Both models belong to the segment of mid-size premium crossovers. Specifically, many drivers consider BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC to be the best in their category. These cars are expensive, but they completely justify their price.
Acquiring either of these cars will satisfy all the needs of even the most discerning driver. However, it is still worth looking for the leader in the comparison.
Exterior of BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X3 boasts a sporty exterior. The signature optics and radiator grille only add to the overall «predatory» look of the car. The crossover's profile is designed with a serious claim to high driving dynamics. The exterior design demonstrates the car's readiness to start at any moment.
Mercedes-Benz GLC is more restrained. The exterior of this car is more elegant, although not devoid of some sporty notes. The front of the car features the signature radiator grille and optics. In this case, Mercedes decided not to fall behind the Bavarians and maintained a certain continuity.
Dimensions
When comparing BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, it is essential to understand the dimensions of the vehicles. In fact, they are quite similar. The length of the Bavarian is 4716 mm. The width of the car is 1897 mm. The wheelbase measures 2820 mm. The height of the crossover is 1676.
The competitor from Mercedes has comparable dimensions. They differ slightly, but there is no fundamental difference. The length of the car reaches 4656 mm. The wheelbase is larger. This parameter is 2873 mm. The width is slightly less than that of the BMW X3, but only by 7 mm. The height is 1639.
The difference between BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC also lies in the ground clearance. The road clearance of the Bavarian in the base configuration is 204 mm. The competitor's clearance is 23 mm less. However, there is one significant difference. The pneumatic suspension of Mercedes allows increasing the road clearance to 227 mm. This option is only available at an additional cost.
Interior of BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC
When choosing between BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, it is necessary to consider the interior features of each crossover. Both cars belong to the premium segment. The quality of the interior finish leaves no room for criticism. Designers used only luxurious materials.
However, Mercedes wins this competition. This is largely due to the stylish and functional dashboard. The touchscreen display rising above the air vents creates an additional sense of luxury, style, and wealth.
In this case, the Bavarian is different. The dashboard is designed according to the classic solutions of the concern. The creators of the company did not introduce any revolutionary innovations. Everything looks stylish, ergonomic, but standard and even somewhat simple. The dashboard itself is slightly tilted towards the driver. This is convenient for the driver, but the view for passengers is slightly limited.
When comparing the quality of the front seats between BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, it is impossible to name a clear winner. Both models feature:
- a variety of adjustments;
- high comfort for people of different heights and builds.
A slight advantage of the Bavarian is expressed in improved side support. It emphasizes the more sporty character of the car itself.
The comparison of the second-row seats favors Mercedes. Both crossovers can accommodate three adults without any problems. However, BMW has slightly less space.
To make up for this shortcoming, the Bavarian offers an option to adjust the backrest of the rear seat. Changing the angle helps increase comfort during long journeys.
In a crucial criterion such as trunk volume, both models have reached parity. There is no difference between BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The standard sizes of the cargo compartment in each case reach 550 liters. With the rear seatback lowered, the volume increases to 1600 liters. The only significant advantage of BMW is the flat floor surface. After lowering the backrest, the incline is eliminated. Mercedes does not have this effect.
The BMW crossover is perfect for those who appreciate ergonomics and comfort. GLC is best for fans of luxury and style.
Technical Specifications of the Engines
An important parameter for comparing BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC is the technical characteristics of the engines of each model. Mercedes offers the GLC model with 8 different engine configurations:
- Diesel 250d with a volume of 2.1 liters. The setup generates 204 horsepower. The engine's torque is 500 Nm. The first hundred kilometers per hour is achieved in 7.6 seconds. The top speed is 223 km/h. During combined driving, the car consumes 5.5 liters of fuel per hundred kilometers.
- Diesel 220d with a similar 2.1-liter volume as in point #1. The engine delivers 170 horsepower. The torque of this junior model is 400 Nm. The car is slightly slower. For example, it reaches 100 km/h after 8.3 seconds from a standstill. The top speed is limited to 210 km/h. Fuel efficiency is identical to the example mentioned above.
- A 2-liter gasoline engine with 245 horsepower. The car is faster than the examples mentioned above. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. Fuel consumption is only 7.1 liters per hundred kilometers in mixed driving conditions. The maximum speed is 223 km/h.
- A 211-horsepower gasoline engine with a 2-liter volume. Otherwise, the technical characteristics are entirely identical to the example in point #3.
- A 2-liter hybrid engine. The power unit boasts 211 horsepower. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The maximum speed is 235 km/h. At the same time, the car consumes only 2.7 liters of fuel per every 100 kilometers.
- A gasoline engine with 367 horsepower and a 3-liter volume. The car can accelerate to 250 km/h at its peak. The first 100 km can be achieved in 4.6 seconds. The average consumption is decent, approaching 10 liters.
- A 4-liter gasoline power unit. The engine delivers 476 horsepower. Fuel efficiency is low (11.7 liters). The top speed is the same as in example #6. The model is half a second faster to 100 km/h.
- A 4-liter forced gasoline engine with an incredible 510 horsepower. The crossover accelerates to a hundred in 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is the same as in the models above, but fuel consumption is higher (12 liters per hundred kilometers).
The power units from points 6, 7, and 8 are only available in the AMG-tuned version of the GLC.
When comparing BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, it is worth noting the lower variety of power units in the Bavarian. The company offers its customers only 4 different engine variants:
- A 2-liter diesel with 190 hp. The model is economical. The final fuel consumption is only 5.1 liters. The top speed is 213 km/h. The car reaches a hundred in 8 seconds.
- A diesel with a 3-liter volume. The engine delivers 249 horsepower. The fuel consumption of the power unit is 6 liters. The car accelerates to a hundred in 5.8 seconds. The speed is limited to 240 km/h.
- The power of this 3-liter engine is 249 hp. To cover 100 kilometers in a mixed cycle, you will need to spend 7.6 liters of fuel. The top speed is the same as in example #2. The first 100 km can be conquered in 6.3 seconds.
- A power unit with a 3-liter volume and 360 horsepower. The fastest option in the entire lineup. The model reaches 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The top speed is higher than in examples 2 and 3 by 10 km/h. However, this engine is considered the most fuel-consuming. It consumes 9 liters.
The difference between BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC also lies in the type of transmission. Each crossover has an automatic transmission, but BMW engineers have equipped the model with only 8 gear options. Mercedes has a gearbox with 9 speeds.
Read more: Comparison of Skoda Superb, BMW 5, and Ford Mondeo
Driving Dynamics of BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC
In this criterion, victory goes to the X3. The sporty suspension helps the car navigate turns more efficiently and respond more clearly to steering commands. The GLC is also good at holding the road. However, it clearly lacks sporty dynamics.
Prices
Here is where the difference between BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC is more noticeable. The Bavarian in the base configuration will cost the owner 3.18 million rubles. The GLC is more expensive by about 400 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
The Mercedes crossover is primarily suitable for luxury enthusiasts. Versions from AMG are best purchased by speed enthusiasts. The X3 excels for those who want to experience real sporty driving.
