Compact luxury SUVs such as the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC and the 2024 BMW X3 are worthy upgrades for those who seek more luxury features and performance capabilities. These two nameplates come from established luxury automakers and have been around for a long time, making them popular choices in the segment.
Let’s have a Mercedes-Benz vs. BMW competition to determine a winner. We’ll evaluate the 2024 GLC and the 2024 X3 based on what their interiors can offer and how well they perform. Then, we’ll check out their safety offerings and help you decide which one you should buy.
Meanwhile, if you’d like to know all about the 2024 GLC, swing by Mercedes-Benz of Fredericksburg. We’ll tell you all about this compact luxury SUV and the trims on offer. You can also discover how to join the Mercedes-Benz lifestyle and what it brings.
The 2024 GLC and the 2024 X3 are both rated to carry five adults and are similar in terms of interior quality. Both compact luxury SUVs offer leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and wood or metal interior accents. However, the 2024 GLC’s portrait-oriented touchscreen is more ergonomic than the slim, widescreen unit in the 2024 X3.
Furthermore, the 2024 GLC’s MBUX user interface seamlessly combines infotainment, climate, and vehicle settings within a single user interface. This results in more convenience and ease of use. Meanwhile, the 2024 X3 relies on a combination of touchscreen, buttons, and iDrive controller in the center console. Users of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC can even store their own custom profile for seat, steering, and mirror adjustments. Then, their profile can be loaded with a swipe of the vehicle’s in-built fingerprint sensor.
Both vehicles have Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. They also support Bluetooth® connectivity and come with digital instrument clusters. Buyers receive premium sound systems and wireless phone chargers on higher trims. The 2024 GLC also offers an Augmented Reality feature for its heads-up display. This enables the system to overlay information, such as navigation directions, onto the windshield.
The 2024 GLC class trails behind the X3 in terms of cargo capacity. However, users can split-fold the rear seat backs to gain more cargo capacity. Additionally, both compact luxury crossovers come with ample in-cabin storage spaces. Front and rear cup holders are standard as well.
Mercedes-Benz offers the 2024 GLC with just one engine, simplifying choices for buyers. Coming in GLC 300 form, it features a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine plus a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The powertrain can develop 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It drives the rear wheels through a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can opt for Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC® all-wheel drive system, too.
Independent testing has timed the 0-60 benchmark at 5.6 seconds. Testers also commented on the GLC’s smooth ride. Meanwhile, there are two high-performance Mercedes-AMG® GLC 43 and GLC 63 variants due later this year, with up to 671 horsepower.
The 2024 BMW X3 comes with two engine choices. First, there’s an sDrive30i variant, with a turbocharged, 4-cylinder, 248 HP unit. This rear-wheel drive variant comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can also opt for the xDrive30i, which has the same drivetrain but adds all-wheel drive. The 0-60 time is 6.2 seconds as per independent testers.
Then, there’s the M40i, which packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder engine. This variant delivers 382 horsepower to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The 2024 GLC and the 2024 X3 are quite close in terms of standard safety features. Both compact luxury SUVs have automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist features. But the 2024 GLC adds blind-spot monitoring as standard. Furthermore, all trims have stability control, child safety locks, child seat anchors, and a full complement of airbags. An adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree surround-view camera system are optional for either vehicle.
Our Mercedes-Benz vs. BMW contest is a close one, but the 2024 GLC manages to beat the 2024 X3. It’s got a more spacious cabin with impressive technological features, and a well-matched powertrain. Then, it offers a better array of safety features.
So why not check out the 2024 GLC for yourself? Talk to us at Mercedes-Benz of Fredericksburg, and we’ll arrange a test drive.
