When two of Germany’s greatest 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 asking it, the GLC with EQ Know-how) debuts precisely two days after BMW’s electrified X3 — discuss 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 suppose the GLC EV and iX3 have an analogous vibe, you’re not imagining issues. Each corporations hail their automobiles 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 targeted on electrification. Whereas the iX3 genuinely seems to be like nothing else from the model, the GLC feels extra evolutionary moderately than revolutionary. The grille isn’t an instantaneous winner for my part, however total the automotive’s entrance finish may be very recognizable as Mercedes. Even whether it is largely right down to the completely large three-pointed star. Within the again, utterly new lighting signature that just about 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 whenever you evaluate 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 total, we expect the GLC seems to be simply advantageous; though the iX3 is certainly the extra trendy design. That’s both a professional or a con, relying on who you might be.
Inside Design
Mercedes-Benz is making a giant deal concerning the electrical GLC’s Hyperscreen. We’ll get to {that a} bit later, nevertheless it’s not possible to speak concerning the inside with out mentioning the display screen, since it’s, effectively, all the dashboard. Not a great look in our opinion, nevertheless 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 — 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 provides an non-obligatory Vegan Package deal 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 gives 61.8 cubic toes 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 data for, is estimated to get 713 kilometers of vary based mostly on European WLTP requirements. The iX3 bests it with an 805-kilometer score. The iX3 has a much 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.
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 alternative route, sticking to 1 smaller display screen (it’s nonetheless fairly huge, measuring 17.9 inches) and creating a Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show that lives on the base of the windshield. BMW’s deal with “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 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 just isn’t normal gear, in contrast to the Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t revealed pricing for the GLC EV. However we’re considering it needs to be very near iX3 50 xDrive pricing, which begins “beneath $60,000,” in accordance with the automaker’s iX3 data web page. We might see some buyers selecting the GLC EV for its seems to be and extra acquainted display screen format. However overcoming a not insubstantial hole in vary and charging would possibly show difficult. Total, evaluating the iX3 to the GLC with EQ Know-how proves these two are a detailed rivals as ever.
