BMW X3 vs Lexus NX 350h vs Mercedes-Benz GLC (2026)
The classic luxury suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the BMW X3 as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
- Pick the Lexus NX 350h if you want the lowest starting price (₹67.59 Lakh).
- Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the most power (415 bhp).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
BMW X3 in short
The new-generation X3 launched in India in January 2025, and per BMW India's own pricing the 30 xDrive M Sport Pro petrol costs ₹76.20 lakh while the xDrive20d diesel costs ₹78.20 lakh — unusually, the diesel is the pricier car. Both are locally assembled with xDrive all-wheel drive standard. A cheaper xDrive20 petrol (around ₹69.90 lakh) exists but our sources conflict on its exact price, so it is held from the table. Rivals are the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5.
Full X3 prices & variants →Lexus NX 350h in short
The NX 350h is Lexus's volume SUV in India and the only strong hybrid in the midsize luxury SUV class: four variants from the ₹67.59 lakh Exquisite through the rugged-trim Overtrail (₹71.43 lakh) and Luxury (₹72.33 lakh) to the ₹74.50 lakh F SPORT, all with a ~188 bhp 2.5L strong hybrid and e-CVT, per Lexus India's official price list. Against the Mercedes GLC, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 it trades outright power for city efficiency no rival approaches.
Full NX 350h prices & variants →Mercedes-Benz GLC in short
The GLC is Mercedes-Benz India's best-selling SUV, and its formula is straightforward: petrol and diesel at the same ₹77.00 lakh price, 4MATIC all-wheel drive standard, and a 620-litre boot that beats most SUVs a class above. The AMG GLC 43 Coupé at ₹99.85 lakh adds a 421 PS performance flagship to the range. It fights the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in the heart of the luxury SUV market.
Full GLC prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
X3 vs NX 350h vs GLC — which should I buy?
Pick the BMW X3 as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere. Pick the Lexus NX 350h if you want the lowest starting price (₹67.59 Lakh). Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the most power (415 bhp). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among X3, NX 350h, GLC?
The Lexus NX 350h starts lowest at ₹67.59 Lakh, against ₹76.20 Lakh for the X3 and ₹77.00 Lakh for the GLC (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
BMW X3: not yet NCAP-tested; Lexus NX 350h: not yet NCAP-tested; Mercedes-Benz GLC: not yet NCAP-tested.