BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC

Mercedes further expands its portfolio with the expressive GLC Coupé and pushes into a niche that has been unoccupied by the Swabians. There the independent BMW X4 waits for the first duel. Comparison test!

BMW X4  Mercedes GLC

So far, the BMW X4 had a relatively comfortable existence. As the only medium-class hatchback SUV in the market, he did not have any competitive pressure. This is now suddenly changing with the sales start of the Mercedes GLC Coupé. The noble Schwabe, with its expressive design, comfortable driving characteristics and extensive safety technology, is ready to challenge the field stag. In the comparison test, the 204 hp strong GLC 250 d 4Matic Coupé will compete against the BMW X4 xDrive20d with 190 hp. Which of the two stylish all-wheelers offers the better overall package? Although a large-family-friendly space utilization of these designer pieces certainly was not at the top of the specification, both the BMW X4 and the new Mercedes GLC Coupé bring a high degree of practicality. In the front seats even large persons enjoy a lot of space for free unfolding - with easy advantages for the Mercedes, which provides more free flying. And also for luggage both leave exactly the same amount of space: 500 to 1400 liters. In addition, the variability largely corresponds to that of conventional SUVs.

Mercedes GLC 250d

TEST: MERCEDES GLC AND BMW X4
However, neither the BMW nor the Daimler is a genuine transformation artist. They can not offer more than a three-piece rear seat backrest. After all, both hatchback SUVs already have an electrically opening and closing tailgate as standard. The design concept with the coupéhaft dropping roof lines, however, makes itself quite noticeable on the rear seats - in the negative sense. Here, the BMW and the Mercedes are very embarrassed about their Steilheck brothers. People up to about 1.80 meters can nevertheless be easily accommodated on longer distances - in some cases, the leg clearance in both cases is quite generous. Speaking abundantly: This attribute also applies to the safety equipment in the Mercedes GLC. Assistance systems such as a rear-end warning, an autonomous emergency brake or a rear-view camera are on-board at the factory. The BMW countered with standard Xenon headlights and a downhill control. Further helpers, for example, distance control, blind spot warning systems, tracking systems, adaptive LED spotlights, ambient cameras or head-up display, cost as well here and there extra.

BOTH CARS ARE A HIGH QUALITY OF PRACTICABILITY
Taking off long stages in the Mercedes GLC is more like a load. Responsible for this is the sämige suspension comfort, which enables the Air Body Control (2261 Euro), which is subject to a surcharge. Long waves iron the set-up equipped with adaptive dampers and air suspension competently, so that the Daimler is lying on almost every background full and quiet on the road. It does not matter whether you are sitting alone in the car or the maximum permissible weight of 2520 kilograms. The BMW is quite different: although the X4 is quite sensitive, it is overall too tightly tuned to the GLC seriously parody. Even on the highway, its construction in the comfort and sports mode of the adaptive dampers (1100 euros) is always easy to move. A further complicating factor is that the spring travel reserves of the Bavarians have been used up much earlier during full loading. In addition, our test car is annoying on bad grounds with unsightly, because clearly audible rattling noises on the front axle.
About: Hyundai i30

Mercedes GLC Series

GLC WITH BETTER SUSPENSION COMFORT
The optional sports seats fit the sporty, taut attitude of the BMW. They also prove to be very comfortable on long journeys, and when cornering fast with effective side support. However, they are cut very narrow in the lower back area. The two-liter turbodiesel under the hood of the X4 is a general-purpose weapon that performs well in many different BMW models. In this environment, however, the 190-horsepower engine is surprisingly difficult. Although the direct injector pushes the 1849 kilogram heavy 4-wheelers from the speed cellar quite powerful, but at higher speeds, the four-cylinder, however, the puste. There is nothing to complain about, however, on the usual, perfectly functioning, 2300 euro eight-speed automatic, which adapts the translations to suit the respective requirements. And the consumption of 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers is also in order. The GLC consumes an average of only 0.1 liters of fuel, but leaves the spray more impressive, especially at higher speeds, which is also reflected by the acceleration measurements.
More about the topic: Mercedes GLC 250 4Matic on test

THE MERCEDES IS BICYCLE DYNAMIC AND BREMST BETTER
Nominally only 14 HP more powerful, but around 100 kilograms heavier, the Daimler takes its opponent down to 140 km / h almost two seconds. In addition, the biturbo engine is better insulated than the somewhat grumbling BMW engine. The standard Neunstufen automatic, however, does not work as spontaneously as the transmission delivered by ZF in the X4. Even if the BMW feels more agile thanks to its extremely direct responsive variable steering (series) and its lighter weight, the Mercedes GLC is also equipped with a variable steering system, which sets the tone in the driving dynamics disciplines. This applies both to the handling course, which the Schwabe circulates almost two seconds faster, as well as to the pylon lane, which he roars with a little more verve. Favored by the sticky Hankook tires, the Daimler rides fast corners with greater neutrality than the sometimes heavily under-steering BMW. The GLC also gives its counterparty a course during braking. Only 32.9 meters (cold) the Swabian needs to come to a standstill after a complete braking of 100 km / h - Chapeau!

Special Thanks Autozeitung