BMW X3 M50 xDrive

X

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic

Extremely light-feeling X3 M50 xDrive

BMW's best-selling mid-size SUV, the X3, has been reborn as a new model. The top grade model is the M50 xDrive. — BMW’s best-selling mid-size SUV, the X3, has been reborn as a new model. The top grade model is the M50 xDrive.

Even today, when the main trend has shifted from sedans to SUVs, the fact remains that the D segment is at its core. The two cars we’re featuring today are the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, which are positioned extremely close to the center of the segment. As befits our magazine, our test drive cars are the BMW X3 M50 xDrive and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic.

The two cars share many similar specifications. The overall length is only 5mm different, the overall width is the same, and the overall height is only 20mm different. As for the weight, both cars are exactly 2000kg according to the vehicle inspection certificate. It’s as if they were vehicle regulations.

On the other hand, there are contrasting points. That is the engine type. Mercedes has a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine, and the turbocharger is a 48V electric type. BMW also has a 48V MHEV, but this one is a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine.

The X3’s straight-six twin-turbo engine produces a pleasant sound

The in-line 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine boasts an output of 381 PS/540 Nm and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

I contributed a test drive report on the X3 M50 to the April issue of this magazine , concluding with the comment, “I have a feeling it will become a benchmark.” I was struck by the dynamic quality that is ahead of its time, possessed by the new X3, which has just debuted. So this time, I may be using the X3 as a yardstick to measure the performance of the GLC.

I ended up switching between the two cars frequently during the filming process, taking test drives in between, but my first impression was the same as always. The BMW has a dry feel, while the Mercedes has a moist, heavy feel. This isn’t so much a difference in frequency, but rather a difference in the radio waves themselves, like FM and AM.

Until now, I’ve perceived the dynamic quality of the two German brands as a difference in their personalities rather than superiority or inferiority, but this time, I felt there was a difference right from the start. The first thing that bothered me was the ride comfort of the GLC 43. The rock-like body desperately absorbs the force of the tires, but it still isn’t comfortable.

Even the controls on the X3 M50 xDrive are light and easy to use

The test vehicle was equipped with the Comfort Package, which includes active ventilation. The steering wheel, characterized by its flat bottom and D shape, fits comfortably in the hands. — [1]

The C 63, when it was equipped with a powerful V8 engine, had a model that was stiffer than the GLC 43, and I understand that there are a certain number of people who like this setting, but when viewed relative to the other models like this, it cannot be said to be superior.

While test-driving the GLC 43 for a while, I turned the Dynamic Select dial on the steering wheel to change from Comfort to Sport to Sport+. I noticed that the dampers were properly adjustable, and I began to suspect the problem was the tires. The standard tires, by the way, are Bridgestone Potenza Sport, and their square shoulders give them the best possible support.

On the other hand, the GLC 43’s powertrain, thanks to the effect of the electric turbo, begins to smoothly boost from low revolutions and the power increases smoothly up to high revolutions. However, in response to this power characteristic, the chassis feels like it needs to change its posture more slowly, and there seems to be a slight discrepancy between the manners of the two. This may be the result of pushing the excitement of the AMG brand to the forefront, but personally I found this approach nostalgic.

AMG-like slightly stiff suspension

The X3's biggest rival is the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, which has the same width and weight specifications as the X3. An interesting fact. — The X3’s biggest rival is the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, which has the same width and weight specifications as the X3. An interesting fact.

If I had only test-driven the GLC 43, I probably wouldn’t have had this impression. It’s a familiar AMG flavor. But once I’m exposed to the newness of the X3 M50, the dynamic quality of its rivals seems familiar.

So let’s think about the “newness” of the X3 M50 once again. At its core is the straight-six turbo engine, which has extremely little vibration and turns smoothly. Not only does it give you a sense of thicker torque at lower revolutions than the AMG, but even with the iconic sound turned off, you can still hear the high-pitched rumble that only a six-cylinder engine can produce, which is rare these days.

The GLC 43’s inline-4 turbo is torquey from low speeds

The 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder twin-turbo engine produces 421 PS/500 Nm and is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It has torquey characteristics even at low speeds.

The automatic transmission is BMW’s signature ZF8HP, and with the support of the motor, there is an astonishing lack of power interruption when shifting gears.

The newness of the chassis can be described as “lightness.” Even though they are the same weight, the Mercedes feels solid, while the BMW stands out for its agility. The steering is light, but that doesn’t mean it feels unsteady. The steering feels slow near the neutral position, and the strong feedback naturally leads to careful steering. The tires also have rounded shoulders, so they have a gentle touch on the road and don’t pick up ruts.

AMG interior with a premium feel

The AMG performance steering wheel made of nappa leather and the AMG menu on the cockpit and media display add to the excitement, while the seats are extremely comfortable. — [2]

The only real weakness I noticed while driving the X3 M50 was that at low speeds, the “swift” feeling could easily become “light.” The GLC 43, on the other hand, feels solid and well-built, a true Mercedes, at any speed.

Incidentally, when you hear about a straight-six vs. a straight-four engine, you might have the preconceived notion that the six-cylinder engine is larger and heavier at the front. However, it is worth noting that when you look at the vehicle inspection certificate, the X3 M50 has a front axle weight that is 30 kg lighter.

Two cars with contrasting personalities

The BMW is light and nimble, while the AMG is heavy and substantial. The more I drove, the clearer the differences in the characters of the two cars became.

After driving both cars, my opinion of the X3 M50 is now solid. The GLC 43, on the other hand, seems like it would be “fit” if it were fitted with narrower, more flexible tires, but would that make the AMG brand less meaningful? There are differences between the two brands that can’t be fixed with a little tweaking.

REPORT / Takuo YOSHIDA

PHOTO / Ryota Sato

MAGAZINE / GENROQ June 2025 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

BMW X3 M50 xDrive

Body size: Length 4755, width 1920, height 1660mm

Wheelbase: 2865mm

Vehicle weight: 2000kg

Engine type: Inline 6-cylinder DOHC turbo

Total displacement: 2997cc

Maximum output: 280kW (381PS) / 5500rpm

Maximum torque: 540Nm (55.1kgm) / 1900-4800rpm

Transmission: 8-speed AT

Drive system: AWD

Suspension: Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc

Tire size: Front 255/45R20, rear 285/40R20

Vehicle price: 9,980,000 yen

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic

Body size: Length 4750, Width 1920, Height 1640mm

Wheelbase: 2890mm

Vehicle weight: 2000kg

Engine type: Inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbo

Total displacement: 1991cc

Maximum output: 310kW (421PS) / 6750rpm

Maximum torque: 500Nm (51.0kgm) / 5000rpm

Transmission: 9-speed AT

Drive system: AWD

Suspension: Front and rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc Tire

size: Front 265/45ZR20, Rear 295/40ZR20

Vehicle price: 11.7 million yen