BMW X4 came first, so Mercedes GLC The Coupe is considered as Mercedes' answer to the BMW brand. Moreover, the GLC turned out to be clearly no worse, it has an elegant shape, elegant body lines, stylish rear and front lights, wheel arches lined with plastic. Inside, too, everything is done at the highest level, there are many pleasant things that allow you to fall in love with this car.
The doors are so beautiful that you don’t even want to slam them hard, but you have to clap, because there are no door closers in both cars, because this is not an executive class, but more of a sports crossover.
In the BMW X4, the seats are more sporty even in the basic configuration, and if you take the complete set with the M-package, you immediately feel that the car is sports. Steering wheel with Alcantara, sits perfectly in the hands. Mercedes has carbon panels, but they are under a large layer of lacquer, while in BMW carbon fiber is not covered with lacquer. In general, the interior of the Mercedes looks very stylish, while it is comfortable. The seats are made in such a way that they are moderately elastic, correctly distribute the load, so that even at long distances you do not get tired in them.
When engineers and designers from Mercedes created the GLC Coupe, they studied the BMW X4 very carefully, and some things that are not convenient in a BMW, they immediately made it comfortable in the Mercedes GLC. For example, there are no ceiling handles on the rear seats of the BMW, they are in the Mercedes, and in the BMW the rear seat cushion is quite low, which leads to the knees being very high. In Mercedes, they immediately made this pillow higher, and the landing became more comfortable. In addition, in Mercedes you can additional fee put curtains for windows and 3-zone climate. These things are not available in BMW.
Salon Mercedes GLC Coupe
The Mercedes GLC Coupe has a new latest version of the Comand Online multimedia system, the display is fixed at the top of the console, and the system can be controlled using a puck. The seat adjustment buttons are located on the doors, there is also a button to turn on the heating and ventilation of the seats. Since the roof is lowered, it is not very convenient for passengers to enter the rear seats, but it is comfortable to sit, even a tall person will not reach the ceiling.
But the X4 also has its advantages - it has a more spacious trunk, despite the fact that the volumes are approximately the same, because in Mercedes the underground is also included in the total trunk volume. There are no spares in the car, instead Mercedes has a sealant with a compressor, and BMWs use run-flat tires that can be driven without pressure for some time.
For the competition, it was not possible to find cars with approximately the same power. Basic equipment Mercedes GLC 250 with a capacity of 211 liters. With. The nearest car in terms of power is the BMW X4 xDrive35i with 306 hp. With. There is, of course, the most basic diesel bmw equipment with mechanics and a 190-horsepower engine, but it is not suitable for comparison with a Mercedes.
Both cars when driving around the city and on the highway proved to be excellent, they do not twitch in traffic jams, they crawl quietly, if it is necessary to accelerate sharply during overtaking - please, there is enough power reserve to do this. Moreover, the difference in power is almost 1.5 times, but at the same time, Mercedes is not far behind BMW - only 1.8 seconds during acceleration to 100 km / h.
Mercedes has a 9-speed automatic transmission, the steps are close together, so the speed is set quickly. Max speed the car can pick up already in 5th gear, but if you drive slowly at a speed of 110 km / h, then the box will turn on the 9th speed and the speed will not exceed 1500 rpm. In BMW, at the same speed, the revolutions are at around 1800 rpm. So, BMW has more fuel consumption.
The measurements were carried out from 2 pedals, because these cars do not have launch control. Starting with two pedals is not difficult - you need to hold down the brake and gas, wait until the engine spins up to 2800 rpm and release the brake. After that, the car takes off and shows its maximum performance in terms of dynamics. But the BMW moves a little faster. Moreover, on a BMW you can stand longer with 2 pedals clamped, on a Mercedes, if you hold 1-1.5 seconds at 2800 rpm and do not release the brake pedal, the system will drop the speed to 2000.
Brake system
Despite the fact that BMW has 21-inch wheels with Pirelli tires P Zero, and in Mercedes - 19-inch with Hankook Ventus S1 tires, the brakes are better in Mercedes, as accurate measurements show. The braking distance in the GLC is shorter at any speed. This is because in the yard was low temperature. When measured with a regular X4 without an M package on 19-inch wheels, the braking distance was the same as that of a Mercedes.
In terms of handling, the M-Performance package does not bring any special advantages, especially if you drive on Russian public roads. Thanks to the narrow-profile tires, the BMW X4 behaves very nervously on bumps, and during turns you also need to be careful not to damage the rim on some kind of hole. And the wheels, along with tires, are not cheap - 320,000 rubles.
Therefore, there is no need to talk about any comfort, because the suspension is very stiff, like on a sports car, all the more so, and these large wheels with narrow-profile tires are clearly not for Russian roads car, but for the German autobahns.
Salon BMW X4
- For those who want the interior to become more unique and expensive, it is necessary to buy a car in the M-package, there will be a steering wheel covered with suede, as well as carbon lining in the cabin, and metal lining on the pedals.
- The front seats in the car are sports, they will be just right for slender drivers, you can of course move the side support rollers, but still the maximum possible is the 54th clothing size.
There is a lot of carbon in the car, and in order to demonstrate that this is natural carbon, it was not varnished.
Also on the M Performance version, you can press a button and turn on the loud sports mode, the exhaust will sound more pleasant.
As for the Mercedes, it is much softer thanks to the air suspension and wide-profile rubber, the car rides softly and calmly overcomes all the bumps, providing comfort in the cabin. In addition, the steering wheel responds faster and more accurately to the actions of the driver. There are several modes, the steering wheel can be made lighter or harder. But Comfort mode is best suited for Russian roads.
The headlights in the BMW X4 are set up in much the same way as on the Mercedes, an intelligent system that automatically switches the high beam to the low beam. But in general, both cars shine equally well.
Off-road driving
Off-road, Mercedes has no special advantages even despite the presence of air suspension. If BMW has a permanent ground clearance- 200 mm., then for Mercedes it can change all the time, for example, in sports mode it is 160 mm., And in the most elevated mode - 194 mm. But on the other hand, in the GLC Coupe, the entry / exit angles are larger, so there are more chances not to damage the bumper. Also, all-wheel drive works in the car on a permanent basis, the torque is distributed in the following proportion: 45:55. On the BMW X4 - plug-in all-wheel drive.
In addition, locking works fine in Mercedes center differential pre lock. But on real off-road it is better not to drive these cars, because off-road is definitely not for them, you can easily scratch the thresholds and bumpers. Therefore, these are cars for driving on asphalt, Mercedes is considered more comfortable, and by the sum of points it wins. And the BMW is a little different, it has a more aggressive look, and it feels assertive. Moreover, the BMW is better made projection display, it has a larger font, and navigation hints can be displayed on it.
