Mercedes-Benz has revealed the pricing of the new GLC, which is scheduled to launch in South Africa within the first half of 2023.
The entry-level GLC 220d will have a starting price of R1,124,312, making it just R19,000 more expensive than the BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport, which starts at R1,105,394.
The comparison doesn’t end there, though, as both SUVs offer similar performance and extensive spec sheets, making for an interesting head-to-head comparison.
Performance
The biggest change to the GLC line-up is the addition of 48V mild-hybrid technology, letting the engines run more smoothly while also providing a new 17kW boost feature for quicker launches.
On the entry-level Mercedes, you can expect the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine to put out 145kW and 440Nm, and the Stuttgart-based automaker has opted for a nine-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel-drive layout.
Combined with the electric assistance, the GLC races from 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds and achieves a frugal fuel consumption of 4.9l/100km.
It also has driving modes for Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual, and Agility Control dynamic suspension for improved comfort.
It’s a similar story with the X3, which also features a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powertrain with a near identical output of 140kW and 400Nm, letting it sprint to 100km/h in the same 8.0 seconds.
This SUV, on the other hand, uses an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW’s version of all-wheel-drive coined “xDrive”, which lends it a conservative fuel consumption of 5.6l/100km.
The X3 also comes standard with Sport, Comfort, Adaptive, and Eco Pro driving modes, M Sport suspension, and a Performance Control system that redistributes power to the different wheels depending on the driving situation.
Features
Both SUVs offer an extensive equipment list befitting a vehicle in this price bracket.
Standard resources encompass adaptive LED headlights, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, a reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, keyless start, rain-sensing wipers, electric front seats, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
As for where they differ, the GLC now comes standard with an Artico leather upholstery, heated and electric front seats, cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, active lane-keeping assist, eight speakers, two-zone climate control, and an 11.9-inch infotainment unit.
In contrast, the X3 offers three-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch media screen, artificial leather Sports seats, 12 speakers, and cruise control with automatic braking.
Pricing
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d has a local starting price of R1,124,312.
Each purchase comes with a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.
The BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport has a South African starting price of R1,105,394.
This includes a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.
BMW X3
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Keyword: New Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3 – Clash of the luxury SUVs