Neither the Volvo nor Mercedes has been tested by Euro NCAP yet, but the iX3 earned a five-star rating. While the BMW and Volvo engage the handbrake when you select park, the GLC only engages it when you open the door.
Ownership
Three-year, unlimited mileage warranties were once a benefit of premium-car ownership, but they look a little stingy these days. All three makers offer insurance-based extended warranties on a case-by-case basis.
Advertisement – Article continues below
According to our Driver Power survey, Mercedes owners are a happy bunch, placing the firm at the top of the manufacturer pile, with BMW finishing fifth and Volvo 14th out of 30 marques.
Verdict
Which electric SUV came out on top?
Winner: BMW iX3
When a car such as the BMW iX3 rewrites the rulebook, it proves to be very hard for its direct rivals to beat. It’s moved the game on for the whole EV market, and its performance, efficiency and practicality put it on top here. Some might find the ride a little too firm for their liking, but it’s not a deal breaker in a car that delivers one of the most convincing EV ownership propositions around.
Runner-up: Volvo EX60
With a long range, stylish looks, a premium interior, comfortable ride and strong performance, the EX60 is an appealing package that deserves to do well. It’s a great alternative to the iX3 that isn’t quite as efficient, and is pricey if you upgrade to the biggest battery. Even the mid-range P10 model has more power than is really necessary, but cabin space is decent and the on-board tech is easy to get along with. We’d like to see a bit more cabin storage to boost its practicality.
Third: Mercedes GLC
The GLC finishes third, but in truth both it and the Volvo are worthy runners-up to the BMW. Where the EX60 offers minimalist design, the Mercedes goes all-out with advanced tech, high-quality materials and novel lighting. It’s the most comfortable car of our trio, while excellent efficiency is appealing – it’s a shame that there isn’t an even larger battery to take advantage of it. Prices are higher overall, too, but the GLC is a premium product that showcases Mercedes’ EV tech.
Prices and specs
Model testedBMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport ProVolvo EX60 P10 AWD UltraMercedes GLC 400 4MATIC Premium PlusPrice from/price as tested£53,250/£65,330£56,860/£68,445£55,495/£70,850Powertrain and performance Powertrain/power/torque2x e-motors/463bhp/645Nm2x e-motors/ 503bhp/710Nm2x e-motors/482bhp/800NmTransmissionSingle-speed/4WDSingle-speed/4WDSingle-speed/4WD0-62mph/top speed4.9 seconds/130mph4.6 seconds/112mph4.3 seconds/130mphInterior noise 30/70mph84/94dB 84/90dB83/87dB Battery capacity/usable/official range113/108.7kWh/492 miles95/92kWh/403 miles94/94kWh/395 miles Test efficiency/range3.6 mi/kWh/ 391 miles3.5 mi/kWh/322 miles3.6 mi/kWh/338 milesMaximum DC charging400kW (10-80% in 21 mins)370kW (10-80% in 16 mins)330kW (10-80% in 22 mins)Dimensions Length/wheelbase/width/height4,782/2,897/1,895/1,635mm4,803/2,970/1,993/1,639mm4,858/2,972/1,913/1,649mmFront door opening width/height/sill height1,035/710/435mm690/1,090/430mm715/1,055/473mmRear door opening width/height1,035/740mm775/1,080mm885/1,055mmRear knee room/headroom/elbow room565-825/965/1,465mm570-810/985/1,495mm600-865/950/1,470mmBoot opening width/height795/1,075mm1,015/780mm1,090/822mmBoot space (seats up/down)58/520/1,750 litres58/523/1,647 litres128/570/1,740 litresBoot length/width/height995/1,100/740mm1,005/1,045/745mm1,037/1,095/770mmKerbweight/payload/towing weight2,285/540/2,000kg2,275/535/2,400kg2,616/505/2,400kgTurning circle12.1 metres11.3 metres12.1 metresCosts/ownership Residual value (3yrs/36,000)/depreciation£35,605/54.50%£36,550/53.40%£35,354/49.90%Depreciation£29,725£31,895£35,496Insurance group/quote/VED43/£772/£64043/£750/£64050/£869/£640Three-year service cost£612POA£1,200Annual tax liability std/higher rate£522/£1,044£522/£1,045£566/£1,133Annual fuel cost (10k miles)£725£746£725Basic warranty/recovery3yrs (unlimited miles)/3yrs3yrs (60,000 miles)/3yrs3yrs (unlimited miles)/3yrs Extended warrantyPOA (up to 100,000 miles)POA (up to 4yrs/80k miles)POA (up to 2yrs/100k miles)Driver Power manufacturer position5th14th1stNCAP Adult/child/ped./assist/stars73/83/86/95/5 stars (2026)Not yet testedNot yet testedEquipment Metallic paint/wheel size£875-£4,385/20 inches£795/21 inches£750-£1,000/21 inchesParking sensors/cameraFront & rear/360Front & rear/360-degreeYes/360-degreeSpare wheel/Isofix pointsRepair kit/twoRepair kit/twoRepair kit/twoKeyless entry & go/heat pumpYes/yesYes/yesYes/yes Seat upholstery/leatherPart synthetic/£1,475Synthetic leather/£1,495Synthetic leather/£2,000Heated seats/steering wheelFront/£250Four/yesFour/yes Screen size/digital dashboard17.9 inches/43.3 inches15.04 inches/11.4 inches39.1 inches/N/AClimate control/sunroof/wireless chargingTwo-zone/£1,275Three-zone/yesTwo-zone/yesUSBs/Wireless chargingFour/yesFour/yesFour/twoWireless CarPlay/Android AutoYes/yesYes/yesYes/yesBlind-spot warning/head-up displayYes/£1,700 packYes/noYes/yes Adaptive cruise/steering assistYes/yesYes/yesYes/yes
What we would choose
BMW iX3
Panoramic glass is a £1,275 option that will lift the relatively dark cabin ambience, while heated outer rear seats are decent value at £375. Spending £4,385 on paint opens access to BMW’s Individual service for custom shades and textures.
Mercedes GLC
Upgrading to the Refinement Package (£2,500) is worthwhile for air suspension and rear-wheel steering. Nappa leather only comes in a dark Tagua brown hue – our test car had artificial hide in beech brown for no extra cost.
Volvo EX60
Integrated child seats can be added in the rear for £345, while wool blend upholstery is £645. The panoramic glass roof can be upgraded to an electrochromic version that switches between clear and opaque for £995.
Don’t miss the best of Auto Express on Google! Make us a preferred source. Click here…
