Which is the best mid-size luxury SUV?

Express · 19-12-2015, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Mercedes-Benz GLC v BMW X3 v Range Rover Evoque v Lexus NX

Mercedes-Benz's long-awaited GLC takes on its rivals from BMW, Range Rover and Lexus.

Stephen Ottley
18 December, 2015

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC takes on its main rivals the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3 and the Lexus NX200t. Photo: Mark Bean

Mercedes-Benz GLC250. Photo: Mark Bean

BMW X3 xDrive28i. Photo: Mark Bean

Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic. Photo: Mark Bean

Lexus NX200t. Photo: Mark Bean

Lexus NX200t. Photo: Mark Bean

It has been eight years since Mercedes-Benz launched its mid-size GLK SUV in overseas markets. But, for a number of reasons, Mercedes never put the steering wheel on the right side, so Australians have had to make do with the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Range Rover Evoque and more recently the Lexus NX for their mid-size luxury SUV needs.

Until now, because Mercedes has finally added the GLK's replacement to its local line-up – the all-new GLC.

See link below for Mercedes-Benz GLC v BMW X3 v Range Rover Evoque v Lexus NX video comparison

Part of Mercedes' revamp of its SUV line-up that will see the 'GL' prefix added to its entire SUV range – from the diminutive GLA to the larger and more luxurious GLS.

The GLC sits between the (A-Class based) GLA and recently launched (ML-Class replacing) GLE in the mix.

It finally gives the brand a direct rival to the BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque and Lexus NX. So we assembled the four mid-size SUVs with similar petrol engines to find out how the new GLC stacks up.

BMW X3 xDrive28i

Earlier this year, we pitted the X3 and Q5 against the new Land Rover Discovery Sport in a diesel-powered contest. The X3 emerged victorious and is back to defend its crown, but this time with a petrol engine under the bonnet.

The xDrive28i is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

That makes it the most powerful engine in our quartet – but only by 3kW – and torque is even between the X3, GLC and NX, with the Evoque only 10Nm behind. So in terms of performance, the X3 doesn't posses any noticeable advantage.

It is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and extracts the best from the engine.

The xDrive part of its name implies all-wheel-drive but the X3 is an on-road biased SUV, with Hill Descent Control the only nod to getting off-road. The X3 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tyres, so it isn't the pick if you plan on getting your SUV dirty on a regular basis.

But the X3 is poised and dynamic on sealed roads. It does possess excellent road holding, with car-like cornering and communicative steering. However, the trade-off for that is a firm ride from the suspension, and the run-flat tyres don't help, so the X3 lacks the compliance of its rivals.

Inside, the X3 is starting to show its age (this second-generation model was first launched in 2010), with a simpler interior than its rivals.

It still has the typical good BMW build quality, but the design is plain with a lot of black plastic and a small infotainment screen.

But space is good for passengers up front, with supportive seats. Rear room is tighter with only average knee-room, but there is respectable headroom, and the seat is flat and lacks lateral support.

At $74,600, the X3 is the second most expensive car here ($6700 more than the GLC) but is well equipped. Standard gear includes genuine leather upholstery, active cruise control, a 360-degree parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, Bi-Xenon headlights, dual-zone air-conditioning, power tailgate, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker sound system with navigation, 20GB hard drive and DAB+ digital radio.

Safety gear includes six airbags, but it misses out on any of the latest active safety equipment that is become increasingly common. But it does come standard with BMW's Intelligent Emergency Call, which can automatically call the emergency services in the event of an accident.

Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic Si4

The British brand has revitalised its smallest model for 2016 with a raft of minor updates and a restructured model range.

There is a new diesel engine from the company's new Ingenium family of motors, but we've got the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine as found in the old model.

Good for 177kW and 340Nm, it is a punchy engine with good pickup when called on. It is also very quiet and refined, with very little engine noise penetrating the cabin.

In fact very little infiltrates the cabin, making the Evoque feel the most luxurious on road of this group.

However, that premium feel is let down by the nine-speed automatic transmission. With so many ratios to choose from, it can be caught out at times, hesitating and clunking through as it hints for the right cog.

The Evoque wins points back, though, with its well controlled ride. The suspension provides a good mix of responsive handling and good compliance; the cabin feels well insulated from the bumps, even repeated sharper bumps.

Despite its stylish appearance, the Evoque is based on an evolution of the Land Rover Freelander 2 underpinnings, so it remains the most capable off-road of these four. It has Hill Descent Control and Land Rover's Terrain Response System fitted as standard.

Inside, the Evoque looks and feels premium, for the most part. There are some controls borrowed from the Freelander/Discovery Sport but overall the Evoque has a higher level of design, fit and finish than its cheaper siblings.

Where the cabin is a let down is space. The low roofline, that gives it its dramatic look, compromises headroom, especially in the rear, and legroom is also tight in the back.

For this comparison test we could only get the top-of-the-range HSE Dynamic model, which is the most expensive of this quartet and by some margin ($17,478 more than the cheapest model, the NX).

However, it must be said up front that Range Rover offers an Evoque to undercut the GLC and X3 on price. At $67,605, the Evoque SE is well equipped with 18-inch alloys, leather seats, carpet mats, keyless entry, interior mood lighting, power tailgate, navigation, an eight-speaker sound system with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.