Car price
The most affordable Mercedes GLC 250 Coupe in a special version with all-wheel drive and a power of 211 hp With. can be bought for 3,660,000 rubles, and the BMW X4 xDrive20d with a diesel engine and a power of 190 hp. With. can be bought for 3,000,000 rubles. But it will be a car with a manual transmission and assembled in Kaliningrad. But even X4, assembled in Germany in more than powerful equipment xDrive35i with 306 HP With. and an automatic transmission will cost 3,220,000 rubles.
In most cases, BMW X4 is sold in Exclusive and M-Sport trim levels, which cost 3,380,000 rubles each. Sports seats, a heated steering wheel, a 2-zone climate control and bi-xenon headlights are already here.
But the "special version" from Mercedes is richer, these cars come with LED headlights, keyless entry, and 19-inch wheels. But if you additionally order a projection display, an audio system from Burmester, navigation, then the price will increase even more.
General car ratings:
Safety in emergencies
BMW and Mercedes are equally reliable in unforeseen situations. Doesn't matter slippery road or not, electronics directs the car to where the steering wheel turns, so the driver will not need special driving skills, even a schoolboy can handle it. But a lot also depends on the tires, for example, now there were summer tires, and the temperature outside was 2 degrees Celsius, but the Hankook tires installed on the Mercedes still continued to hold the road perfectly, but the sports Pirelli P Zero are designed for more high temperature, so there were cases that the car began to slide.
So, therefore, the BMW in the turn is not particularly high performance. If there was a normal summer temperature, then this rubber would hold better. But on the other hand, if we talk about avoiding obstacles with braking, then the BMW showed itself a little better, because the stabilization system and ABS are set up a little differently. But the difference is not very significant.
Maintenance cost
In the first year, maintenance costs are about the same. MOT must be done every 15,000 km., The cost of which is approximately the same. The cost of Casco is also not much different. But BMW costs more because the engine power is higher, and therefore transport tax more. But both Mercedes and BMW fall under the luxury tax, only they have a different rate. If the price of the car is from 3 to 5 million rubles, then the transport tax is multiplied by 1.5. If the car is more expensive than 5 million, then the transport tax is multiplied by 2.
** — without luxury tax / with luxury tax
Competitors
BMW and Mercedes have few serious competitors in this class of “coupe-crossovers”, but they exist, for example, Porsche Macan, the price of which starts from 3,680,000 rubles, Audi Q5, which can be taken in the database for 2,530,000 rubles, Jaguar F-Pace- 3,289,000 rubles, Volvo XC60 - the basic version can be taken for 2,310,000 rubles, and Japanese crossovers: Lexus NX for 2,157,000 rubles and Infiniti QX50 for 2,099,000 rubles.
Video test drive Mercedes GLC:
If the GLK model fell short of the BMW X3 in size, the GLC in terms of basic dimensions caught up with it almost one to one. As for the design of the novelty from Mercedes-Benz, after the brutal, “square” forms of its predecessor, its successor is perceived as “white and fluffy”. Or, if you look at our test copy, then gray and "fluffy". But it is immediately clear that its aerodynamics are excellent, and you cannot refuse the elegance of the new body.
While the GLC crossover is offered on Russian market with three petrol engines with a capacity of 211, 245 and 367 hp. and with two turbodiesels developing 170 and 204 hp. There is also a hybrid modification, where a 115-horsepower electric motor helps the 211-horsepower gasoline unit. Price range for basic configurations- from 2,750,000 to 4,100,000 rubles.
BMW X3 is already an old man: a new generation car is expected next year. Despite this, it looks no less modern than the GLC. In our market, versions with petrol units with a capacity of 184, 245 and 306 hp are sold, as well as diesel options- 190 and 249 hp Until recently, the most powerful turbodiesel modification of 313 hp was offered, but the crisis made its own adjustments - it was abandoned. Prices for the model start at 2,620,000 rubles and finish at around 3,500,000 rubles (if we mean the basic configuration of the crossover).
There were no modifications with identical engines in the press parks of representative offices, so the gasoline version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC with a capacity of 211 hp. will compete with the diesel 249-horsepower BMW X3. But this does not prevent us from comparing their main characteristics. Moreover, we were able to ride on a more powerful, 245-horsepower petrol version GLC to compare it with a competitor.
We sit well
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLC almost completely repeats the interior of the C Class passenger model, with which it actually shares the platform. And, surprisingly, the sporty passenger design fits the crossover. The driver sits, “belted” by the high location of the central tunnel, window sill and front panel. Because of this, a relatively high landing seems low and tight. But in fact, it is very spacious here, and the range of seat and steering wheel adjustments, as always with Mercedes-Benz, is huge. The quality of finishing materials is excellent.
After the Stuttgart, the interior of the BMW feels a bit dated. Here, not much attention is paid to small details: buttons and levers look cheap against the background of Mercedes fittings, which successfully imitates metal surfaces. The Bavarian has no less soft plastic, but the look is spoiled by a rough coarse-grained texture, which visually reduces the cost of the impression of the cabin. That is, to the eye, the interior of a BMW seems to be of less quality than that of a competitor, although in reality the rivals are approximately equal. The driver's landing geometry is almost the same as in the GLC, however, due to the lower front panel and window sill line, it seems that you are sitting much higher. The range of adjustment of the seat and steering wheel is not as wide as the Mercedes-Benz, but a person of average height will fit in without problems.
But we liked the seats more in the Bavarian car: they have a better profile, lateral support is adjustable, and the headrest does not support the back of the head so much. In Mercedes-Benz, you want to remove the annoying head support, but this is impossible to do. And the ergonomics of the representative of Stuttgart is inferior to the car from Bavaria. BMW's iDrive interface is much more convenient to manage than Mercedes' COMAND system. But the graphics of the screens are great for both.
On the second row, the leadership for Mercedes-Benz. If you adjust the front seat for a 180 cm rider, then a person of the same height sitting in the back will have about 15 cm in front of his knees. In a BMW, under the same conditions, it will turn out 3-4 cm less, and there will be almost no space for the feet under the pillow front seat, if it is lowered to the lowest position, while in the GLC this is not a problem. There is enough space above the head in both cars, and in the "Bavarian" it is about 3 cm more due to the lower position of the sofa, which is why tall passengers sit in the BMW ... with their knees up. Otherwise, for the convenience of the rear sofas, we put an equal sign. Of the additional "gadgets" for rear passengers we note a separate (albeit single-zone) “climate” in Mercedes-Benz (BMW has only “warmer-cold” adjustment) and comfortable central armrests with cup holders for both cars.
