When two of Germany’s largest luxurious manufacturers launch all-electric variations of their best-selling SUVs, the comparisons virtually write themselves. The Mercedes-Benz GLC EV (or, as Merc is looking it, the GLC with EQ Know-how) debuts precisely two days after BMW’s electrified X3 — speak about timing. Each combat for a similar slice of the premium EV market. However put these two contenders aspect by aspect, and the variations in philosophy change into simply as clear because the similarities.
Exterior Design
In case you suppose the GLC EV and iX3 have an analogous vibe, you’re not imagining issues. Each corporations hail their autos with the very same phrasing: “daybreak of a brand new period.” I’m unsure if that’s ironic or just the quickest a prophecy has ever fulfilled. Regardless, each did a very good job of updating their volume-selling SUV for a future centered on electrification. Whereas the iX3 genuinely appears to be like like nothing else from the model, the GLC feels extra evolutionary somewhat than revolutionary. The grille isn’t a direct winner for my part, however general the automobile’s entrance finish could be very recognizable as Mercedes. Even whether it is principally all the way down to the completely large three-pointed star. Within the again, fully new lighting signature that nearly pay homage to the Idea AMG GT XX look fairly dang good. We additionally dig the horizontal orientation and suppose it makes the electrical GLC look only a tad bit sportier from the again.
The sportiness falls a bit flat while you examine the 2 aspect by aspect, although. The GLC EV is round two inches (51 mm) longer than the BMW iX3. Its much less angular roofline (and the BMW iX3’s Hofmeister kink) means it nonetheless has a bit of little bit of the egg form from the EQS fashions. However general, we predict the GLC appears to be like simply nice; though the iX3 is definitely the extra fashionable design. That’s both a professional or a con, relying on who you’re.
Inside Design
Mercedes-Benz is making a giant deal concerning the electrical GLC’s Hyperscreen. We’ll get to {that a} bit later, however it’s unattainable to speak concerning the inside with out mentioning the display, since it’s, properly, your complete dashboard. Not a very good look in our opinion, however it’s admittedly a a lot smoother look than the present era’s integration. The steering wheel — new for the mannequin, together with the seats — appears to be like extra conventional than the iX3’s. It additionally appears to be like actually good, bridging the hole between thickness and manageability and maintaining with a reasonably acquainted design. Mercedes provides an non-compulsory Vegan Bundle for the inside, too. The model additionally confirmed MB-Tex and leather-based choices. The BMW provides a hair extra cargo area. With all of the seats stowed, it offers 61.8 cubic ft of cargo area whereas the GLC EV provides you with 61.4 cu-ft.
Efficiency
Sorry Merc followers. The GLC 400, which is what Mercedes revealed info for, is estimated to get 713 kilometers of vary primarily based on European WLTP requirements. The iX3 bests it with an 805-kilometer score. The iX3 has an even bigger battery, 108.7 kWh usable in comparison with Merc’s 94 kWh. BMW says the iX3 can add 372 kilometers of vary in ten minutes; MB’s GLC provides 303 kilometers in the identical. Fortunately, the Mercedes does supply a bit extra horsepower, coming in with 483 horsepower/360 kW in comparison with the iX3’s 463 horsepower/345 kW.
Know-how
Alright, let’s get again to that Hyperscreen. It measures 39.1 inches, simply shy of 100 cm. In the meantime, BMW has gone the other route, sticking to 1 smaller display (it’s nonetheless fairly massive, measuring 17.9 inches) and creating a Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show that lives on the base of the windshield. BMW’s give attention to “shy tech” actually reveals right here, and the electrical GLC is decidedly much more in your face about its devices. Beneath all of it, relaxation assured that each supply just about the identical facilities. Voice instructions, navigation, CarPlay/Android Auto, and AI-powered looking can be found on every. Notably, the Hyperscreen shouldn’t be normal tools, not like the Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t revealed pricing for the GLC EV. However we’re considering it must be very near iX3 50 xDrive pricing, which begins “underneath $60,000,” in keeping with the automaker’s iX3 data web page. We may see some consumers selecting the GLC EV for its appears to be like and extra acquainted display format. However overcoming a not insubstantial hole in vary and charging would possibly show difficult. General, evaluating the iX3 to the GLC with EQ Know-how proves these two are a detailed rivals as ever.
