Mercedes GLC Vs BMW X3 Comparison Test – Introduction

A Mercedes-Benz vs BMW is all the time an ‘El Clásico’. And it is much more fierce when the rivalry is between their common SUVs. The GLC has been Merc’s champion vendor for lengthy, and it now faces an all-new X3 that’s larger in dimension and, in typical BMW trend, unapologetic with regards to its character. Which one is the higher selection? That’s what we are going to discover out.

Mercedes GLC vs BMW X3 exterior design and engineering

X3 has a stronger highway presence resulting from additional size and top.

The BMW within the all-new avatar is greater than earlier than. It’s longer, wider and taller than the GLC and solely falls brief on wheelbase. Each get distinct design cues and stick with their roots, with the BMW that includes a reasonably sized backlit kidney grille and glossy LED headlamps. Being an M Sport, the X3 additionally will get angular bumpers, and the general face is extra upright.

The place one flaunts a radical design, the opposite embraces conventional model.

The GLC, alternatively, embraces curves and will get a wholesome dose of chrome on the grille and pronounced energy strains on the bonnet. Over to the facet, the additional size, top and floor clearance give the BMW a stronger highway presence. The boxy silhouette and upright roofline additionally give the X3 that outstanding SUV look, whereas the tapering, virtually coupé-like roof on the GLC is sleeker compared.

Each SUVs function 19-inch wheels, with the BMW providing a sportier design. On the rear, the Bimmer continues with sharp strains and creases, whereas the GLC continues to flaunt curves. Each SUVs do model very in another way, and it is the identical distinction with regards to the interiors as properly.

Mercedes GLC vs BMW X3 inside area and options

The GLC comes fitted with a portrait-styled touchscreen.

Contained in the all-new X3, minimalism appears to be the theme. The dashboard design is sporty and up to date, with a complete lot of recycled polyester used on the higher sprint. The mesh-like materials mimics carbon fibre visually, however the tough texture received’t attraction to everybody. Additionally, conserving the mud out of the pores shall be a problem, given our situations.

Open-pore recycled polyester sprint upholstery appears to be like sporty however not plush.

Like fashionable BMWs, the display screen is embedded right into a single-piece curved show together with the digital instrument cluster. What’s distinctive are the AC vents at every finish that get a haptic contact management for the airflow however handbook changes for the vent path. It’s difficult and feels over-engineered for one thing that must be simple to make use of. BMW has additionally ensured the cabin feels particular at midnight, due to ambient lighting courtesy of the crystal components that gentle up.

Consolation-wise, the entrance seats provide superb help and are higher than the Merc’s. The extra under-thigh extension and facet bolster adjustment give the seat an higher hand, together with the gentle cushioning that’s cozy for lengthy drives.

Coming to the Merc, its inside follows a extra conventional strategy, which works in its favour because it feels extra plush and costly. The beneficiant use of wooden and steel all through ups the visible in addition to the contact and really feel quotient, and between the 2, the GLC has a extra luxe attraction.

Conventional design and mix of wooden and steel really feel plush.

The 11.9-inch iPad-like display screen is crisp and simple to make use of, and high quality ranges general are larger. The seats, nonetheless, miss out on the additional help and aren’t as cozy because the X3. That stated, you do get heating and air flow versus simply the latter on the Bimmer. 

Slender footwell within the GLC could also be problematic for plus-10 sizers.

There are seat kinetics, too, which could not provide the total therapeutic massage expertise however do a superb job of lowering fatigue over lengthy durations. One irritant on the GLC is the cosy footwell, extra particularly, the brief useless pedal. When you have a foot dimension over UK 10, you’ll battle to relaxation your left foot, which, on an extended drive, does get cumbersome.

Each miss out on a reclinable backrest.

The most recent-gen X3 has grown in dimension, however on this comparability, the wheelbase is shorter than the GLC. Nonetheless, there may be ample kneeroom and width, and the upright roofline additionally permits for good headroom. The seat base is bigger and, consequently, under-thigh help is healthier. The X3 has the extra upright seating, and each SUVs miss out on a reclinable backrest.

One-piece glass roof within the X3 provides drama.

The centre passenger will even need to compromise due to a big centre tunnel on each SUVs. The home windows are massive and in addition get handbook sunblinds, and the large glass roof provides an amazing sense of area.

Extra kneeroom behind the GLC, however brief seat base robs under-thigh help.

The Mercedes has an extended wheelbase, which implies higher area within the rear. What additionally helps are the scooped-out entrance seats that elevate some extra kneeroom. The backrest, whereas additionally upright, is barely higher than the X3, however the brief seat squabs don’t provide as a lot under-thigh help. The split-opening panoramic sunroof doesn’t provide an unobstructed view of the sky however does a superb job of airing out the cabin. The place the Merc wins is with the high-quality supplies throughout and a neat mix of wooden and steel. The BMW’s textured panels look new-age however lack the plush really feel.

