Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. BMW X3 vs. Audi Q5: for a perfect balance
February 09 2022,
The compact luxury SUV segment is one that offers many interesting models. Of course, you can look at the dozen or so products offered and measure the strengths and weaknesses of each. However, as a general rule, when a German model is on your list, it's with its compatriots that you should compare it.
The three proposals from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi dominate the category. Which one is the best? In truth, they are all their own. However, if you're looking for the best compromise, it's on the side of Mercedes-Benz with the GLC.
The truth is, it delivers the perfect balance. Let's see how that plays out.
Style that's always on point
Let's face it, the GLC is the oldest product of the three in terms of design. It saw the light of day for 2016 while its two rivals have been redesigned for 2018. What's important to know is that this doesn't affect the GLC in any way, which has been kept up to date by Mercedes-Benz. In what way? Notably by grafting, at the right time, the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system when it appeared.
As for the styling of the model, it was considered beautiful in its early days and nothing has changed since. The GLC has timeless lines, whether it's the regular model or the coupe style.
Extreme power
Each of our players offers a high-performance version. At Audi, it's more modest with the SQS, which sees its 3.0-liter turbo V6 deliver 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. That's what you'll find in the mid-range at BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
What sets the X3 and GLC apart is the capability of their high-performance variants; the X3 M Competition at BMW, the GLC AMG 63 S model at Mercedes-Benz.
The former delivers a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine good for 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GLC offers a 4-liter turbo V8 that is also capable of 503 horsepower, but 516 pound-feet of torque.
And you know as well as we do, there's nothing like hearing the work of a V8 engine under the hood of a vehicle. Advantage to Mercedes-Benz, clearly.
Balance
Finally, there's that balance we were talking about. The BMX X3 and Audi Q5 offer interesting experiences. Sportiness is the strength of the former, great comfort of the latter. Conversely, comfort could be better with BMW, as could dynamism with the Q5.
With the GLC, you get all that in one vehicle. The playfulness of the model is still present and you really enjoy driving it. Then, you realize it as soon as you hit the road, the comfort level offered by this vehicle is extraordinary.
Yes, the GLC is older and a new model is coming next year. However, if this SUV has been able to stay on the market for so long, it's because it's still in the game and is incomparable in its category. Come and see it at the dealership to find out for yourself.
