Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC and its top competitor, the BMW X3, offer impressive rides for luxury SUVs. Each one offers something special to your purchase, whether it be performance or fuel savings. When you compare the two vehicles, however, one stands out just a bit more than the other. 

MotorTrend compared the two luxury SUVs and explained what each one offers. It also discusses which one seems like the better deal when it comes to various aspects of purchasing a luxury SUV.  Let’s see what they felt made the GLC the winner between the two. 

What makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC so special?

The strongest points for the Mercedes-Benz GLC fell within the performance range. Acceleration and braking distances put this SUV over the top. With just the right equipment, Mercedes-Benz created a pretty powerful crossover luxury SUV. 

Under the hood of the GLC is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that could generate 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This motor allows the SUV to see an acceleration time of 5.4 seconds for the standard engine. That’s 1.5 seconds faster than what the X3 could muster.  

Braking distances didn’t disappoint either. The GLC managed to stop within 110 feet when going from 60 to 0 mph. That’s a whopping 13 feet less than what the X3 did. Even the sportier version they tested outshined the X3. The GLC63 S Coupe stopped with a distance of 105 feet. The X3 M took five more feet to come to a halt. 

What gives the Mercedes-Benz GLC an edge over the X3?

There are a few areas that put the Mercedes-Benz GLC on top when you compare it to the X3. One of the major ones is its reliability. Owners were satisfied with its performance, and the luxury feel of the interior, gaining it some good marks with Consumer Reports. 

Good looks are another area that impressed MotorTrend. They felt that the GLC had better aesthetics and design appeal than the X3. With its stylish headlights, muscular appearance, and clean lines on the body, the GLC just drew more attention. 

When it came to build quality, the Mercedes-Benz GLC earned more points than BMW. MotorTrend reviewers reported no major issues with the GLC during the time they tested it out. The X3, however, had a creaky suspension and some sort of roof leak. 

Are there any other good points with the GLC?

Another big area with the Mercedes-Benz GLC is its value. MotorTrend felt the GLC’s low depreciation in a five-year period, and its long list of standard features helps it hold much of its value. 

One exciting feature that you can now get with the GLC is a plug-in hybrid model. This version offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 13.5 kWh electric motor. This combination allows you to get 68 MPGe when you fully charge it up. You’ll also get about 22 miles of electric range as well. Without the battery charged, the SUV gets around 25 MPG. 

MotorTend also liked the GLC’s interior more than they did the X3’s. The reviewers felt it had more high-quality materials that looked modern with the dual-display setup that Mercedes-Benz gave it. While other luxury SUVs had more user-friendly features, the GLC just exuded a higher level of luxuriousness than they saw with the X3. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLC comes close to the BMW X3, but it still manages to come out on top when you compare the two. With just the right amount of standard features, excellent value, and top-notch performance, the GLC comes out ahead.