In terms of volume and ease of loading, the luggage compartments of the rivals are identical. The GLC has a slightly higher floor, but under it there is a spacious compartment for small items. When folding the rear sofas, both cars can boast of flat areas, without steps and ledges. Both have outlets. But no one has spare wheels, since crossovers are equipped with runflat tires that allow you to continue driving with a puncture.
According to the ideology
So, our X3 is equipped with a 3-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 249 hp. Aside from small vibrations at idle, this is an ideal power unit. During the test, the average fuel consumption of BMW did not exceed 9 liters, while the 211-horsepower gasoline Mercedes-Benz consumed an average of 10.5 liters, significantly inferior to the "Bavarian" in terms of dynamics. The more powerful, 245-horsepower version of this engine, which we managed to borrow for a short time, accelerates more vigorously than the 211-horsepower one, but it still falls short of a BAM turbodiesel, and consumes even more fuel.
And according to the reactions to the fuel supply, the turbodiesel turned out to be preferable. BMW's accelerator pedal settings are such that you don't remember the turbo lag even in normal mode, and even with sports settings, the connection with the power unit becomes almost perfect. mercedesovsky Gas engine does not respond so briskly to “gas”, he feels a turbo hitch even when the sports mode is turned on, and for both modifications we tested. But we will not write it down as a minus, since four Mercedes-Benz cylinders versus six for BMW is an unfair comparison, and it is unrealistic to compete with a diesel engine in terms of torque. So let's wait until the GLC has its own 3-liter turbodiesel. And it will definitely appear, you just need to be patient.
As for automatic transmissions, both rivals are fast and smooth, although the BMW is still a little faster. No complaints about the brakes either. And the difference in deceleration control among our rivals is “family”. This means that in the Mercedes-Benz, the pedal is set up a little more smoothly, which passengers will certainly appreciate. At the same time, the informativeness and intensity of braking for both are beyond praise.
And their controllability is set up in accordance with the corporate ideology. Mercedes-Benz is unshakable on the motorway and behaves well in gentle turns. No road adversity, including deep rutting, can disrupt its rectilinear movement. And on a winding highway, the car is calm and very reliable. Its progressive cut steering (2.25 turns lock-to-lock) is pleasantly heavy, has a clear zero, and reacts quickly and without nervousness. In a word, the driver is absolutely calm.
We've previously tested a variable-pitch BMW X3 (similar to the test GLC), and we liked it, although there was some artificiality in it. This time we got a copy with a conventional steering wheel that makes exactly three turns from lock to lock (the variable pitch steering wheel has 2.25 turns, like the GLC). And we liked this bagel more. Because her feedback is even better than that of Mercedes-Benz, and the lack of “sharpness” is noticeable only in very sharp turns.
Driving a BMW X3 on a winding road is pure joy! The crossover clearly "writes" turns, and with each turn provokes the driver to hooliganism. The driver merges with the car and feels the driving pleasure promised by the manufacturer. And on a straight line, everything is fine, except that in a rut the Bavarian crossover does not behave as stably as its rival, but thanks to the excellent information content of the steering, course correction does not cause problems.
Excellent handling BMW does not come at the expense of comfort. Interestingly, this time around, not only was the steering on the tester normal, but the suspension was also without the active dampers we had ridden with before. Such a chassis conveys small bumps more strongly, but on large bumps it behaves more collected and is generally more harmoniously tuned, so we would not overpay for electronically controlled shock absorbers. "Bavarian" rides tight and elastic on all types of bumps. And the sound insulation is excellent - neither the wind nor the tires bother you.
Our Mercedes-Benz GLC is equipped with passive shock absorbers and an off-road package that increases ground clearance to 201 mm versus 181 mm for the "urban" version. The crossover is softer than the Bavarian competitor, it drives through small bumps, but misses hard hits on large potholes. That is, the energy intensity of the BMW X3 is better, which is especially noticeable on a broken primer. But in general, in terms of smoothness, parity between rivals, although, of course, a lot depends on which roads to drive on. If the GLC had been equipped with the air suspension we drove in Europe, it would have taken the lead, but now there are no such cars in the Russian press park of Mercedes-Benz. In terms of sound insulation, our competitors are also approximately equal.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC wins this test by a small margin, which in comparison ... did not participate. We are talking about the GLC with air suspension. We categorically do not recommend saving on it to buyers. But the BMW X3, in our opinion, it is quite possible to get by with a conventional chassis - with it the car has a more natural behavior. In general, when choosing between these machines, you should focus on personal preferences. The main thing is not to make a mistake with the choice of the type of suspension, since cars with different types of chassis drive very differently. So the battle between our rivals continues, and the upcoming new-generation BMW X3 may tip the scales in its favor. But until this happened, the leaders of the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
We would like to express our gratitude to KR Properties for providing the site of the Danilovskaya Manufactory loft quarter for filming
| Technical BMW specifications X3 30d |
|
|---|---|
| Dimensions, mm | 4657x1881x1661 |
| Wheel base, mm | |
| Turning diameter, m | |
| Ground clearance, mm | |
| Trunk volume, l | |
| Curb weight, kg | |
| engine's type | L6, turbodiesel |
| Working volume, cu. cm | |
Everyone has long forgotten what the term coupe actually meant. And this is not only a two-door shortened sedan, but also a coupe de champagne - a bowl for sweet champagne, the shape of which was allegedly copied in the 17th century from a cast of the chest of the mistress of the French king Louis XIV. However, now we drink sparkling wine from completely different glasses, tall and narrow. And if the BMW X4 looks more like them, then the Mercedes GLC Coupe is a bowl of pure water! Rather, pure champagne.
M ercedes GLC Coupe secondary? Conceptually - of course, because the X4 appeared first. But aesthetically... Elegant flowing body lines, graceful shape rear lights, thinly plastic-lined wheel arches. The interior is a work of art. Take at least the upholstery of the front doors: if everything is traditional in BMW, then in Mercedes, some seat adjustment keys are worth something. And how elegant the grilles on the Burmester speakers!
The hand does not rise to slam such a door - everyone who was behind the wheel softly covered it, counting on electric closers. It was not there: neither the BMW X4 nor the Mercedes GLC Coupe have them - the class is not the same.
But in the X4, even the basic seats are more dense and sporty, and even sitting in ours with the M Performance package, I want to immediately buy an annual subscription to the Nurburgring north loop. The steering wheel, covered with Alcantara, fits perfectly in the palm of a man. And if in Mercedes decorative carbon panels are “manicured” with a thick layer of varnish, then in BMW it is a rough “natural product”, an undisguised plexus of carbon fiber fibers.
