2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 BMW X4

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC

VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $50,250/$65,950

POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in³, 1991 cm³
Power: 255 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension,F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes,F/R: 14.6-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Continental EcoContact 6
F: 255/45R-20 105W MO
R: 285/40R-20 108W MO

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.1 in
Length: 185.7 in
Width: 74.4 in
Height: 64.6 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/49 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 59/22 ft³
Curb Weight: 4406 lb

2023 BMW X4

VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $52,795/$58,995

POWERTRAIN
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in³, 1998 cm³
Power: 248 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Runflat
F: 245/45R-20 103W Extra Load RSC
R: 275/40R-20 106W Extra Load RSC

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.8 in
Length: 187.6 in
Width: 75.5 in
Height: 63.8 in
Passenger Volume: 96 ft³
Cargo Volume: 24 ft³
Curb Weight: 4184 lb

A Comprehensive Comparison

Introduction

In the realm of compact luxury SUVs, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2023 BMW X4 emerge as distinguished contenders. This comprehensive comparison aims to dissect the key aspects of both vehicles, assisting you in making an informed decision based on your unique preferences and requirements.

Overview of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz has given the 2023 GLC-Class SUV a significant makeover, aligning it with the redesigned C-Class sedan. Mechanically similar to the sedan, the GLC-Class boasts a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 48-volt hybrid system, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The interior receives notable tech upgrades, including a large vertically-oriented touchscreen and advanced driver-assistance features. Subtle visual differences and a slight increase in overall length enhance the GLC’s styling, providing more cargo space.

Key Points:

Mechanically similar to the redesigned C-Class sedan.
Standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system.
Tech upgrades in the interior, including a large touchscreen and advanced driver-assistance features.
Subtle styling differences and improved cargo space.

Overview of the 2023 BMW X4

The 2023 BMW X4, a sibling to the X3, distinguishes itself with a captivating fastback design tailored for those who prioritize style. With agile handling and an optional turbocharged inline-six, the X4 emphasizes performance while maintaining a chic silhouette. Keyless entry is now standard, and the gesture controls for the infotainment system have been removed from the optional Premium package. The X4 carries over to the 2023 model year unchanged, offering a blend of style and practicality.

Key Points:

Eye-catching fastback design with agile handling.
Optional turbocharged inline-six for enhanced performance.
Standard keyless entry, with gesture controls removed from the optional Premium package.

Comparison of Engine Options

In the engine department, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class features a smooth-running turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system, delivering 255 horsepower. The 2023 BMW X4, on the other hand, offers a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower, emphasizing agility and style. The X4 M40i variant stands out with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder, producing an impressive 382 horsepower.

Key Points:

GLC-Class: 255-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid system.
X4 xDrive30i: 248-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
X4 M40i: 382-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder.

Comparison of Exterior Design

In terms of exterior design, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class showcases subtle visual differences from its predecessor, maintaining an expensive look. The 2023 BMW X4, with its fastback design, stands out in traffic, offering a coupe-like profile that emphasizes style over traditional SUV practicality.

Key Points:

GLC-Class: Subtle visual differences with an expensive look.
X4: Fastback design with a coupe-like profile, emphasizing style.

Comparison of Interior Features and Comfort

Interior comfort and features significantly influence the overall driving experience. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class boasts a deluxe interior with upscale materials, a modernized design, and advanced tech features. The 2023 BMW X4, while featuring a chic and premium cabin, places a strong emphasis on style and dynamic design.

Key Points:

GLC-Class: Deluxe interior with upscale materials and advanced tech features.
X4: Chic and premium interior with a strong emphasis on style and dynamic design.

Comparison of Safety Features

Safety is a paramount consideration in the luxury SUV segment. Both the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2023 BMW X4 offer a range of optional driver-assistance features. The GLC-Class provides standard automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, while the X4 includes standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning.

Key Points:

GLC-Class: Standard automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.
X4: Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning.

Pricing and Value for Money

Pricing is a crucial factor for many luxury SUV buyers. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class starts at $48,250, with three trim levels available. The 2023 BMW X4 xDrive30i has a starting price of $55,195, with additional options like the M40i variant. The choice between the two models depends on individual preferences, with the GLC-Class offering a starting price advantage and the X4 focusing on performance and style.

Key Points:

GLC-Class: Starting price of $48,250, with three trim levels.
X4 xDrive30i: Starting price of $55,195, with an M40i variant available.

Conclusion

The choice between the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2023 BMW X4 hinges on individual preferences and priorities:

Choose the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if:

You value a smooth-running powertrain, deluxe interior, and a modern tech-infused driving experience. You prefer an SUV with subtle visual differences and an expensive look. You are attracted to a starting price advantage and a range of trim options.

Choose the 2023 BMW X4 if:

You prioritize agile handling, a coupe-like profile, and optional turbocharged inline-six power. You appreciate a fastback design that stands out in traffic. You are willing to invest in a higher starting price for enhanced performance and style.

Consider your unique needs and preferences, whether they revolve around driving experience, design, pricing, or performance, to make an informed decision. Both the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2023 BMW X4 offer distinct strengths, catering to different segments of the luxury SUV market.