Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[AbsoluteUnit]

Some technical details for the new GLC 400 EQ vs the new BMW iX3.

Both cars are impressive with the BMW having a larger battery (108.7kwh vs 94.5kwh) and longer range of 805km vs 713km, but the Mercedes is more powerful with 360kw vs 345kw and faster from 0-100km/h (4.3sec vs 4.9sec) with larger exterior and interior dimensions (570 vs 520l boot space) and (128lt vs 58lt frunk space).

There is going to be a fierce and interesting rivalry with these cars.

The technical data of the GLC 400 4matic EQ

type		Mercedes GLC 400 4matic EQ
drive		All-wheel drive
Electric motor front/rear		PSM / PSM with 2-speed gearbox
Performance	kW/hp	360 / 489
battery	kWh usable	94
maximum recuperation	kW	300
AC charging power standard/optional	kW	11 / 22
DC charging power max.	kW	330
DC charging time 10-80%	min	22
length	mm	4,845
Width	mm	1,913
Height	mm	1,644
wheelbase	mm	2,972
Weight EC ready to drive	kg	2,535
turning circle	m	12.1
Turning circle with 4.5 degree rear axle steering	m	11.2
Trunk according to VDA	l	570-1,740
Frunk calibrated / VDA	l	128 / 100
Trailer load unbraked/braked up to 12% gradient	kg	750/2,400
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s	4.3
Top speed	km/h	210
Power consumption including charging losses		14.9-18.8 kWh/100 km*
CO2 emissions		0g
CO2 class		A
Range according to WLTP	km	571-713*

Technical data of the BMW iX3.

Complete vehicle drive
Drive type	Fully electric
Max. power in kW (hp)	345 (469)
Max. torque in Nm	645
Gearbox	1-speed, automatic
Drive type	All-wheel drive

electric motor
(Nominal) power/30-minute power in kW (hp)	345 (469) / 170 (231)
(Nominal) torque in Nm	645

Mileage
Acceleration 0-100 km/h in s	4.9
Top speed electric in km/h	210

Consumption/Emissions
CO₂ emissions, combined WLTP in g/km	0
Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km	17.9 - 15.1
Electric range, WLTP in km 1	679–805

Vehicle Footprint4
CO₂e emissions at vehicle handover (Scope 1, 2, 3up), approx. in t	13.5
Secondary material quota of the entire vehicle, approx. in %	33

Battery/Charging2
Battery energy content in kWh	108.7
Range after 10 minutes of high-power charging (HPC) in km 2	309 - 372
Maximum AC charging power in kW	11
Minimum charging time AC 0–100% state of charge in h	11:00
Maximum DC charging power in kW	400
Minimum charging time DC 10–80% state of charge in h	0:21

Bidirectional charging3
Maximum charging and discharging power with BMW Wallbox Professional in kW	11
Charging time with BMW Wallbox Professional in h (0-100% charge level)	11:00

Dimensions/Weights
4,782 mm
1,895 mm
1,635 mm
Length in mm	4,782
Width in mm	1,895
Height in mm	1,635
Width with mirror (driver / passenger side) in mm	2,093
Wheelbase in mm	2,897
Empty weight in kg 5	2,360
Permissible total weight in kg	2,825
Payload in kg	540
Permissible roof load in kg	75
Maximum trailer load braked, 12% gradient / nose load in kg 6	2,000 / 80
Luggage compartment volume in l	520–1,750
Volume of storage compartment under front flap in l 7	58

The difference in range is ~15% and the difference in battery capacity is ~15%. So everything checks out tbh. But the GLC has a fair bit more power, which probably has an impact on range.
The GLC is a slightly bigger car, but idk exactly how each weight measurement was taken, but given that the GLC is physically larger I would imagine it would be heavier.

I think it will be an interesting 3-way duel between the 3 German midsize crossovers.

 

[leylandi]

I thought the GLC was smaller than the NK. I was surprised.

 

[SCOTT27]

I see several problems with this image. First is that the frontlights appear to be identical to the GLC. Second is the grille does not suit a sedan as good as an SUV. And third, why the heck MB has lost its traditional glass house shape and has gone to an Audi-looking one? That third window extending beyong the rear door looks so un-MB...

My guess is that the third window elongates the car better especially in LWB format for the Chinese market. The CLA L seems to make this work.

 

[leylandi]

How did you get the weight information? @Rolf

 

[leylandi]

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Looks really good to my eyes.

 

[Ghost1]

same stupid headlights like 10 years already. Awful just awful and dated front. It looks ike a f#cking plastic toy from china for lil kids because of its stupid headlights.

Tail lights are ok. At least smth new. Inside it’s ok too.

 

[Esp5]

Very boring and outdated, almost embarrassing when your competition is presenting that iX3 just a few meters away at the IAA.

 

[McLaren64TR]

No one has a problem with BMW's illuminated kidneys. Their sheer size has been criticized. I've said it before. Mercedes grilles were a prominent design element. You're fascinated by BMW's approach with the NK, but it has small kidneys? The criticisms must be justified. Besides, it's been years since Mercedes offered this features.

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BMW kidneys were also large a long time ago. Over the years, as design trends changed, they became smaller. As vehicles grew, BMW decided to make them larger again.