. Lightweight seats do not give “sofa” comfort, but they distribute the load well: you don’t get tired on them on long trips"\u003e
Well, a very nice interior. And at the same time comfortable!
. Lightweight seats do not provide “sofa” comfort, but they distribute the load well: you don’t get tired on them on long trips
It is clear that at creation of the GLC Coupe in Stuttgart was dismantled by screws more than one BMW X4. This is clearly seen in the example of the rear seats: in BMW there are no ceiling handles, in Mercedes they will be. The X4 has a low cushion - and you have to sit with your knees high? Then in the GLC Coupe we will make it higher, and the landing will be more comfortable. And Mercedes can be retrofitted with window blinds and three-zone climate control, which are not available to BMW owners.
In the upper part of the center console there is a rigidly fixed “tablet” with a regular screen, at the bottom is the main Comand Online multimedia control washer, and on the left is the chassis preset key and the clearance change button
But the X4 is more practical: if we were able to load 12 standard mailboxes into its trunk, then only nine fit in the Mercedes. This is despite the fact that the passport capacity of the trunk is close: 491 and 500 liters "under the shelf". But do not rush to accuse the Mercedes of juggling the facts: they simply indicate the passport volume, taking into account the spacious underground. By the way, in both cars you will not find spare parts: in Mercedes, the compressor is with sealant, and BMW is traditionally equipped with run-flat tires allowing driving without "pressure".
In addition to batch settings, you can create your own individual configuration by turning off, for example, the start-stop system
It was not possible to select modifications close in power for the test: we could only get a BMW X4 xDrive35i for the base GLC 250 Coupe. Almost one and a half times more powerful: 306 against 211 horsepower! In normal modes, both of them are great: they allow you to comfortably crawl in traffic jams and be at the forefront of the attack during overtaking on the track. But even in the limit, Mercedes’ lag is minimal: the difference in acceleration to “hundreds” is 1.8 seconds, and it feels even less. The gears of the nine-speed “automatic” are well chosen: an intensive set of speed after the start is provided by closely spaced stages - from the first to the third, - the GLC 250 Coupe goes to the maximum speed in the fifth, and if you are not in a hurry to maintain cruising speed 110 km / h, then the box “sticks” the ninth gear and holds 1500 rpm. For comparison: the BMW tachometer at the same speed freezes at around 1800 rpm. It is clear that the gas consumption of the "Bavaria" is higher.
The seat adjustment keys, in Mercedes tradition, are located on the doors. There is also a heating button, and next to it there may be a key for ventilation of the driver's seat
By the way, when measuring the dynamics, we performed all the test starts “from two pedals”: there is no special launch control mode in the cars, however, both cars spin the engines up to 2800 rpm and take off very quickly. But BMW's first impulse is still sharper. And you can stand on it for a long time at a low start - while Mercedes keeps 2800 rpm for literally a second or a half, and if the driver does not release the brake pedal, then the engine speed drops to 2000 per minute.
Combining sporty style with crossover practicality was first ventured by BMW with the launch of the X6 eight years ago. Despite the unusual concept, the car was a success. In 2014, the Bavarians decided to repeat the experiment with the compact X4 SUV and hit the target again. The Munich automaker's main competitor, Mercedes-Benz, has delayed the introduction of coupe-like crossovers to the market. However, despite this, the "Three-pointed Star" is already pushing BMW. The recent Mercedes GLC Coupe has made a splash, but is it capable of pushing its main rival X4?
Exterior and interior
The appearance of SUVs with the outlines of a coupe is still controversial: someone finds such stylistic hybrids interesting, others reject them. Therefore, to make an assessment of the exterior of each of the test participants is a thankless task. At the same time, the Mercedes looks more dynamic thanks to a shorter silhouette and optional 19-inch wheels from the AMG Line package. Inside, the native of Stuttgart outperforms the Bavarian counterpart in terms of interior space and rear seat comfort. "X-fourth", for its part, provides better visibility, has more comfortable front seats, and also gets an advantage in trunk volume - 450 liters versus 385 liters. In addition, the Bavarian compartment is easier to load, although it is easier to transform the rear seats in the GLC Coupe.
Equipment
Scroll basic equipment Mercedes is longer: seven airbags, ABS, booster emergency braking BAS, system ESP stabilization with cornering dynamics control, Hold Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, collision avoidance system with autonomous braking elements, Attention Assist driver fatigue sensor, rear view camera, cruise control with speed limiter, LED. BMW's standard equipment list includes: six airbags, ABS, BA Brake Assist, DSC Dynamic Stability Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control, traction control DTC, HSA hill start assist, cruise control with braking function, front and rear parking sensors.
Driving performance and handling
As a power plant on a Bavarian car, a tandem of a 2.0-liter diesel engine with a return of 190 hp / 400 Nm and an 8-speed automatic box gears. The crossover from Stuttgart was powered by a 2.1-liter diesel engine (24 hp / 500 Nm) and a 9-band “automatic”. Even taking into account the “extra” 60 kg of weight, the SUV with a three-beam star had an advantage in power supply, which was clearly manifested in best results accelerating dynamics measurements. Outstripped the rival GLC Coupe and according to the results of measurements stopping distance from a speed of 50/80/100/120/140 km / h, spending 9/24/37/55/72 meters on a full deceleration. At BMW, the stopping distance took 10/25/39/55/75 m.
The X-fourth coped better with the task of saving fuel, whose 100-kilometer consumption was limited to 5.8 liters on the highway and 7.4 liters in the city. "Mercedes" in similar conditions turned out to be more voracious - 6.2 liters and 7.8 liters.
If you are a fan of enjoying the process of driving, then both test crossovers will not disappoint you. The GLC Coupe has a standard sports suspension and an optional air suspension. The latter was just installed on a test instance. In turn, the X-fourth is equipped with adaptive shock absorbers. Both "Germans" are able to dash along the serpentine, although it is more pleasant to do it behind the wheel of a BMW. Compared to its rivals, the Bavarian has less inertia in corners and shows more athletic reactions. Also on a winding track, the all-wheel drive system of the Munich SUV distributes torque more efficiently. Is that the X-fourth gearbox does not work as fast as we would like. The BMW suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers is set up exemplary, showing the perfect balance between handling and comfort. The Mercedes has a less smooth ride, even if air suspension transferred to comfort mode. True, part of the losses in the driving comfort of the Stuttgart can be attributed to 19-inch wheels.
Verdict
To decide on the winner of this duel is still the same task. Mercedes captivates with a more spacious interior, a wide range of basic equipment and better dynamics. On the side of "BMW" gain in efficiency and driving performance. If, moreover, we assume that the buyer of a “compartment” crossover is a selfish nature, then the last parameter is of decisive importance. Therefore, the Bavarian crossover takes the main prize.