Stepping up, the HSE Dynamic brings 19-inch alloys, Oxford leather seats, climate control with air filtration, a 380W Meridian 11-speaker sound system, premium hard drive navigation, head up display, configurable mood lighting, Xenon headlights, front fog lights and unique styling elements, including bonnet vents and front and rear bumpers.

Lexus NX200t F Sport

The Japanese brand famous for hybrids joined the turbocharged petrol engine party earlier this year with this new addition to its NX range.

The 200t engine is only the second engine used by Lexus that isn't also found in a Toyota (after the V10 in the LFA). It is competitive with its European rivals, with 175kW and 350Nm and is a match in the real world too, with good punch and a reasonable quiet and refined soundtrack.

The NX200t is a little behind its rivals in the transmission department, with a six-speed automatic. Although it is smooth on the move, it can be caught out sometimes because of its preference to head for the tallest gear as soon as possible. There can be some noticeable hesitation when you call for a sudden burst of acceleration for overtaking or to push up a hill.

Ride quality in the NX isn't quite up to the standards of its European rivals either. The adaptable sports suspension does a good job of soaking up the bumps but it lacks the road holding of the other three; it tends to move around more and runs out of grip earlier.

It is also the noisiest of this lot, with noticeable tyre roar and wind around the mirrors.

Inside is also not the NX200t's strongest suit, with a very cluttered design. The centre stack is tall, juts out from the dashboard and is festooned with buttons and dials. The materials aren't up to the same standard as the Mercedes and Range Rover either, so overall it lacks the premium feels of its competitors.

Space is a little tight front and rear too, thanks to the large dashboard and sloping roofline.

However, where the NX200t really shines is value. At $63,127 it is $4773 cheaper than the next cheapest here, the Mercedes, and it doesn't skimp on equipment either.

Standard gear includes 18 inch-alloys, navigation, 360-degree parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, power tailgate, keyless ignition, heated and ventilated leather seats, 10-speaker sound system with DAB+ and Bluetooth, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert and wireless induction charging capability.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 250

Last and by no means least, we come to the GLC. Based on the same underpinnings as the 2014 Drive Car of the Year winning C-Class sedan, the GLC is built on a solid foundation.

The 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder is the least powerful here, with 155kW, but packs 350Nm of torque to nullify the advantage of the others.

It has more than enough pulling power to get the GLC moving comfortably. That is helped by the excellent nine-speed automatic transmission.

It is the best execution of a nine-speed auto this tester has experienced. It is well calibrated, getting the most out of the engine in terms of performance and efficiency (the GLC uses the least fuel of this group, but all are between 7.2 and 7.9 litres per 100km) but also remaining responsive. It is smooth both on the move and around town.

The GLC has a clear on-road and sporty bias for an SUV, which translates to excellent handling. The GLC feels responsive and progressive in the bends, but also possess a comfortable and refined ride. The suspension can crash occasionally over sharp edges but otherwise isolates the occupants from the imperfections in the road.

Inside, the cabin features Mercedes' current design philosophy, which means and stylish and sophisticated presentation, with good-quality materials and finish.

Space is the best of this quartet, with good room up front, especially small item storage, and more than adequate rear head, leg and knee room.

At $67,900, the GLC 250 is the second most affordable here and is generously equipped. It comes with 20-inch alloys, genuine leather upholstery, keyless entry, five-speaker sound system with Bluetooth DAB+, navigation, keyless ignition, cruise control, parking assist, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera and nine airbags. You also get a driver assistance package that includes steering assist, cross-traffic alert and active lane-keeping assistance included.

If there is a criticism of the GLC it is despite its SUV body style, it has no real off-road equipment other than its four-wheel drive system and higher ride height. However, if you do want to go off sealed roads in it, you can add the optional Off-Road Engineering Package that includes 19-inch alloys, specific off-road driving modes, Airbody Control suspension, hill descent control, a sump guard and off-road styling tweaks, but that adds $3490 to the price.

Verdict

All four of these SUVs make a good argument in their own way. The BMW is the sportiest, the Range Rover the most stylish and capable off-road, the Lexus the best value and the Mercedes is the most spacious.

In fact, there isn't much to split these four on the surface. All have similar performance and efficiency and are all available in the same price range.

But when you really drill down into the details, a clear winner emerges. Whereas the X3, Evoque and NX all have compromises and an obvious weakness or two, the GLC has no major flaw.

It has good performance, the best fuel economy, a well presented and comfortable cabin, rides and handles well and offers good value.

It proves the old adage that the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Specifications

Mercedes-Benz GLC 250

Price: From $67,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 155kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1200-1400rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.2L/100km

BMW X3 xDrive28i

Price: $74,600 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 180kW at 5000rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1250-4800rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.3L/100km

Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic Si4

Price: From $80,605 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 177kW at 5800rpm

Torque: 340Nm at 1750rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.8L/100km

Lexus NX200t F Sport

Price: From $63,127 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 175kW at 4800-5600rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1650-4000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.9L/100km

http://www.drive.com.au/new-car-comp...14-glnj7c.html