The 2019 GLC vs. The 2019 BMW X3
Mercedes-Benz and BMW are both known for their history of excellence in engineering state-of-the-art, innovative vehicles to suit every type of lifestyle and their emergence into the compact luxury SUV market is no different. 2019 brought on a few notable SUVs that impressed us across numerous categories. In this instance, the 2019 GLC SUV and 2019 BMW X3 are two such vehicles worthy of a thorough comparison. For this direct comparison, on review are the two base trims available in Vancouver for each model: the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUV and the 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i.
Price
Acceleration
Horsepower
Torque
Engine
Transmission
Fuel Consumption
2019 GLC
2019 BMX X3
$50,690*
$52,310*
6.4 seconds
6.3 seconds
241hp
248hp
273lb-ft @ 1.3-4k rpm
257 lb-ft @ 1.45k rpm
2.0L inline-4 Turbo Engine
2.0L inline-4 Turbo Engine
9-speed Automatic
8-speed Automatic
with paddles
10L/100km combined:
11 city, 8.7 highway
9.6L/100km combined:
11 city, 8 highway
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Nuts & Bolts
In standard Mercedes-Benz fashion, we feel the 2019 GLC offers a commendable experience in luxury, comfort and design, alongside a modern and intuitive user experience. On the other hand, the BMW brand has often been a namesake in performance driving and in this respect, the 2019 BMW X3 stays true to form. The 2019 BMW X3 has been noted as a ‘driver’s car,’ with performance specs that have a slight advantage over the 2019 GLC in acceleration, horsepower and fuel consumption, although the 2019 GLC does prevail in boasting a more powerful torque output. Powerful torque output is beneficial at lower RPMs as it manifests more power at low speeds - an added benefit for towing. The base BMW X3 is noted as having an above average total price of approximately $52,310, a steeper price than $50,690 for the 2019 GLC, so these slight variations in performance do come at a higher cost.
The BMW X3 is the winner of the performance category due to slightly greater horsepower and fuel consumption.
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Luxury & Design
In the 2019 GLC, drivers can expect a more regal design typical of Mercedes-Benz whom we feel often has a leg-up in producing a luxury experience for drivers through thoughtful interior aesthetics. Both base interiors have man-made leather upholstery options in black and beige shades, with rich wood trim options. However, the 2019 GLC interior has sinuous and clean contours for an overall impression of a more flowing and sensual design, that overtly communicates luxury and style. When outfitted with Silk Beige Artico and Canberra Beige Leatherette, respectively, the 2019 BMW X3 colouring is a bit too strong in contrast, contributing to an overall interior design that is a bit clunky and outdated when compared to the smooth aesthetics of the 2019 GLC.
The 2019 GLC is the winner in luxury and design with a more modern and stylish design.
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Entertainment & Technology
To delve deeper into the interior user experience, the 2019 BMW X3 is outfitted with the iDrive infotainment system first introduced in 2011 with intermittent upgrades. While reputed as offering a harmonious user experience, as of 2018 the iDrive infotainment system is technically outdated, to be replaced by the new BMW Cockpit system that has been implemented on other current models such as the 2019 BMW X5, with a “Hey BMW” voice control feature. The 2019 GLC is a step ahead in this category by offering its state-of-the-art “Hey Mercedes” technology via the highly rated Mercedes-Benz User Experience system (MBUX).
Apple Carplay is an available upgrade on both models; however, while the 2019 GLC supports Android Auto as well, the BMW X3 has curiously left out this feature leaving Android users at a rather significant disadvantage in terms of optimal connectivity. Technical aesthetics such as ambient lighting are package options on both models, although this feature does not extend to the orange-hued gauge and switch-gear lighting of the BMW X3 which can clash with the rest of the cabin lighting.
The 2019 GLC is a clear winner in this category as it provides a more modern infotainment system and includes Android Auto.
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Comfort & Safety
The 2019 GLC has a slightly longer wheelbase, similar width and is slightly shorter in height than the 2019 BMW X3, but compensates with a bit more coveted legroom for front and backseat passengers. Both models offer SUV level comfort for any journey. However, the 2019 GLC offers standard driver and passenger lumbar support, while the BMW X3 provides this as an upgrade at extra cost. The 2019 GLC also has 14-way power adjustable seats compared to the 10-way power adjustable seating on the 2019 BMW X3, and both models have heated front seats as a standard feature. The finer details of comfort are more thoroughly implemented on the 2019 GLC, and for those who spend more time in their vehicle, we find the 2019 GLC is a better option for optimal comfort in a class-leading luxury interior.
The 2019 GLC has a curb weight of 3891lbs, making it 299 lbs lighter than the 2019 BMW X3’s 4190lbs. While heavier SUVs are reputed as safer in a collision, both vehicles fall within the heavyweight range as above-average safety vehicles. Both are awarded the 2019 Top Safety Pick by IIHS, subject to the addition of specific headlight packages on the 2019 GLC, and both headlight and optional front crash prevention packages on the 2019 BMW X3.
The 2019 GLC is a winner in the comfort and safety category due to more seating comfort options, leg room and a high safety rating with fewer package upgrades required.
Overall Perspective
The 2019 GLC has an advantage in luxury, comfort, safety and modern infotainment technology, whereas the 2019 BMW X3 slightly outstrips the 2019 GLC in performance and fuel economy, albeit at a higher cost. As of the first quarter of 2019, the 2019 GLC is ranked as the #1 Most Popular Luxury Vehicle by driving.ca with a 23% sales increase, while the BMW X3 comes in shortly afterwards at #3 with a 14% sales decrease compared to 2018.