Prepared by Denis ALEKSANDROV
Based on the materials of "Autostrada" (Spain)
Data obtained during the test
|
Parameter |
BMW X4 xDrive 2.0D | |
| Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, s | 8,58 | 7,46 |
| Travel time from a place of 1000 m, s | 30,14 | 28,78 |
| Acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, s | 6,52 | 5,78 |
| Braking distance from a speed of 50/80/100/120/140 km/h, m | 10/25/39/55/75 | 9 / 24 / 37 /55/72 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km highway/city |
5,8 / 7,4 | 6,2/7,8 |
| Noise level in the cabin at a speed of 100/120/140 km/h, dB | 64/67/70 | 63 /67/69 |
| Interior width in the area of the front/rear seats, cm | 146 /142 | 145/142 |
| Min/max height from cushion driver's seat to the ceiling, cm | 91/96 | 92/100 |
| Cushion Height rear seat to the ceiling, cm | 91 | 93 |
| Trunk volume, l | 450 | 385 |
| Weight, kg | 1897 | 1956 |
Factory specifications
|
Parameter |
BMW X4 xDrive 2.0D | Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 250D 4Matic |
| Price*, euro | 51 922 | 54 850 |
| Type | crossover | crossover |
| Number of doors/seats | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Length/width/height, m | 4,671/1,881/1,624 | 4,732/1,890/1,602 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2,810 | 2,873 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1825 | 1845 |
| Luggage compartment volume, l | 500-1400 | 491-1205 |
| engine's type | diesel, with direct injection, turbocharging and intercooler | |
| Working volume, cc | 1995 | 2143 |
| Number of cylinders/valves | 4/16 | 4/16 |
| Maximum power, hp / rpm | 190/4000 | 204/3800 |
| Maximum torque, Nm / rpm | 400/1750 | 500/1600 |
| Drive unit | pluggable full | permanent full |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed | automatic, 9-speed |
| Turning diameter, m | 11,9 | 11,8 |
| Front suspension | spring, McPherson | pneumatic, double lever (option) |
|
Rear suspension |
spring, multi-link | pneumatic, multi-link (option) |
| Front/rear brakes | ventilated disc / ventilated disc | |
| Airbags, pcs | 6 | 7 |
| Security systems | ABS, BA, DSC, CBC, DTC, HSA | ABS, BAS, ESP, Hold Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist |
| Tires | 225/60 R17 | 235/55 R19 (front) 255/50 R19 (rear) |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 212 | 222 |
| Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, s | 8,0 | 7,6 |
| Fuel consumption, l highway/city/medium |
4,9/5,6/5,2 | 4,7/5,7/5,0 |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 67 | 66 |
| CO2 emission, g/km | 136 | 131 |
* - price in Spain
Ergonomics are better thought out in BMW
The interior of the Mercedes is more refined
Dashboard BMW wins in convenience
No, they definitely agreed! Similar coincidences do not happen so easily: premium brands, as if on command, gave a volley of debuts in the segment mid-size crossovers. First, then Land Rover introduced, and then Mercedes-Benz gave birth to the GLC crossover - its sales have just begun. Moreover, this cohort is about to be joined by the newly debuted Jaguar F‑Pace and the new generation Audi Q5, which will premiere early next year. But we did not wait for them and, adding to the listed trinity modernized a year ago, we set off to identify the winner.
All four cars are equipped with two-liter petrol turbo engines close power. The exception is the Bavarian, whose engine is weaker: 184 hp. against 238-245 forces from rivals. But for the price, it just fits in with our company, besides, in previous tests, the X3 has always been among the best. I wonder how it will look against the background of newcomers?
SOCIAL ELEVATOR
The Japanese deny this in every possible way, but still it is no secret that the Lexus NX was created on the basis of a massive and relatively affordable crossover Toyota RAV4. A kind of social elevator in an automobile manner. And the transition to a new dimension was a success - the exterior of the premium model does not resemble the progenitor in any way. Interestingly, the NX has become the most popular in the Lexus range - it accounts for about half of Russian sales. According to Japanese marketers, this crossover performs in two segments at once. Initial versions should compete with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Rich modifications compete with the heroes of today's test. Well, against their background, Lexus does not look like a whipping boy. Predatory design, prickly look of sharp-angled headlights ... The salon is a feast for the eyes. I especially liked the two-level center console, in the upper part of which there was a place for an arrow watch, which brings a bit of comfort. Yes, and soft chairs, trimmed with the most delicate perforated leather, can also be safely written down as an asset. In addition, they are equipped not only with heating, but also with ventilation - only Land Rover can offer such an option. But you won’t find platforms for wireless charging of smartphones anywhere else. But the rosy mood did not last long. At first, I was disappointed by the small range of longitudinal movement of the electrically adjustable steering column, which I wanted to move a couple of centimeters closer to me. Then the inconvenient touch control panel of the infotainment system upset me - it is too demanding on “gestures”. Let us down and the color screen on the console: faded, with old-fashioned graphics. Against this background, the modest capacity of the door pockets and the lack of gloss on the switch buttons seem like a trifle. The NX was the brand's first model to try on a turbocharged engine. The motor is interesting in that at low loads, in order to reduce fuel consumption, it switches from the usual Otto cycle to the Atkinson cycle, in which intake valves close later than usual. But this is, as they say, materiel - in fact, the NX 200t did not demonstrate much efficiency: it drank an average of 11 liters of gasoline for a hundred "versts" - at the level of rivals. The power of the Lexus is not a record in the test (238 hp), but it is 65–144 kg lighter than its competitors. It would seem that the potential leader in dynamics. But no: with parallel starts, the NX accelerates head to head with the 240-horsepower Discovery Sport and noticeably lags behind the 245-horsepower GLC 300. But in terms of acceleration control, Lexus liked it the most - as you push, you go. Flawless machine setup! Therefore, there is no need to grieve about the lack of paddle shifters (other cars have them).The main reason for criticism is the poor smoothness of the ride. The NX 200t convulses even over modest-looking bumps, and riding on a cobblestone road is akin to a rodeo. The shaking is also accompanied by an unpleasant suspension thump and an annoying vibration of the luggage rack. Blows are also transmitted to the steering wheel: on the asphalt ripples, the steering wheel beats off Morse code and any desire to actively take turns. Lexus lacks thoroughbredness in response to turns of the "steering wheel" - the effort on it is too synthetic. In addition, the "Japanese" is the least stable on the trajectory and before the rivals goes into a slide, falling out with his muzzle outside the turn. But if you plan to drive exclusively on good roads and do not require special agility in corners from the car, then the NX 200t is worthy of attention, if only because it is much cheaper than rivals. In our time, this is an important advantage.
