In the premium midsize SUV segment, Mercedes and BMW are engaged in a fierce battle with their GLC and X3 models. Both German manufacturers have bet on mild hybridization to offer more efficient vehicles while maintaining performance. Comparative analysis of the MHEV versions of these two long-time rivals.
Mild hybridization: a winning strategy for premium SUVs
Mild hybridisation, or MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology, has emerged as a solution of choice for car manufacturers. This technology allows the ECO label to be obtained in Spain, offering significant advantages over the C label. For SUVs, large and heavy vehicles, this approach is particularly relevant because it allows for a reduction, even slightly, in consumption and emissions.
Mercedes and BMW have adopted this strategy decisively for their GLC and X3 models respectively. Both brands have chosen to eliminate purely thermal versions from their ranges, now only offering electrified variants.
The BMW X3 mild hybrid range
BMW has just unveiled the fourth generation of its X3, bringing many new features, particularly in its engine offering. Apart from the 299 hp X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid version, all other options are micro-hybrids.
Here is an overview of the available MHEV versions:
– X3 20d xDrive (diesel): 197 hp, consumption 5.6 – 6.5 l/100 km– X3 20 xDrive (petrol): 208 hp, consumption 6.9 – 7.6 l/100 km– X3 M50 xDrive (petrol): 398 hp, consumption 7.7 – 8.3 l/100 km
The entry-level petrol version starts at 70,497 euros, while the top-of-the-range can reach 89,000 euros.
The Mercedes GLC's mild hybrid offering
Mercedes has taken a similar approach with its GLC, which was last updated in 2023. The brand with the star offers micro-hybrid powertrains in petrol and diesel, all equipped with a small electric motor providing an extra 23 hp.
Here's an overview of the MHEV versions of the GLC:
– GLC 200 4MATIC (petrol): 204 hp, consumption 7.2 l/100 km– GLC 300 4MATIC (petrol): 258 hp, consumption 7.4 l/100 km– GLC 220 d 4MATIC (diesel): 197 hp, consumption 5.2 l/100 km– GLC 300 d 4MATIC (diesel): 269 hp, consumption 5.6 l/100 km
Mercedes also offers a mild hybrid sports version, the AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, developing 421 hp for a consumption of 10.3 l/100 km.
The entry-level price for the GLC 200 4MATIC is 60,977 euros.
Comparison of mild hybrid versions: Mercedes has the advantage
Although both BMW and Mercedes have adopted a philosophy of almost total electrification of their ranges, the Mercedes GLC seems to have a slight advantage over its Bavarian rival. Here are the main reasons why:
1. More attractive pricing: The entry-level price of the GLC is around 10,000 euros cheaper than that of the X3. Even though buyers of premium vehicles are less sensitive to price variations, this difference is still significant.
2. More varied mechanical offering: The GLC offers a wider range (three petrol and two diesel options) with more staggered power levels, offering intermediate options absent from BMW.
3. More powerful sports version: For performance enthusiasts, the AMG GLC 43 4MATIC offers a few more horsepower than the X3 M50, although it is also more fuel-thirsty.
The future of mild hybridization in the premium segment
The massive adoption of mild hybridization by Mercedes and BMW for their premium SUVs reflects a strong trend in the automotive industry. This technology allows manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements in terms of emissions while preserving the performance appreciated by their customers.
In the future, we can expect this technology to continue to evolve, offering even greater efficiency gains. Manufacturers could also explore more advanced hybridization solutions for their high-end models, in order to combine power and respect for the environment.
In conclusion, although the Mercedes GLC seems to have a slight lead in this duel of premium mild hybrid SUVs, the competition remains tight. BMW could well retaliate with new evolutions of its X3 in the years to come. This rivalry will only push both brands to innovate more, to the benefit of consumers looking for high-performance and more environmentally friendly SUVs.
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