Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to launch the new GLC in India. With this update, the GLC will get a mild makeover with a unique design, more features, more power, and more performance. In this article, we have pitched the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC against its rivals.
The GLC is a mid-size luxury SUV that competes against the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC-60. Now, let’s examine how the brand-new Mercedes-Benz GLC compares to its competitors.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Vs Rivals: Exterior Highlights
The design of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC looks bold and fresh. The SUV gets a new grille, a large Mercedes-Benz logo, slim LED headlights, and a new bumper. The styling of the SUV is enhanced by its stylish alloy wheels and coupe-inspired design. At the rear, it features slim and angular LED taillights, a bumper with a twin-tip exhaust muffler, and an integrated spoiler.
Meanwhile, the design of the Audi Q5 looks sporty and has edgy proportions. The SUV gets a 5-slat large grille, Matrix LED headlights, and a bumper with skid plates. However, the side profile looks like the old-generation model. But the Q5 gets silver 5-spoke alloys and clean body panels. The rear of Q5 features LED taillights, a chrome sill on the tailgate, and a bumper with reflector and skid plates. However, the overall design is somehow dated in this comparison.
Moving on to the X3, the BMW X3 looks sleek and modern in its styling. It features a large kidney grille, LED headlights with J-shaped DRLs, and a new bumper. Meanwhile, the side profile of the X3 looks bulky and rides on the new multi-spoke alloy wheels. At the rear, the SUV gets sharp-looking LED taillights and a new bumper with black cladding, and dual exhaust set-up.
At the last, the design of the Volvo XC60 looks sleek and has a bold stance. It gets sleek and slim LED headlights, a chrome grille, and an edgy bumper. The side profile of the SUV looks clean and the SUV rides on diamond-cut alloy wheels. At the rear, the SUV gets L-shaped LED taillights and a flat tailgate.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Vs Rivals: Dimensions
The carmaker has revised the dimensions of the new GLC. The new GLC is marginally bigger than its previous model. However, in terms of road presence, the new GLC has an edge over its rivals. Below is the comparison table:
| The Parameters of SUVs | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Audi Q5 | BMW X3 | Volvo XC60 |
| Length (in mm) | 4716 | 4682 | 4708 | 4708 |
| Width (in mm) | 1890 | 1893 | 1891 | 1902 |
| Height (in mm) | 1640 | 1655 | 1676 | 1653 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 2888 | 2819 | 2864 | 2865 |
Mercedes-Benz GLC Vs Rivals: Interior and Features
The interior design of the GLC looks modern and sleek, featuring silver accents. The interior layout is now cleaner and has fewer physical buttons. It includes a new digital instrument cluster on the dashboard, oval-shaped AC vents, and a portrait-style infotainment system. Additionally, the SUV has a new steering wheel and a glossy black center console panel. However, it retains the column-type gear selector found in its other sibling models.
Meanwhile, the Audi Q5 has a sporty-looking interior with a black and light brown theme. However, its interior layout appears busy with many buttons. The Q5 still incorporates the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, a floating-type infotainment system, and a 3-spoke steering wheel. The center console features a Dual-Zone AC Panel, buttons for controlling infotainment, and a gear knob.
The interior of the BMW X3 looks sharp and vibrant with a black interior, light brown seats, and silver accents on the dashboard. It features a digital instrument cluster, a floating-type infotainment system, and a sporty steering wheel. The center console includes a Dual-Zone AC Panel, buttons for controlling infotainment, a rotary knob for various features, and a new gear knob.
Lastly, the Volvo XC60 features an elegant and sophisticated design. The layout may appear busy due to the large AC vents and infotainment system. The XC60 is equipped with a digital instrument cluster, a sleek steering wheel, and wooden accents on the dashboard. The SUV also has wooden accents on the AC vents, steering, gear knob, and center console panel.
The interior’s beauty is highlighted by the wooden treatment and the light brown door trims and seats. In this comparison, the XC60 and the Q5 stand out as SUVs deserving updates, especially since their rivals have recently received updates.
Engine and Performance
The GLC has not only got more features and a new design, but it also gets new hybrid engine options. Apart from this, the Q5 misses out on a hybrid and diesel engine. But the X3 doesn’t get the options of the petrol engine and misses out on the hybrid set-up. However, the AWD is common in all of these SUVs. Below are the details of the powertrain options:
| The SUVs and Parameters | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Audi Q5 | BMW X3 | Volvo XC60 |
| Engine and its type | 2.0L Petrol/ 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Petrol | 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Petrol |
| Mild-Hybrid Assist | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Power Output | 258hp petrol/ 197hp diesel | 261hp | 188hp | 250hp |
| Torque Output | 400nm petrol/ 440nm diesel | 370nm | 400nm | 350nm |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 6.2s for petrol/ 8.0s for diesel | 6.1s | 7.9s | 7.1s |
In this comparison, the on-paper power and torque of the new GLC are quite improved than before. However, the Q5 and XC60 have higher power and torque than the GLC petrol. However, the GLC diesel has more torque than all its rivals. Also, the GLC has additional gear that will help it to cruise better on the highways. Talking about the claimed 0-100 timings, the Audi Q5 is the quickest of the lot but the GLC takes more time to hit the ton.
Conclusion
Based on the comparison provided, it appears that the new Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out as the winner in terms of its exterior and interior design, along with having more features compared to its rivals, making it upmarket in its segment. The addition of a mild-hybrid system to its petrol and diesel engines has also significantly improved its output and efficiency.
The BMW X3 is a close competitor to the new GLC, offering sporty exteriors, higher quality interiors, and the latest features. That being said Mercedes-Benz is only slightly behind the X3 in terms of interior quality, it is a very close victory for the BMW. However, the lack of a petrol engine option in the X3 might be seen as a drawback for some potential buyers.
On the other hand, the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 seem to lag behind in the competition. Both vehicles still feature outdated exterior and interior designs and lack modern features. Additionally, neither SUV offers a diesel engine option, and the Q5 is not equipped with a mild-hybrid engine either, putting them at a further disadvantage compared to the GLC and X3.
In summary, if one prioritizes a fresh exterior and interior design, more features, and the option for a mild-hybrid system, the Mercedes-Benz GLC appears to be the best choice among the mentioned SUVs. However, individual preferences and priorities may vary, so it is essential to consider personal needs and preferences before making a final decision.