DISCO, WHERE IS SPORT?
I just can't get used to the new Land Rover design. In terms of style, the Discovery Sport body is infinitely far from the angularity of the usual Discovery and Freelander, which the “athlete” has come to replace. But recognition is 100%: headlights with semicircles, an inscription on the hood. A glimpse is enough to understand - this is a Land Rover. In the salon, the brand is also guessed “from three notes”. Here you have a high, captain's landing, and a selector puck automatic transmission, and wide window sills, on which the power window control keys perched. The interior of the Discovery Sport is solid, but not luxurious. Competitors are finished smarter! Restrained design and strict colors set up a serious mood. The test Land Rover also does not impress with the wealth of equipment, but it pleased with as many as six USB ports. Much more strained y-y-narrow platform for resting the left leg - the foot now and then slips off it. The front seats are also not ideal: they have a too plump popliteal cushion, and the modesty of lateral support is exacerbated by very slippery skin. In general, do not count on tenacious hugs in fast turns. But the visibility unconditionally liked. Large "truthful" mirrors are especially good. And the edge of the hood is visible - this is a traditional Land Rover virtue. It's a pity that the picture from the rear view camera lacks clarity - the screen here is clearly simpler than that of the "Germans". Yes, and one and a half second responses to touch do not add joy. There is only one petrol engine in the Discovery Sport engine range. But what! 240 "horses" - the British decided not to trifle. The car has enough power and traction for the eyes, it accelerates assertively, with a pleasant growl. But the nine-speed automatic is a skittish guy. It seems that he sometimes gets confused in gears, suddenly switching somewhere in the middle of a turn. This feature is treated by transferring the box to sports mode: the “Englishman” becomes angrier, but more unambiguous. In a straight line, the Discovery Sport flies with the stability of an artillery shell. It seems that nothing can bring him down from a ballistic trajectory. It dives into turns reluctantly, you have to “refuel”. One feels inertia in reactions and heaviness, and rolls are too big against the background of competitors. In general, despite the name, the sportiness of the "disco" character is lacking. But smoothness is good. If Discovery Sport bucks at single seams, then on a road consisting of crookedly laid patches, it rides with minimal loss in comfort. And it doesn’t give up on potholes - the suspension didn’t pierce even on serious gullies.BAVARIAN FORA
In our quartet, the Bavarian is the oldest car, because four years have passed since its premiere. However, BMW successfully hid the age of the model with last year's restyling, during which the X3 acquired a resemblance to the more modern and expensive X5. Salon update is not affected. And it is not necessary! The interior of the X-Third still looks fresh to this day. Particularly good is the L-shaped bend above the center console screen. Fitting comfort is impeccable. The combination of steering wheel - seat - pedals is extremely good: on driving position any of our test group settled down in complete comfort in a matter of seconds. Like all "Bavarians", here are clear and extremely concise devices. Some indicators are projected onto the windshield, allowing the driver to be less distracted from the road. BMW also has the most convenient control of the infotainment system. The iDrive washer and the cluster of buttons growing around it are so convenient to use that in a minute you can accurately operate all this economy. BMW, like its rivals, has a two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol at its disposal. But instead of power for two and a half hundred “horses”, the Bavarian engine develops only 184 hp. - we have the basic version on the test. Outsider? Not at all! X3 accelerates very smartly. So much so that the more powerful NX 200t and Discovery Sport are not able to break away - in a kilometer straight they outperformed BMW by only a couple of bodies. There is no doubt that if we had taken the “X-third” in the 245‑strong version, he would not have left a stone unturned from them! And so - we will assume that the dynamics of X3 is not inferior to rivals. road bumps the BMW suspension works more confidently than the Lexus one, but it is far from the Land Rover omnivorousness. But in terms of handling, the X3 is in the lead. How nice it is to race on it on a winding road! BMW willingly dives into turns, steadfastly clings to the trajectory and almost does not roll. The steering wheel is generously saturated with feedback. That's just in the ruts the steering wheel strives to escape from the hands - it will not work to go relaxed. Here it is, retribution for delicious handling.MERCEDES LEAVES FROM THE CHASE
Amazing thing! New GLC the GLK has grown in size, but you can't tell when you look at the car. Apparently, the predecessor seemed larger due to the angular body. The newcomer has a radically different image - it is streamlined and smooth, like a Faberge testicle! Salon GLC - the most luxurious in the quartet. You get into a Mercedes - and you understand what exorbitant money is asking for. Finishing at the level of business sedans. Two-tone, cream-chocolate leather, wooden overlays, real aluminum - everything is expensive and rich. And the design is exquisite - you can admire the whimsical bend of the center console for hours. And what a bright screen here, what gorgeous graphics it has! Equally impressive is the sound quality of the optional Burmester music kit. The harsh front seats pleased with the abundance of adjustments and the range: moving back to the end, the two-meter driver risks not reaching the pedals. Naturally, all settings are electrified - even the knee roll and headrest are equipped with servos. Only at Mercedes, the door pockets are covered with a soft material, so that the things lying in them do not rattle. Only here I buckle up - and the seat belt automatically picks up the slack, pressing the body to the chair. Nice care! In motion, the GLC captivates with soundproofing, and in this discipline it definitely outperformed the competition. No rumble from the road, no engine noise, no whistle of the oncoming wind. And the pebbles on the arches drum the least.Together with excellent smoothness, this allows us to consider it the most comfortable in the quartet. Mercedes takes the prize for better dynamics: 245‑horsepower crossover takes off abruptly, from rivals under the loud roar of the engine leaves, almost like standing! The power-to-weight ratio of the GLC 300 seemed to me even redundant! If I had bought this model, I would have chosen the 211-horsepower GLC 250. By the way, Mercedes has a nine-speed automatic for crossovers of this brand. It works much more accurately and intelligently than the nine-speed Discovery Sport. Yes, and the GLC is cleaner and sharper than the "English" and "Japanese". Tight chassis, small rolls - Mercedes can be driven aggressively, close to the curbs and bumpers: it rides reliably, without tricks and omissions. GLC demonstrated excellent "hold" on a mountain road. He is on the hunt, without the slightest hesitation, goes to an arc of a smaller radius and even allows light slips. Mercedes, I don't recognize you! The only thing that I did not like in the management was the excessive force on the brake pedal, which at first prevented me from accurately dosing the deceleration. However, you quickly adapt to this and no longer pay attention to this nuance. *** According to the results of the test, the NX 200t, although it found itself in the rearguard, but its average score was very high. Lexus is good, but rivals are even stronger! The third place was taken by Discovery Sport, which was remembered for its spacious interior and high smoothness. And off the pavement, the “Englishman” rides more confidently than anyone else - fishermen / hunters / mushroom pickers, note to you! BMW X3 conquered with excellent handling. It is a pity that it can only be fully appreciated on perfect asphalt. Well, the GLC 300 enters the first place in the test. Fast, comfortable, with luxurious salon and excellent equipment. As they say in the world of sports, victory is for clear advantage.
