Spec comparison: New Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Audi Q5 vs BMW X3

Gajanan Kashikar Updated: August 09, 2023, 07:18 PM IST

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC has made its debut in India, continuing its legacy as the brand's best-selling SUV. However, its competitors have also evolved over time, presenting a comprehensive package that includes eco-friendly powertrains, advanced features, luxurious interiors, and technology. While the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 are the primary rivals for the new GLC, let's examine how it measures up against its contenders.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3 vs Audi Q5: Dimensions

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	BMW X3	Audi Q5
Length	4,716mm	4,708mm	4,682mm
Width	2,076mm	2,138mm	2,140mm
Height	1,640mm	1,676mm	1,662mm
Wheelbase	2,888mm	2,864mm	2,819mm

In terms of dimensions, the new GLC stands as the longest vehicle among its rivals, boasting the highest wheelbase as well - surpassing the X3 and Q5. Although the X3 emerges as the tallest SUV, the Q3 takes the lead in width when compared to the GLC and X3. Moreover, the GLC offers a choice of five metallic colour options, while the X3 and Q3 present four paint selections. Mercedes-Benz goes the extra mile by providing three interior theme choices, compared to the two options available from BMW and Audi.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3 vs Audi Q5: Colours and Interior

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	BMW X3	Audi Q5
Exterior colours	Polar White	Phytonic Blue	Glacier White
	Obsidian Black	Black Sapphire	Manhattan Grey
	Nautic Blue	Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect	Mythos Black
	Selenite Grey	Mineral White	Navarra Blue
	Mojave Silver

Interior themes	Macchiato Beige	Cognac	Altas Beige
	Sienna Brown	Canberra Beige with Black	Okapi Brown
	Black

Setting itself apart, the Mercedes-Benz GLC stands as the sole vehicle in this group to offer both petrol and diesel powertrain options. In contrast, the X3 features a diesel engine, while the Q5 solely offers a petrol motor. Impressively, the Q5 boasts the most powerful engine, followed by the petrol-driven GLC, whereas the GLC diesel variant offers the highest torque output.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3 vs Audi Q5: Powertrain

	Mercedes-Benz GLC Petrol	Mercedes-Benz GLC Diesel	BMW X3 Diesel	Audi Q5 Petrol
Displacement	1,999cc, 4-cyl	1,993cc, 4-cyl	1,995cc, 4-cyl	1,984cc, 4-cyl
Power output	258PS	197PS	190PS	265PS
Torque output	400Nm	440Nm	400Nm	370Nm
Acceleration 0-100kmph	6.2 seconds	8 seconds	7.9 seconds	6.1 seconds
Top speed	240kmph	219kmph	213kmph	240kmph
Transmission	9-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic
Mileage	14.72kmpl	19.47kmpl	16.55kmpl	13.47kmpl

Turning to fuel efficiency, the diesel-powered GLC asserts a mileage of 19.47kmpl, while its diesel counterpart, the X3, returns a fuel efficiency of 16.55kmpl. In this aspect, the Q3 presents the lowest fuel economy, rated at 13.47kmpl. On another note, the GLC's petrol engine delivers a mileage of 14.72kmpl.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3 vs Audi Q5: Prices (ex-showroom)

Mercedes-Benz GLC	BMW X3 Diesel	Audi Q5 Petrol
300 4Matic - Rs 73.50 lakh	xDrive20d xLine - Rs 68.50 lakh	Premium Plus 45 TFSI Quattro - Rs 61.47 lakh
220d 4Matic - Rs 74.50 lakh	xDrive20d M Sport - Rs 70.90 lakh	Technology 45 TFSI Quattro - Rs 67.26 lakh

The luxury automobile market in India, particularly for SUVs, has been witnessing a notable surge in demand. This increased interest has resulted in intensified competition among various offerings. The latest generation GLC has stepped into this competitive landscape, capitalising on its new strengths. Simultaneously, the X3 and Q5 bring their own distinctive attributes to the table. Mercedes' GLC boasts an array of features, offering a choice between powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines, advanced equipment, mild-hybrid technology, and all-wheel drive capabilities across its lineup. It is worth noting that its primary rival, the X3, is similarly well-equipped, further fuelling the rivalry in this fiercely contested segment.

Also read:

Mercedes-Benz GLC launched in India; prices start at Rs 73.50 lakh

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Mercedes-Benz GLC 2021 Full Spec

Price (Ex-Delhi)
Starts Rs 57.36 Lakhs

Displacement
1950cc

Transmission
Automatic

Max Power(ps)
194

Max Torque(Nm)
400

Mileage
-NA-

Audi Q5 2021 Full Spec

Price (Ex-Delhi)
Starts Rs 58.93 Lakhs