles of all-electric driving range, you can go far with the X3 on just a single charge. It even employs features like Brake Energy Regeneration to stretch that charge farther, helping you save big.

Unfortunately, the Mercedes-Benz GLA does not offer an electric trim for drivers looking to cut down on fuel consumption. When it comes to green options, you’ll want to stick with BMW.

Is It Time to Take the X3 for a Spin?

There’s no doubt the Mercedes-Benz GLA has some fine amenities to offer drivers in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Hardeeville. However, when you want a vehicle that overachieves, both in amenities and performance, the 2021 BMW X3 will be your go-to.

After all this reading, are you ready to see what this SAV can do firsthand? If so, then contact the Hilton Head BMW team to schedule your X3 test drive today!