The youtube channel Autogefuhl has made an in depth comparability between the brand new Mercedes GLC and the facelifted BMW X3. Listed here are their conclusions.
The BMW X3 facelift advantages from a brand new entrance finish, and the take a look at mannequin had the M Sport bundle, which incorporates the black insert within the spoiler and wider air intakes. The Mercedes GLC take a look at automotive additionally had the AMG Line sport bundle with wider air intakes and a micro star sample within the radiator grille.
Each have completely different design philosophies and LED signatures for daytime working lights. At 4.72 m, the GLC has grown barely and is sort of as huge because the X3. The GLC has a extra rounded design, elongated raindrop-shaped taillights, faux exhausts, and aspect steps. By comparability, the BMW has extra angular shapes and is sportier seen from the aspect, the brand new taillights differentiate it from the X1, and the exhausts are real, however the air intakes behind the wheels are only for design with no purposeful function.
Mercedes has the high-tech advances with integral steering and air suspension
The take a look at pitted the BMW X3 xDrive30i (245 ps) in opposition to the Mercedes GLC 300 4 Matic (258 ps). The Mercedes GLC comes with integral steering with 4.5 levels of steering angle, included in a bundle with air suspension. In distinction, integral steering is unavailable on the BMW, which solely has an adaptive suspension choice.
Mercedes’ inside has a wow impact, with pretty ambient lights within the doorways and across the air vents, however the electrical seat adjustment buttons haven’t any suggestions. The driving place is comfy however not very best for tall individuals, and the sprint surrounds you, and there’s not a lot room. The dashboard has rounded strains, and the excessive gloss black heart console is just not a tester’s favourite, however now we have to understand that within the off-road mode, you’ve got a front-facing digital camera beneath the automotive, the map may be very responsive, you’ve got Apple Carplay wi-fi, digital instrument cluster with a number of customization potentialities and head-up show. Sadly, there’s additionally not a lot room within the again for tall passengers.
The BMW X3 provides a extra SUV-like driving place, whereas the GLC is nearer to a crossover. You sit within the seat and never on the seat like within the GLC, and on this respect, BMW has a slight benefit.The inside is just not as sensual and trendy however extra conservative. BMW provides basic local weather controls with haptic suggestions, and the map is simply as responsive. The sprint devices are extra easy with out as a lot customization, and the steering wheel provides basic steering wheel buttons as an alternative of the Mercedes one tactile floor. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are wi-fi. Additionally, the controller is one other good answer to regulate the multimedia system. However you don’t get way more room within the again within the BMW both.
Each have huge boot areas: 550 liters within the X3, and 600 within the GLC. Each create a flat floor while you fold down the backrest, however the Mercedes GLC is extra sensible to fold down from the boot handles. The X3 has a barely taller trunk, however the GLC is a bit longer. In distinction, the X3’s trunk opening is squarer.
Mercedes air suspension is best at low and mid speeds
With a slight energy benefit, the Mercedes GLC is barely quicker, and the PHEV variations have a barely longer electrical vary. Wind noise is decreased at excessive speeds, and the air suspension in sports activities mode provides extra suggestions. Because of this, the Mercedes GLC feels extra like a sedan when driving than an SUV and may be very steady. With the AMG Line, the suspension isn’t tuned very comfortable, but it surely provides prime consolation. The steering is pure however has a slight sluggishness, and you must flip the wheel extra earlier than something occurs, however a minimum of the steering is progressive. The brand new GLC is sportier to drive than the previous mannequin, thanks partially to the integral steering, which reduces turning circle and improves agility.
Often, the BMW X3 is alleged to be sportier and the GLC extra luxurious. However as the brand new technology Mercedes GLC is sportier, this prejudice doesn’t matter. The brand new GLC is extra enjoyable to drive, and within the U.S., Mercedes GLC can be out there with rear-wheel drive solely. Surprisingly, although, you must flip the steering wheel much more within the BMW. Subjectively, the BMW feels extra participating and sporty, however that’s simply an impression. The Mercedes has extra direct steering.
The BMW X3 take a look at automotive had adaptive suspension, however the GLC’s air suspension can do extra by being tuned to a sportier word. However within the BMW, you are feeling extra of what’s occurring on the street, whereas the Mercedes isolates street irregularities higher. Should you examine the bottom variations, there’s not that a lot distinction, however if you happen to examine the highest groups, the Mercedes has the benefit of the brand new applied sciences – integral steering and air suspension.
Mercedes accelerates a bit smoother, whereas BMW is a little more brutal. The BMW’s steering provides extra really feel, and within the X3, you’re extra linked to the automotive. The Mercedes is extra glamorous, and the BMW is extra purist. Each are distinctive.
At excessive speeds, the adaptive suspension is extra corresponding to the air suspension than at low speeds. At low to medium speeds, the GLC’s air suspension is best. The engine sound is considerably extra attention-grabbing within the Mercedes, and the ambient mild is unequalled. The BMW is much less high-tech however provides a fascinating drive, whereas the Mercedes is a little more economical. On paper, the Mercedes is slightly quicker, however in actuality, the BMW feels quicker. Curious, isn’t it? You could find beneath the complete video.
Conclusion
The creator prefers BMW for the extra angular shapes and Mercedes for the show-effect inside and ambient lights. Sadly, neither provides a really spacious inside. The Mercedes GLC has narrowed the sportiness hole to the X3. The X3 appears to say “drive me” whereas the GLC appears to say “come on, be pushed”. Extra conservative, extra participating to drive in BMW’s case, or extra targeted on the expertise drive and extra exhibiting off in Mercedes? Should you take into account the value, the Mercedes is dearer. If we examine the highest variations and optionally available drivetrain applied sciences, the desire goes for the Mercedes GLC. But when we examine the bottom variations, then the variations cancel one another out.