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 Expertise) debuts precisely two days after BMW’s electrified X3 — speak about timing. Each struggle for a similar slice of the premium EV market. However put these two contenders facet by facet, and the variations in philosophy grow to be simply as clear because the similarities.
Exterior Design
In the event you assume the GLC EV and iX3 have an identical 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 great job of updating their volume-selling SUV for a future centered on electrification. Whereas the iX3 genuinely seems to be like nothing else from the model, the GLC feels extra evolutionary fairly 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 largely right down to the completely huge 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 assume 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 facet by facet, 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 slightly little bit of the egg form from the EQS fashions. However general, we predict the GLC seems to be simply effective; 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 an enormous deal in regards to the electrical GLC’s Hyperscreen. We’ll get to {that a} bit later, but it surely’s inconceivable to speak in regards to the inside with out mentioning the display, since it’s, nicely, the whole dashboard. Not a great look in our opinion, but it surely’s admittedly a a lot smoother look than the present era’s integration. The steering wheel — new for the mannequin, together with the seats — seems to be extra conventional than the iX3’s. It additionally seems to be actually good, bridging the hole between thickness and manageability and holding with a reasonably acquainted design. Mercedes presents an non-obligatory Vegan Package deal for the inside, too. The model additionally confirmed MB-Tex and leather-based choices. The BMW presents a hair extra cargo house. With all of the seats stowed, it offers 61.8 cubic ft of cargo house 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 ranking. 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 provide a bit extra horsepower, coming in with 483 horsepower/360 kW in comparison with the iX3’s 463 horsepower/345 kW.
Expertise
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 growing a Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show that lives on the base of the windshield. BMW’s deal with “shy tech” actually exhibits right here, and the electrical GLC is decidedly much more in your face about its devices. Beneath all of it, relaxation assured that each provide just about the identical facilities. Voice instructions, navigation, CarPlay/Android Auto, and AI-powered looking out 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 “beneath $60,000,” based on the automaker’s iX3 information web page. We might see some consumers selecting the GLC EV for its seems to be and extra acquainted display structure. However overcoming a not insubstantial hole in vary and charging would possibly show difficult. General, evaluating the iX3 to the GLC with EQ Expertise proves these two are a detailed rivals as ever.
