MERCEDES BENZ GLC

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BMW X3

Even though the price has been reduced, the GLC’s appeal remains largely the same.

The rivals, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3, are roughly the same size, and there is not much difference in the interior space or luggage space. However, the interior and exterior designs are distinctly different from each other, and there are many differences in the decoration and equipment.

The new X3, which underwent a full model change in November 2024, has evolved into a design that incorporates more powerful details while maintaining the traditional silhouette. The interior features BMW’s latest design theme, a curved LCD meter display, and combined with the interior and exterior illumination functions, it gives off a more advanced impression.

Meanwhile, the newly added “Core” grade for the GLC is based on the “220d 4MATIC” and offers a lower price with carefully selected equipment and options. The only major differences from the base grade are that the body colors are limited to three popular colors and the interior trim color has changed from gloss black to a metallic finish. The standard seats are made of synthetic leather “ARTICO.” Optional features include the AMG Line Package and the Panoramic Sliding Roof, but the air suspension and rear-wheel steering options cannot be added, and genuine leather seats are no longer available.

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

BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport

Body size = Length 4755mm x Width 1920mm x Height 1660mm

Wheelbase = 2865mm

Vehicle weight = 1930kg

Tire size = 245/50R19

The GLC has the advantage thanks to its mild hybrid performance and the number of gears.

The powertrain of the Core grade remains the same as the 220d 4MATIC, and continues to be a diesel engine combined with the electronically controlled AWD system 4MATIC. The X3 also combines a diesel engine with the xDrive AWD system, and in addition to the basic configuration, the engine specifications are also almost the same.

However, the GLC has one more gear and its mild hybrid system is superior. The motor specifications of both cars are a maximum output of 23 PS and a maximum torque of 205 Nm for the GLC, while the X3 has a more modest 11 PS and 25 Nm for the X3. This results in a difference in power performance when accelerating from a standstill or re-accelerating, when the motor is actively working, and the difference in the number of gears results in a difference in fuel efficiency at high speeds.

The WLTC mode suburban fuel economy figures for both cars, cruising at around 60km/h, are extremely low at 18.5km/L and 17.2km/L, but the highway fuel economy figures are 21.1km/L and 18.8km/L, and the city fuel economy figures are 14.3km/L and 11.7km/L. In terms of power performance and fuel economy alone, the GLC is superior.

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

BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport

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

Displacement = 1995cc

Maximum output = 197PS/4000rpm

Maximum torque = 400Nm/1500-2750rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

How will BMW respond to the price cut of nearly 500,000 yen?

The vehicle price of the X3 20d xDrive M Sport is 8.68 million yen. The regular GLC 220d 4MATIC is priced at 8.67 million yen, making the two cars comparable in price. However, the price of the new GLC grade, Core, is 8.19 million yen. This is essentially a price cut of nearly 500,000 yen, and the price balance between the two cars has been broken. What will BMW do in response to this?

The Core grade aims to offer “core value” by lowering the price without compromising the appeal of the GLC. If you are currently considering purchasing a GLC and do not need optional equipment such as air suspension or genuine leather seats, you should actively choose the Core grade.

Vehicle price

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC Core: 8.19 million yen

BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport 8.68 million yen

Related reading

Sales of the carefully selected entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC 220 d 4MATIC Core model have begun.

Mercedes-Benz Japan has added the entry-level models “GLC 220d 4MATIC Core (ISG)” and “GLC 220d 4MATIC Coupe Core (ISG)” to its “GLC/GLC Coupe” lineup. Sales began on March 6th through the nationwide Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer network.

Related reading

The new, fourth-generation BMW X3, which has undergone a full model change, is being introduced in Japan. All models are equipped with 48V mild hybrids.

The introduction of the new X3 in Japan was announced at the brand store “FREUDE by BMW” in Azabudai, Tokyo. This is the fourth-generation flagship SAV, with all gasoline and diesel models electrified with a 48V mild hybrid system. The fact that it was introduced less than six months after its world premiere in June this year shows that the Japanese market is being given great importance.