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The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the BMW X3 are two of the preferred luxurious SUVs, particularly within the compact SUV section. As two of probably the most recognizable and revered luxurious manufacturers, it's not shocking that automotive consumers on the lookout for a extra premium small SUV usually flip to the GLC and X3. That doesn't imply you need to solely take a look at this pair (search for options on the backside of this comparability checklist), however they’re undeniably stable decisions.
Nonetheless, of all of the variations between them, maybe probably the most vital is that the Mercedes GLC was redesigned for the 2023 mannequin 12 months, whereas the X3 was introduced again in 2018 with a big replace for 2022. Which means that one in all them is the latest within the section, whereas the opposite is the oldest (the Audi Q5 is equally previous). We're unsure how a lot this truly impacts the comparability beneath for the 2024 mannequin 12 months, however no less than within the context of the . Mannequin Yr.
Under you will see solutions to our varied questions asking which of the X3 and GLC is best in sure respects. Total, we'd select the GLC, however the classes beneath ought to make clear which location may be higher on your specific preferences.
Whose inside is best?
Winner: Mercedes GLC
We'll say right here that the GLC's current redesign has its benefits, however the inside of the earlier era GLC was additionally nicer than the X3. Nonetheless, the brand new one manages to face out when it comes to each expertise and conventional luxurious. A large strip of wooden or different trim throughout the sprint please attempt once more The round air vents jutting out from the middle console and the touchscreen are equally elegant and splendid. Should you're on the lookout for a compact SUV that appears and feels worthy of the time period “luxurious car,” it's onerous to consider a extra stable entry than this one.
In distinction, the X3 has an old-school BMW fashion that’s fairly technical in look. The standard is excessive in look and supplies, however in a far more indicative of high-end electronics. It undoubtedly has the fashion or polish of BMW's current efforts, together with the X1 beneath it (in actual fact, it's not a nasty alternative to think about as an alternative of the X3).
Whose infotainment expertise is best?
Winner: Mercedes GLC
If we're speaking display measurement, it's no contest: The GLC's customary touchscreen measures 12.3 inches, versus the BMW's 10.3-inch unit, which can be positioned additional away. The Mercedes digital instrument panel can be bigger, with a way more vibrant design, in comparison with the BMW's awkward, underutilized one-look-fit. By way of performance, the X3 no less than has the older iDrive7 contact interface which was significantly better than the iDrive8 that adopted it (although inferior to the iDrive9 within the new This implies it might be a bit simpler to make use of than the Mercedes MBUX system, however each have a steep studying curve, and we've turn out to be accustomed to MBUX over time and recognize its varied distinctive options.
Which one is safer?
Winner: Tie
The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named each SUVs a Prime Security Choose+ for his or her best-possible crash take a look at scores, in addition to excessive sufficient scores for its headlights and frontal crash prevention system (the GLC's Driver Help bundle improve is customary. Will get a barely increased rating than the system) ).
Whose again seat is larger?
Winner: Mercedes GLC
In comparison with the X3, the GLC is mainly the identical size, however having an additional inch of wheelbase offers it an additional inch of rear seat legroom. Nonetheless, neither of those are among the many most roomy on this section. If that's essential, look into the Acura RDX, Volvo XC60 or Lexus RX or Jaguar F-Tempo.
Which has better cargo capability and effectivity?
Winner: Mercedes GLC
The reply to this query is extra difficult than it needs to be.
Should you simply seemed on the specs, you'll see that the X3 has 28.7 cubic-feet whereas the GLC has 21.9. Straightforward conclusion, proper? Improper. Mercedes measures its cargo areas in a different way, leading to rather more area than its nominal determine truly suggests. Our baggage take a look at of the GLC revealed that it might probably maintain seven suitcases with room to spare, or greater than every part else within the section besides the RDX and XC60.
The X3 is complicated in its personal manner. That's 28.7 cubic-feet for an X3 with no spare tire. Should you go for the spare tire, it has to go someplace, so the cargo flooring is awkwardly raised a number of inches to accommodate the tire beneath. Our X3 baggage take a look at (with spare tire) revealed that it might barely slot in 5 suitcases and one in a single day bag. We're unsure what the outcomes will likely be with a decrease flooring, however it actually received't be any higher than the GLC.
