The 2018 BMW X3 ventures into M territory, but doesn’t lose sight of its SUV duties.
Pros Nimble, sedan-like handling Excellent interior space and storage Great turbo-6 powertrain Standard all-wheel drive M40i a blast to drive
Cons Base 6.5-inch infotainment display Forward-collision warnings an option World’s most expensive Apple CarPlay Off-road? More all-weather
Though it has sporty handling, powerful engines, and roomy seats, the fully redesigned 2018 BMW X3 is only a midpack luxury compact SUV. Its drawbacks include a higher-than-average starting price and fewer standard features than the competition.
Pros Agile handling Strong engine lineup Spacious cargo area and cabin Premium interior
Cons Above-average starting price Minimal standard luxury features
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class captivates crossover types with its lush cabin and its plush ride; there’s AMG power on tap if you must.
Pros Cabinet-grade interior (agency or furniture) Choose your body Choose your engine Burmester audio thrills Doesn’t cut short on technology
Cons Expensive safety options It’s not a Coupe, it’s just less useful Numb steering (GLC 300) Rivals have diesel, plug-ins
Two new models join the GLC-Class lineup: the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid and the performance-oriented AMG GLC 63. Heated wipers are now standard, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be added with the Smartphone Integration package. Mercedes has also renamed some packages to better convey the features added.
PROS Balance of comfort and performance makes it an appealing daily driver Elegant design inside and out gives it a true luxury appearance Plenty of room for adult-size passengers in back Solid fuel economy from the standard four-cylinder engine
CONS Feature for feature, it is pricier than many competitors Technology interface isn't always easy to use
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class ranked #3 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a score of 8.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 30 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Outstanding interior Plenty of standard tech features Quiet, smooth ride
Cons Some rivals are more athletic Below-average cargo space in coupe models