Mercedes-Benz won this test by a good margin over the competition. However, I was left with a sense of inadequacy. How would a version with an innovative multi-chamber air suspension perform? For the next test involving Audi crossovers Q5 and Jaguar F‑Pace, we will certainly get the GLC with “pneuma”. Yuri Timkin
Mass media
Konstantin VASILEV001
1The German "big three" are confident that nothing more convenient than a joystick puck can be found to control on-board systems. Perhaps I agree, because on a bumpy road, pressing on the button (it doesn’t matter if it’s mechanical or touch), it’s easy to miss, and the touchpad requires even more delicate handling. So Land Rover and Lexus are inferior to Mercedes and BMW in terms of driving comfort. The menu structure of the Mercedes Comand Online system is far from ideal. Pop-up sub-menus at the top and bottom of the 8.4-inch screen are easy to learn and just as easy to forget - you'll have to relearn the interface in a month. But the animation is the most spectacular, and a squiggle with the same touchpad rises above the puck. It allows you to enter handwritten characters, for example, in the address bar of a browser. And yes, by connecting a smartphone via Bluetooth, you can not only listen to Internet radio or view Google Street View using the appropriate applications, but also surf the Internet (1).
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2Multimedia BMW is not inferior in functionality (2). The animation, however, is not so colorful, but the menu structure is clearer. The horizontally elongated screen with a diagonal of 8.8 inches is only at hand here. By the way, the top of the iDrive washer is also touch-sensitive. With its help, as in Mercedes, you can enter handwritten characters. I don’t know why, but “drawing” the Latin letter Z in this way did not work either in the X3 or in the GLC. So the address of the website "Behind the wheel" had to be entered in an alternative way. Plus, with BMW ConnectedDrive Services, you can unlock or lock your car using your smartphone or identify it. exact location within a radius of one and a half kilometers.
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3Lexus against such a background is a real dinosaur: the animation of the seven-inch screen (3) with a low resolution is unpretentious, the performance leaves much to be desired. And of course, the Remote Touch touchpad is right there. You can use it without wasting nerve cells only during stops or in traffic jams. However, support Bluetooth protocols And Lexus still has Wi-Fi. Plus, NX has a removable mirror and wireless charger for a phone in the armrest - an unambiguous allusion to a young, progressive target audience.
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4For a long time Land Rover made us wait for a new multimedia system. And finally! She responds to pressing a little faster, but this is still not enough. The graphics have not fundamentally changed, although they are easier to perceive thanks to colorful photographs on the menu buttons. "Chip" in another. By installing the inControl app on your smartphone, you can interact with your smartphone through the Discovery Sport's eight-inch touch screen. This is the first car that I managed to make friends with smartphones without any problems. various brands running on different operating systems (4). And the “Englishman” will not only show the incoming text message, but also allow you to write outgoing messages directly to factory display. It's a pity, the screen is littered with too high angle and pretty shiny.
From small to large
Lexus has the smallest trunk (1). It was experimentally found out: its volume is 336 liters - comparable to the indicators of segment C hatchbacks. In addition, the "Japanese" has the highest loading height. The embossed sidewalls, which make it difficult to distribute luggage, were no less upset. And there are no nets, no straps, no pockets ... The situation is somewhat brightened up by a small box installed in the underground (2).
The trunk of the BMW (3) is also small (376 liters, according to our measurements), but it is better organized. There are even walls, on the starboard side there is a spring-loaded belt and a recess for a bottle with a glass washer, on the left side there is a pocket taken with a net, on the floor there are rails. And the "Bavarian" has the minimum loading height in the quartet.
Land Rover (4) recorded a solid volume (420 liters) in its asset. The walls are not very smooth, there are no devices for fixing the load. There is a small niche on the right, but there is little sense from it. But in the underground - a full-size spare tire.
In terms of capacity, Mercedes-Benz (5) surpassed its competitors. And in terms of the convenience of its 424-liter trunk, it is on top. Here you have flat sidewalls, and fastening loops, and hooks for bags, and a pocket in the left wall. You can stretch the grid on the floor - it is stored in the "basement", in a special organizer (6). And only at GLC the fifth door is supplied with illumination. In general, the trunk of a Mercedes can be set as an example to the rest.
Back row: happy or not happy?
The least hospitable second row was at NX (1). It has too low a ceiling - you sit back to back. There is enough space for the knees, but the feet are cramped. And there is no heating, no sockets, no individual lighting - there is only one ceiling lamp for everyone. In addition, the windows in the Lexus do not go down to the end. One consolation ... or rather, two. Firstly, the floor tunnel here is the smallest. Secondly, the backs of the sofa are equipped with electrically adjustable tilt angle.
Landing on the seats of the second row X3 (2) makes it difficult to open the door at a small angle. But, climbing inside, you immediately forget about it - it's cozy and spacious. And even hard backs on the backs of the front seats do not bother - they are far away. BMW offers sofa heating, a 12-volt outlet, curtains on the windows (glasses, by the way, fall completely), deflectors with the ability to adjust temperature and flow.
In the back row, the Discovery Sport is the most spacious (3). And most importantly - you can move the sofa in the longitudinal direction and change the angle of the backs. Passengers can use a 12-volt outlet, two USB ports, and air vents in the B-pillars. But the windows do not go down completely, there are no curtains, as well as heating.
The only nitpick about the GLC is that it is inconvenient to get into it: a high threshold interferes. The sofa here is inimitable: soft, cozy, with a perfect profile (4). For this alone, I want to award the victory to Mercedes. But he still has a lot of trump cards. In particular, passengers adjust the weather at their discretion - the climate control here is three-zone (5). The sofa is equipped with heating, and its backs are folded by pressing a button located at the arch. In addition, only the GLC has a 230 V socket at the back, and in addition to a pair of cup holders, there is a small box in the armrest. The windows go down completely, you can fence off the surrounding reality with curtains.