Which will get higher gasoline financial system?
Winner: Mercedes GLC
The GLC's mild-hybrid powertrain might be the benefit right here because it's considerably extra environment friendly. The rear-drive GLC 300 returns a superb (for a luxurious SUV) 29 mpg mixed, whereas the all-wheel-drive GLC 300 4Matic returns 27 mpg. The comparable X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i return 25 and 24 mpg mixed.
Gas financial system for the high-performance AMG GLC 43 is 21 mpg mixed. The X3 M40i returns 23 mpg mixed, so one within the MPG win column for the BMW.
Lastly, if you happen to care about gasoline financial system, don't even hassle with the GLC 63 or X3 M.
Who’s extra highly effective?
Winner: Mercedes GLC
Each are provided in three fashions which are matched with a distinct engine. GLC wins each time.
The quantity-selling GLC 300 contains a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with a mild-hybrid system that produces a complete of 258 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The comparable BMW sDrive30i and xDrive30i (s and x consult with rear-versus all-wheel drive) have a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four good for 248 hp and 258 lb-ft.
The AMG GLC 43 will get a very completely different 2.0-liter turbo-four that produces a whopping 416 hp and 369 lb-ft. The BMW X3 M40i is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with its mild-hybrid system. It produces 382 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. That's clearly lower than the AMG, however the manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph time signifies the BMW will get there in 4.4 seconds versus 4.7 seconds for the Benz.
Lastly, the AMG GLC 63 SE Efficiency has the identical bonkers 2.0-liter turbo-four, however with a “efficiency” hybrid system that upgrades the “bonkers” to an “absurd” 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. In a compact SUV! AMG says it would attain 60 in 3.4 seconds. The three.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six within the X3 M is obtainable in two flavours. The usual model produces 473 hp and 457 lb-ft, and accelerates to 60 in 3.9 seconds. The X3 M Competitors has 503 hp, 479 lb-ft and a 3.7-second 0-60 time.
Which automotive is best to drive?
Winner: Mercedes GLC
We haven't pushed the brand new AMG fashions and have minimal expertise with the X3 M40i, so let's follow the volume-selling fashions of every. Now, the standard knowledge can be that the BMW can be the extra nimble, driver-oriented alternative whereas the Mercedes can be the extra comfy luxurious cruiser. Or else. Should you're on the lookout for a sporty compact SUV, the common GLC 300 is a surprisingly adept and enjoyable handler. It actually impressed on our hilly street take a look at route, flicking by tight corners with poise and agility. The steering is gentle in effort (although it tightens up a bit in Sport), however the suggestions is sufficient for the duty given on this section of auto. If something, the GLC's dealing with functionality is extreme, provided that it virtually actually contributes to the constantly participating trip high quality. The suspension doesn't really feel like there's sufficient journey time, in contrast to some autos that will solely use smaller wheels. On this manner, the GLC is de facto just like the BMW We additionally discover its sport-tuned suspension unnecessarily agency.
Which is extra comfy?
Winner: Tie
Except you keep away from the We typically desire the BMW's seats and driving place in comparison with the Mercedes, however that's additionally a really subjective criterion.
GLC 63 SE Efficiency Coupe and X3 M Competitors
Are there variations that stand out greater than others?
Winner: Tie
Do not forget that entire factor in regards to the AMG GLC 63 producing 600 hp and over 700 lb-ft of torque? Sure, will probably be very particular. Nonetheless, the X3 M Competitors is particular in its personal proper. Each additionally function a “coupe” physique fashion with a truncated roofline on the rear, though the X3 is formally referred to as the X4.
When had been they final redesigned?
Winner: Mercedes GLC
The GLC was redesigned for 2023, though it needs to be famous that its underlying platform is shared with the earlier era GLC. The X3 stretches again to 2018 with a considerable replace slated for 2022.
Are there different rivals price contemplating?
Given what number of instances you've learn “Mercedes GLC” written subsequent to “winner” above, it in all probability shouldn't be a shock that we desire it general to the X3. Moreover, we think about the GLC to be one of many high decisions on this section, however not the X3. Different high decisions embody the Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60, whereas the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Tempo are fascinating decisions for these on the next price range who need a sportier drive.