You say Mercedes always used to use large grilles, but BMW also used large kidneys.

Mercedes' grilles used to be large, but they got smaller over the years, and now they're larger again. BMW did the same. They decided to make them smaller for the Neue Klasse design. That doesn't mean they're bad.

When BMW makes their grilles larger, you make fun of them, but when Mercedes's grilles get larger, you say they used to have large grilles too. This is hypocrisy, and you do it often.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

BMW kidneys were also large a long time ago. Over the years, as design trends changed, they became smaller. As vehicles grew, BMW decided to make them larger again.

You say Mercedes always used to use large grilles, but BMW also used large kidneys.

Mercedes' grilles used to be large, but they got smaller over the years, and now they're larger again. BMW did the same. They decided to make them smaller for the Neue Klasse design. That doesn't mean they're bad.

When BMW makes their grilles larger, you make fun of them, but when Mercedes's grilles get larger, you say they used to have large grilles too. This is hypocrisy, and you do it often.

Please. There's enough hypocrisy between both fanbases.
You don't need to defend the billion dollar corporations that don't give two shits if you live or die tomorrow.

 

[McLaren64TR]

Funniest thing is that illuminating the kidney grille was understandable, as it’s the most important design detail for the brand. But there’s just no point in illuminating the whole Mercedes grille, cause it has no specific purpose for the brand.
If they were to illuminate the logo I would be fine with it, but adding millions of LED’s, and basically creating a light show is so unnecessary.

Because they're imitating BMW. BMW long ago wanted to make a difference with its Corona rings. Then Mercedes and Audi went the same way with daytime running lights. Since everyone's been following suit, BMW decided to illuminate the kidneys, and bingo, Mercedes suddenly decided to illuminate the grille.

 

[klier]

Ugh third side window. Do not like that! The whole lit up part of the rear looks kind of weak in this shot, but I hope it's the angle fooling us.

The front looks near identical to the GLC as far as I can tell, which is awkward as hell on a sedan with low hood. Not a fan.

And third, why the heck MB has lost its traditional glass house shape and has gone to an Audi-looking one?

And Audi grille. This grille on a sedan is what Audi has been doing on literally every model since the A8 D3 facelift in 2007. Single frame blah blah blah

 

[leylandi]

BMW kidneys were also large a long time ago. Over the years, as design trends changed, they became smaller. As vehicles grew, BMW decided to make them larger again.

You say Mercedes always used to use large grilles, but BMW also used large kidneys.

Mercedes' grilles used to be large, but they got smaller over the years, and now they're larger again. BMW did the same. They decided to make them smaller for the Neue Klasse design. That doesn't mean they're bad.

When BMW makes their grilles larger, you make fun of them, but when Mercedes's grilles get larger, you say they used to have large grilles too. This is hypocrisy, and you do it often.

Give examples of BMW cars that are based on modern vehicle designs. I'm talking about a car with a central safety cage and passenger compartment, along with impact-resistant bulges at the front and rear. For example, the 1800, 2002, etc. Today's BMWs have continued on these foundations. No one cares about the BMW model you posted, and no one remembers them.

The weakness of your philosophical approach makes you see people as hypocritical. But the reality is very different from what you think.

 

[Antti]

Am I the only one who is bothered by how the grille seems to be missing the bottom-most section? It looks unfinished. The frame is there but it looks like you could put your hand through the bottom section that is partially covered by the number plate. Why didn’t they fill it up like the rest of the grille? Or alternatively make the frame slightly smaller. Hopefully it’ll make more sense in person.

 

[Swissbob]

Gentlemans

Is it true that the GLC is faster than the iX3. 4.9Sec compared to 4.3Sec.

I am a little bit surprised TBH.

 

[McLaren64TR]

Give examples of BMW cars that are based on modern vehicle designs. I'm talking about a car with a central safety cage and passenger compartment, along with impact-resistant bulges at the front and rear. For example, the 1800, 2002, etc. Today's BMWs have continued on these foundations. No one cares about the BMW model you posted, and no one remembers them.

The weakness of your philosophical approach makes you see people as hypocritical. But the reality is very different from what you think.

It's my fault for trying to explain things to someone as opaque as you.

I present you with a historical fact, and you tell me to give a modern example.

 

[Uygar]

Gentlemans

Is it true that the GLC is faster than the iX3. 4.9Sec compared to 4.3Sec.

I am a little bit surprised TBH.

Yes, It's also a bit more powerful than the iX3. Around 30hp if I'm not mistaken.

 

[klier]

Yes, It's also a bit more powerful than the iX3. Around 30hp if I'm not mistaken.

I was led to believe that more powerful EVs also carry more range.

 

[leylandi]

It's my fault for trying to explain things to someone as opaque as you.

I present you with a historical fact, and you tell me to give a modern example.

My friend, the engine components of cars produced with this design style are also a major component of its brand. In those years, the possibilities were limited. So, the history of the car brand that produced these years has a large grille.
What would you think if Alfa Romeo did something like this? What comes to mind when you think of Alfa?

 

[Uygar]

It's my fault for trying to explain things to someone as opaque as you.

I present you with a historical fact, and you tell me to give a modern example.

Just ignore him. There's no way to win an argument with him, lol.