Loyalty to the course
Transplanting from one crossover to another, I deliberately left the BMW for last, so that upon returning to Moscow, when my strength was already running out, I would be behind the wheel of the X-third. I wanted to enjoy the reference handling. It didn't work out. Did you know that there are ruts in the left rows of the Moscow Ring Road? Previously, I simply did not notice it, but the X3 changed my idea of the quality of metropolitan roads. He looked for a rut in the most unexpected places and immediately began to break out of it. It is clear that such behavior is a retribution for wide hard tires and a well-balanced reactive force on the steering wheel, including in the near-zero zone. But why so much sportiness of not the most powerful version of xDrive20i? But on the mountain road of the X-Third range, it shone. Gambling, but at the same time so predictable! The fact is that initially BMW is rear-wheel drive, and the front wheels are connected on demand through a multi-plate clutch. With optional system performance control electronics in the turn also brakes the inner wheel for better realization of the moment on the outer. In the limit, when the front end is already starting to slip, it is worth releasing the accelerator pedal, as the Bavarian obediently dives into the turn. The stabilization system intervenes only on business, when the driver starts to openly misbehave, provoking a skid.
Lexus surprised. From a car with such a defiant appearance, a relatively stiff and short-stroke suspension, you expect a sea of drive, the waves of which will wash over you in every turn. If you drive relaxed, then there are no problems. But if you go too far with speed, the NX begins to plow the front end past the turn, and an attempt to compensate for this development of events by dynamic demolition of the rear axle awakens the ESP, which instantly “beats hands”. I press the button for disabling the stabilization system, and it not only remains alert, but continues to intervene even earlier than on a BMW with ESP turned on. Maybe not really push it to the limit? Then Lexus even reminds something of BMW. The banks are small, and the brakes, although they require a little more effort and are slightly inferior in information content, are still good ... Bah-ah! The front suspension is closed to the body. It seems that the loaded wheel fell into a huge hole on the turn. But there is no pit at all, but there is a bald spot in the upper layer of asphalt a couple of centimeters deep.
I specially transfer to other crossovers and aim at an invisible pothole, in addition, I load up with brakes right wheel. Land Rover does not seem to notice the hole, Mercedes-Benz reports it with a slight push, but does not change course, and BMW, shuddering, also forces to slightly correct the trajectory. But not a hint of suspension breakdown. Understanding Discovery Sport is difficult. With energy-intensive suspension and relatively light steering wheel it gives the impression that you are driving not a car, but a yacht. The brake pedal is light and responsive. It is necessary to overdo it with a little effort, and Land Rover nods. You can get used to it, but frightening rolls certainly do not contribute to active driving - you just want to lie down in a drift.
The test Mercedes did not have air suspension with a roll suppression system, so it bowed to corners, although less than the Discovery Sport, but still noticeable. In general, the GLC 300 proved to be reliable in driving a car that can do everything, but in moderation: if you want to drive, please. Tires are already screeching in the turn, warning of the limit of traction, but this does not excite the blood. Comfortable suspension setup and moderate feedback on the steering wheel hide a fair share of sensations. However, the desire to tumble into the next turn quickly eventually beat off the brakes. The pedal drive is too damped, and it is difficult to understand what kind of effort should be applied in a given situation. And yet, I would write down the GLC 300 as a leader in terms of handling. It will not work on it, but Mercedes-Benz behaves stably in the city, and on a mountain serpentine, and off-road. BMW is expected to be the most driving, but driving in the city is sometimes uncomfortable. Lexus will satisfy moderate racing ambitions, but only on perfect asphalt. And Land Rover professes a fundamentally different approach: ease of control is a priority, and other qualities are secondary.
Beauty!
During the test, we arranged a short run - we visited the ancient village of Vyatskoye, located 38 km from Yaroslavl. This is a real pearl of central Russia. Until recently, few people knew about Vyatsky, but everything has changed over the past five or six years. An investor has been found who buys out old merchant mansions one by one, restores them and adapts them to tourist needs. Thus, three hotels, a dozen museums, a decent restaurant, a cinema and concert hall, monuments and sculptures on the streets, fresh asphalt and faith in a bright future appeared in a small village. And on October 15 - just on the day of our visit - Vyatskoye became the first member of the Association of the most beautiful villages in Russia.
No need for dirt
It doesn’t befit luxury crossovers to knead the dirt, with all its appearance it shows a show off Lexus NX 200t. And this applies to him completely. The NX has a clutch in the rear wheel drive, but it is sharpened exclusively for difficult road conditions, not off-road conditions. No blocking is provided. The maximum that the owner of a Lexus with its modest indicators of geometric cross-country ability (under the front axle we measured only 160 mm) can dare to do is to drive to the summer cottage along a rolled primer. The lack of engine crankcase protection does not do him any credit either: only a plastic mudguard is installed under the engine compartment, which does not even cover the pan. The gearbox is also not protected, even if it hangs high. The most vulnerable was the exhaust system. With it, we kissed a couple of times on the cobblestone pavement.
Out of asphalt BMW X3 looks preferable. Although xDrive doesn't offer either forced blocking, their electronic imitation works quickly. In addition, the suspension resists gullies better, and, according to our measurements, the ground clearance is the highest in the quartet: 215 mm allow you to feel confident even on difficult terrain. But we do not recommend to abuse it: only plastic shields go along the entire bottom. Thank you, the exhaust tract is hidden deep in the floor tunnel.
Who is off-road in his element, so it is Discovery Sport! The fording depth of 600 mm alone is worth something! And the clearance is decent - 205 mm. exhaust system out of reach, even rear gear has its own protection. But the uncovered connector with wires unpleasantly surprised. The suspension pleased with long strokes and the ability to absorb shocks from impressive bumps. In the Efficient Driveline all-wheel drive system, the Haldex coupling controls the connection of the rear wheels, and to adapt the machine to different conditions movement, the Terrain Response system is provided. For example, selecting the grass/gravel/snow mode results in a locked clutch, limited traction, and blunt throttle response. For a hard but slippery surface - what you need. For soft and pliable surfaces, mud/rut or sand modes are suitable. In them, electronics allow wheel slip.
test GLC300 equipped with an optional Off-road package, which includes an increased ground clearance of 205 mm (plus 20 mm to the base figure) and durable metal protection engine compartment. The 4Matic transmission with an asymmetrical center differential splits the torque 45:55 in favor of the rear axle. Inspire confidence and off-road algorithms similar to those of the Land Rover engine, transmission and stabilization systems for various types of coatings, driving uphill and towing a trailer. And with the air suspension, another mode will be added that allows you to get out of a difficult situation by swinging. But the basic suspension did not let us down. On the cobblestone pavement, Mercedes does not lag behind Discovery Sport - it overcomes even large-caliber stones with a minimum loss in comfort.
