The New 2024 BMW X3 vs 2024 Mercedes GLC! You Should Buy This One..
It’s fair to say that you can’t make a bad choice when deciding between the 2024 BMW X3 and 2024 Mercedes GLC. - However, for the latest generation of both SUVs, it’s clear there is a winner…
The history
If we want to talk about the future, we’d better first take a quick look at the past. Let’s do a little background check on our two SUVs here.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC, a compact luxury crossover SUV, made its debut in 2015 for the 2016 model year, succeeding the GLK-Class. It’s dubbed by Mercedes-Benz as the SUV sibling of the C-Class. Though considered compact, it nudges towards mid-size on the US turf.
Now in its 2nd generation, the Mercedes-Benz GLC comes in two body styles - a traditional SUV and a sleeker GLC Coupe. Mirroring the traits of the W206 C-Class, all models are equipped with four-cylinder engines aided by Mild-hybrid technology. It also boasts 4 Plugin hybrid models, comprising three general models and one AMG-branded variant.
Switching lanes to the BMW X3, this SUV, created by BMW in 2003, rests on the sturdy BMW 5 Series platform. Now in its 3rd generation, BMW tags the car as a Sports Activity Vehicle, an exclusive moniker for its plush X-line range.
Marking its territory as the first midsize premium SUV on the block, the X3, since 2008, locked horns with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (renamed GLC-Class post-2016) and a medley of other SUVs in this niche. It nestles between the larger X5 and X6, and the more compact X1 and X2. Its electric sibling goes by the BMW iX3.
The 3rd generation BMW X3 comes with several petrol/hybrid and diesel powertrains. When it comes to Diesel, we’ve got 2.0-liter straight-4 and 3.0-liter straight-6 models. If you’re a petrol head, chances are you’ll choose the 3.0-liter straight-6 or the more affordable 2.0-liter straight-4 or 2.0-liter straight-4 with electric motor on the xDrive30e.
What is more, 2019 saw the curtain rise on the X3 M and X3 M Competition (F97). The X3 M comes strapped with a 3.0 L S58 straight-six engine, churning out 473 horsepower, while the Competition models up the power to 503 horsepower. These ones should lock horns with the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43, which, although bearing the AMG badge, is still a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, Mercedes has dropped the previous twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. That’s a shame, really.
So, compared to the GLC, the BMW still keeps true to that beautiful inline-6 engine, and even if you don’t want an X3M, you can still get an xDrive35d or xDrive35i with a lot of panache.
Word around the bend is that BMW is gearing up to unveil the 4th generation of the BMW X3 in 2024-2025. But with scant details at hand, our comparison will pit the 3rd generation BMW X3, the G0,1 against the 2nd generation Mercedes-Benz GLC, the X254/C254. Shall we continue?
Performance
In terms of raw performance, the standard versions of the two SUVs are quite the same. On one hand, we have the GLC300 with a 2.0-liter inline-4 petrol engine and a mild hybrid system. It churns out about 255 hp delivered by a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic.
On the other hand, we have the BMW xDrive30i with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine churning out about 248 hp. Both cars perform very similarly in this range, giving you pretty much what you need, though you might crave a bit more kick at times. The good torque and smooth acceleration at medium speeds are great on both cars.
The BMW's eight-speed auto gearbox has a slight edge over the Mercedes' nine-speed. It sends power to the wheels faster and shifts gears quicker, which feels more responsive. The suspension is tougher, handling almost like a sports sedan.
The Mercedes, on the other hand, offers a much more comfy ride. Its suspension is gentle, allowing more body movement than the BMW, as it smooths out most bumps and dips on the road. The brakes are trustworthy and provide a good solid stopping power. Steering is light, yet provides a good connection to the road, making driving enjoyable.
The X3 steering is typical of BMW. In the Comfort setting, it is a bit too light and less precise. Switching to Sport mode adds a little too much weight, still lacking that road feel you get in the Mercedes GLC.
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