The BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 compared head to head on price, engines, plug in hybrids, boot space, safety, tech and servicing costs, with Australian pricing and a winner in every round.
By Varun Punyamurtula ·
The BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 are the three best selling mid size luxury SUVs in Australia, and all three are new or recently updated. The X3 and Q5 are new generation models, and the GLC now offers a plug in hybrid with more than 100km of electric range.
They all cost between about $80,000 and $135,000 before on road costs, so picking the wrong one is an expensive mistake. We compared them head to head on price, engines, plug in hybrid options, space, safety, tech and running costs, using official Australian figures.
Quick answer: The BMW X3 20 xDrive, from $88,100 plus on road costs, is the best all rounder, with the newest safety rating and the lowest servicing costs. The Audi Q5 is the best value, from $81,000 plus on road costs, and uses the least fuel. The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the biggest boot and the best plug in hybrid, the GLC 350e at $99,900 plus on road costs with about 107km of claimed electric range.
Our verdict in one line: buy the X3 for the best overall package, the Q5 to save money, and the GLC 350e if you can charge at home.
The Q5 TFSI is the cheapest way into any of the three at $81,000 plus on road costs, but it is front wheel drive. If you want all wheel drive, the Q5 TDI quattro diesel is $87,600, the X3 20 xDrive is $88,100 and the GLC 200 4MATIC is $89,000, all plus on road costs. That is just $1,400 between them.
All three come well equipped as standard. The X3 20 xDrive includes the M Sport package, adaptive suspension, a head up display and a power tailgate. The Q5 TFSI gets matrix LED headlights, a 360 degree camera, heated front seats and tri zone climate control. The GLC comes with a panoramic sunroof, heated power front seats and 360 degree cameras.
Winner: Audi Q5. The lowest entry price, and the TDI quattro undercuts its all wheel drive rivals.
BMW X3 20 xDrive
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Audi Q5
The entry engines are closely matched. The Q5's MHEV plus system can drive the car on electric power at low speeds, which helps it claim just 5.7L/100km. The X3 20 xDrive claims 7.5L/100km on 95 premium unleaded.
Winner: Audi Q5 for fuel use. The X3 and GLC win if all wheel drive is a must at the entry price.
This is where the three differ most.
The GLC 350e is also $5,200 cheaper than the petrol GLC 300, which makes it the GLC to buy if you can charge at home.
Winner: Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e. The longest electric range of the three, with strong towing.
The GLC has the biggest boot at 620 litres with the rear seats up, ahead of the X3 at 570 litres and the Q5 at 520 litres. All three have rear seats that fold to give well over 1,400 litres.
Interior: BMW X3
Interior: Mercedes-Benz GLC
Interior: Audi Q5
Winner: Mercedes-Benz GLC. The biggest boot in the group.
All three have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless phone charging.
Winner: BMW X3, narrowly. The biggest screens and a head up display as standard.
All three hold five star ANCAP ratings, but the dates matter. The X3 was rated in July 2026 and the rating covers every variant until December 2031. The Q5 was rated in 2025, also until December 2031. The GLC's rating is based on 2022 testing.
Winner: BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Both have newer ratings.
All three have five year unlimited kilometre warranties. Servicing is where they split:
Check the current figures with your dealer, as service plans change.
Rear: BMW X3
Rear: Mercedes-Benz GLC
Rear: Audi Q5
Winner: BMW X3. The cheapest servicing by a big margin.
Final tally: X3 3, Q5 3, GLC 2. The X3 takes the overall win because it pairs all wheel drive and the best standard kit with the cheapest servicing. Our desk verdict from specs, prices and published data, not a road test.
Buy the BMW X3 20 xDrive if: you want the best all round package, all wheel drive, the newest safety rating and the lowest servicing costs.
Buy the Audi Q5 if: you want the lowest price and fuel use, and you are happy with front wheel drive in the TFSI. The Q5 e-hybrid is also the quickest plug in hybrid here.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: you want the biggest boot or you can charge at home. The GLC 350e is the pick of the GLC range.
Consider electric instead if: you can charge at home and want the lowest running costs. Read our BMW iX3 review and Mercedes-Benz GLC electric review.
Luxury SUVs lose value fast in the first few years, so a demo or near new car can save you thousands. Tell us which one you want and we will find the best deal anywhere in Australia on a new, demo, near new or used X3, GLC or Q5. Get the best deal.
Our pick is the BMW X3 20 xDrive for the best all round package. The Audi Q5 is the best value and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e is the best plug in hybrid.
The Audi Q5 TFSI, from $81,000 plus on road costs. The cheapest all wheel drive versions are the Q5 TDI quattro ($87,600), X3 20 xDrive ($88,100) and GLC 200 4MATIC ($89,000), all plus on road costs.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC, with 620 litres. The X3 has 570 litres and the Q5 520 litres.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e, with about 107km claimed on the WLTP test.
Yes. The X3 was rated in July 2026, the Q5 in 2025 and the GLC's rating is based on 2022 testing.
Trading in your current car? We can help you sell your car, and you can check what it is worth with our car value tool. See more options in our best luxury SUVs guide and our guide to BMW, Mercedes or Audi.
Prices checked on 3 November 2026 against published Australian pricing. All prices are manufacturer list prices plus on road costs. Some interior photos show left hand drive European models; Australian cars are right hand drive. Images: BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz AG and Audi AG.
An estimate for a private buyer. Pick your state.
| BMW X3 20 xDrive | Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4MATIC | Audi Q5 TFSI | Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $88,100 | $89,000 | $81,000 | $99,900 |
| Luxury Car Tax (already in the list price) | $1,683 | $1,890 | $44 | $4,406 |
| Stamp duty (NSW) | $3,605 | $3,650 | $3,250 | $4,195 |
| Rego and CTP, 12 months | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Dealer delivery (typical) | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Drive away, about | $94,700 | $95,700 | $87,300 | $107,100 |
Why a new car loses value so fast: about $6,605 of the drive away price is stamp duty, rego, CTP and dealer delivery. You never get that back when you sell, because the next owner pays their own. GST and any Luxury Car Tax are built into the list price, so they fade with the car's value over the years rather than vanishing on day one. The rest of the drop comes from age, kilometres and demand.
Estimates only, using 2026-27 rates. Rego and CTP depend on the car's weight, your insurer and postcode, and dealer delivery varies (some brands sell at one national drive away price). Ask the dealer for a written drive away quote.
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Sell your carTags: Comparisons, BMW
Sources
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