Cut up panoramic sunroof within the GLC can opened midway for air flow.

Boot area can be a Mercedes spotlight, with 640 litres on provide in comparison with 570 litres on the X3, and each get a space-saver spare beneath the ground. Entry to the boot, although, is healthier on the X3 due to a wider opening and decrease flooring.

Key controls baked into the SUVs’ central touchscreens.

Each SUVs rely closely on their touchscreen infotainment for all main features. Every little thing from HVAC to the automobile settings is embedded throughout the UI, with just a few haptic buttons for ease of use. Proper off the bat, the MBUX within the GLC is extraordinarily simple to make use of compared to the X3’s system. Primary features like HVAC are hard-coded on the display screen; the BMW, alternatively, requires a number of touches, and the font dimension feels a tad small, so that you inevitably find yourself hitting pointless features whereas on the transfer.

Merc’s clear bonnet function helpful for parking, too.

The GLC even will get an off-road mode, which works with the electronics and alters traction as wanted, and there may be additionally a clear bonnet function that offers you a view of what’s beneath the entrance of the automobile, stitched from the entrance digital camera feed. Each SUVs get park help, however the X3 is loads simpler to make use of. 

Mercedes GLC vs BMW X3 efficiency and refinement

GLC is comparatively extra highly effective and sooner to hit 100kph from relaxation.

For a superb stability between efficiency and refinement, the petrol variations of those SUVs are the popular selection. Each get a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, however the place the GLC, in its ‘300’ guise, makes 258hp, the X3 falls brief with solely 190hp. There may be additionally a 90Nm distinction in torque within the GLC’s favour, serving to it with regards to acceleration. The additional energy and torque imply the GLC is quicker to 100kph by virtually 2 seconds. Each SUVs function all-wheel-drive methods. Extra importantly, the in-gear timings are additionally a lot faster within the GLC, which implies overtaking is much more easy.

2-litre turbo-petrol engines of the GLC (prime) and X3 (backside) push out 258hp and 190hp, respectively.

Each SUVs additionally get a 48V battery that gives a further enhance beneath acceleration and Sport modes to amplify powertrain responses, with the X3 getting a ‘Increase’ mode, too, which gives a 10-second acceleration enhance when you maintain the paddle. 

Increase mode gives 10 secs of speedy acceleration.

There’s additionally an ‘Particular person’ mode, the place you possibly can customise the engine response and the steering weight and have probably the most optimum setting to your liking – a simple setup within the Merc, however within the X3, it requires digging into Sport mode after which customising it additional. Nevertheless, the one ace up the X3’s sleeve is the adaptive dampers for the suspension.

Mercedes GLC vs BMW X3 trip consolation and dealing with

X3’s firmer suspension setup lends it a composed trip, particularly in corners.

Adaptive dampers lead to good trip and flat cornering.

Each SUVs intention for a good stability between efficiency and luxury, with the latter taking barely extra precedence. The GLC will get a passive suspension, which is tuned for a gentle setup. Because of this, the Merc rides higher over unhealthy roads, and there may be much less motion at low speeds. The X3 is on the firmer facet, and even after you turn the mode to consolation, it isn’t as softly sprung because the GLC. As soon as the tempo is upped, although, the X3 comes into its personal, with a flat and composed trip that’s amplified within the corners.

Not as sharp to deal with because the X3 however nonetheless holds its personal very properly.

The GLC is just not unhealthy both, however the additional stiffness in Sport mode offers the X3 an edge. Physique roll in each SUVs is negligible, however right here, too, the X3 shines with its steering setup and adaptive dampers. In case you are a eager driver and worth dealing with, the X3 will provide extra for you.

Mercedes GLC vs BMW X3 value and verdict

They’re simply Rs 50,000 aside in value.

Priced at Rs 75.30 lakh, the GLC is marginally cheaper than the Rs 75.80 lakh X3. So, their costs are just about an identical. The 2 are additionally very shut in each different facet. The X3, with its bigger proportions and up to date design, has extra presence, however the Merc’s soft-around-the-edges look can be favoured by many. The BMW’s inside appears to be like sporty, but it surely’s the Merc that edges forward in our books, with a extra opulent really feel and loads of high-quality supplies used all through. The Merc has more room, however by way of seating consolation, it’s the BMW that has a bonus.

The GLC’s additional horses make it the better-driving of the 2.

On the transfer, the GLC’s softer setup offers it the plusher trip. Dealing with, although, goes to the BMW, with its sharper manners round bends, but it surely’s the Merc that’s extra thrilling with the numerous additional horses. So, with its elegant styling, plusher inside, good trip and a stronger engine, the GLC gives extra of what typical patrons search for on this phase, and it takes the win.

Additionally see:

Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV 3XO comparability

BYD Sealion 7 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BMW iX1 LWB comparability

Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Twin duel