Mercedes-Benz GLC

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Lexus RX

The new grade “GLC Core” reflects Mercedes-Benz’s “core values”

We compare the newly added entry-level grade “Core” of the Mercedes-Benz GLC with the hybrid grade “RX350h” of the popular luxury SUV “Lexus RX.”

The Core is a model that keeps the price down by eliminating excessive equipment and options. The basic design of the interior and exterior is the same as the base “220d 4MATIC”, but the body colors available have been carefully selected from three popular colors, and the interior trim color is a special metallic finish instead of high-gloss black. The seat material remains the same, and is “ARTICO”, a synthetic leather that has the texture of real leather but is easy to maintain.

Meanwhile, the improved RX now has a 12.3-inch LCD meter for all grades. The rear door glass has also been replaced with sound-insulating glass, and sound-absorbing material has been added to further improve the quietness of the interior.

The RX is slightly larger in body size, but its rear seat comfort is slightly better than that of the GLC. Another advantage of the RX is its convenient Lexus equipment, such as the “e-Latch System,” which allows you to open the door with just a light pull, and works in conjunction with the rearview monitoring system to temporarily halt the opening operation if it detects a danger, protecting the occupants.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC Core

Body size = Total length 4720mm x Total width 1890mm x Total height 1640mm

Wheelbase = 2890mm

Vehicle weight = 1930kg

Tire size = 235/60R18

Lexus RX350h version L AWD

Body size = Length 4890mm x Width 1920mm x Height 1700mm

Wheelbase = 2850mm

Vehicle weight = 2010kg

Tire size = 235/50R21

The GLC’s diesel mild hybrid rivals the fuel economy of the Lexus RX

The GLC Core’s powertrain remains the same as the regular 220d 4MATIC, combining a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder diesel turbo engine with the electronically controlled 4MATIC AWD system.

Another major feature of the GLC is its mild hybrid system, which incorporates a motor between the engine and transmission. The GLC’s hybrid system is not as complex as the one installed in the RX, but the motor, which generates a large torque of 205 Nm, assists the car’s power performance.

The RX is a full hybrid system that achieves high fuel efficiency by appropriately using a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and a motor with a maximum output of 182 PS and maximum torque of 243 Nm, and the AWD model is an electric AWD “E-Four” that drives the rear wheels with a 54 PS/121 Nm motor.

The GLC has the advantage when cruising on the highway, as it can deliver high torque from low revs. Furthermore, the WLTC fuel economy of the GLC is 18.1km/L, just a hair behind the RX’s 18.7km/L, and because it uses diesel, it has lower running costs than the RX.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC Core

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine + motor

Displacement = 1992cc

Maximum engine output = 197PS/3600rpm

Maximum engine torque = 440Nm/1800-2800rpm

Transmission = 9-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

Lexus RX350h version L AWD

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine + motor

Displacement = 2487cc

Maximum engine output = 190PS/6000rpm

Maximum engine torque = 243Nm/4300-4500rpm

Maximum motor output = Front 182PS, rear 54PS

Maximum motor torque = Front 270Nm, rear 121Nm

Transmission = Electric CVT

Drive system = AWD

The price of the new GLC grade “Core” is on par with the RX

The price of the RX is 8.11 million yen. The price of the new GLC grade “Core” is 8.19 million yen, about 500,000 yen cheaper than the regular “220d 4MTIC” grade, putting it on par with the price of the RX350h. However, in exchange for the lower price, the Core grade does not come with the option of the “Leather Exclusive Package” which includes air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and genuine leather seats.

On the other hand, the RX comes standard with electronically controlled dampers, and with this latest improvement, the RX350h AWD model also comes standard with rear-wheel steering. The seats are also standard with semi-aniline genuine leather. The RX comes standard with luxury equipment that was omitted from the GLC Core grade, so it can be said that the RX offers better value for money.

However, the GLC is currently the best-selling and most popular model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, which has a long history and proven track record, and even the improved Lexus RX will have a hard time surpassing the brand value of Mercedes-Benz.