The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs the 2017 BMW X3

When it comes to luxury pedigree, few luxury crossover SUVs are cut from finer cloth than the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC and the 2017 BMW X3. Faultlessly styled and effortless evocative, these are two of the most intensely desirable models in the segment, but which one should end up gracing your driveway? We’ve conducted a competitive comparison to help point you in the right direction.

Power and Efficiency

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC is fitted with a sophisticated 2.0L inline-four turbo engine as standard, so you’ll enjoy up to 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. You’ll be surprised how much more vibrant and commanding performance feels compared against the 240 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque 2017 BMW X3.

That might be thanks to the BMW’s relatively lackluster transmission, which lacks the grace and precision of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 9G-TRONIC automatic. Its greater number of gear ratios provides more specialized performance, and it helps you make up to 22 mpg in the city vs just 21 mpg with the BMW.

Safety

If you’ve been keeping pace with the luxury segment, you’ll have noticed that Mercedes-Benz is constantly pushing safety technology forward, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC brings the following high-grade features:

• ATTENTION ASSIST®: Continuously monitors up to 70 parameters of driving behavior, then provides an alert when drowsiness is detected.*
• Crosswind Assist: Gauges the impact of side winds before strategically braking to compensate for them.**  
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS: Detects possible frontal collisions, provides a warning, then applies braking independently.***

While the Mercedes-Benz GLC fits these features as standard, the BMW X3 makes you pay extra.

Comfort

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC lets you relax into 14-way power driver seats with memory as standard. Support is more intuitive than with the BMW X3’s 8-way seats, and there are several interior features only available with the Mercedes-Benz, including:

• Cabin-Air Purification System: Removes impurities for a refreshing driving environment.
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Syncs with your smartphone to bring its features and apps to your onboard systems.

The 2017 BMW X3 Falls Visibly Behind the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The BMW X3 is hardly a disappointing luxury crossover, but it never comes close to matching the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC. From financing advice to trim level information, contact Mercedes-Benz of Augusta to find out more. Alternatively, feel free to visit our showroom – we’re just a short drive east from Evans or south-east from River Island.

*Driving while drowsy or distracted is dangerous and must be avoided. ATTENTION ASSIST may be insufficient to alert a fatigued or distracted driver of lane drift and cannot be relied on to avoid an accident or serious injury.