Photo: original image by autoevolution
Versus is one of our favorite word of Latin origin. It was introduced some time around 1400 in Middle English and denotes competition of various kinds. Superman vs. Batman, Batman vs. Joker, Army vs. Navy – you name it. In the automotive world, we like to think that the biggest rivalry of all time is BMW vs. Mercedes and a brand new chapter in that story has opened up, the battle between the X4 and the GLC Coupe.
BMW is widely credited with inventing the Sports Activity Coupe. We are talking about the X6, launched in 2007 and considered to be one of the most controversial cars of its time. For years, other companies pondered how they would introduce a rival, yet the Bavarians themselves were the first to capitalize on their own success. In 2014, the 2nd-generation arrived, and it was preceded by the slightly smaller X4 model. It is based on the same platform as the X3 and could be considered a success as well.
2015 is the year Mercedes-Benz's retaliation finally came. At the Detroit Auto Show, they presented the big GLE Coupe, which rivals the X6, and they followed that up with the GLC Coupe, a preview for the X4 fighter.
In 2013, the Concept X4 was shown at the Shanghai Auto Show, which means BMW has a lead of exactly 2 years over Mercedes. But how are the X4 and GLC Coupe different in terms of design or engineering? That's what we want to find out.
Unfortunately, the Mercedes model is only a concept at the moment. That's why we used photos of BMW's 2013 concept, so you guys can't base your opinions on unjust features. It's apples and oranges sort of stuff!
Starting from the top and working our way to the bottom, we will mention the GLC 450 AMG Coupe, which will be the most powerful unit. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 will be used to deliver exactly 367 PS through a 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic to the all-wheel drive system. A 333 PS version of the same engine will be offered in the GLE 400 Coupe model.
Right now, the most powerful petrol-powered version of the BMW X4 is the xDrive35i, good for 306 PS. However, the Bavarians might retaliate soon with a twin-turbo inline-6 that makes about 370 PS some time in the future.
Two other petrol-engined models exist, the 184 PS xDrive20i and the 245 PS xDrive28i, both with 2-liter turbos. Come 2016, Mercedes is going to retaliate with nearly identical versions of the GLC Coupe, the 250 and 300.
The turbodiesel range is where BMW's X4 becomes untouchable, as the xDrive35i pushes out 313 PS and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) from its 3-liter twin-turbo. Mercedes simply doesn't have that kind of engine, so the GLC Coupe will have to make due with the 2.1-liter CDI block in two output configurations.
However, BMW has already fitted the X4 with its B47D20 new-gen diesel engine for the xDrive20d. It's smooth and uniformly delivers power, which explains why the majority of European buyers order it. The overall advantage in the diesel war goes to the X4.
The all-wheel-drive drivetrains of these two raised coupes aren't designed for serious off-road use. Instead of locking mechanical diffs, they use electronics to divert the torque where it's needed. Still, both will be able to reach places inhospitable to a C-Coupe or 4 Series. Until Mercedes starts production of the GLC Coupe, and we find out what it's like, we have to give the advantage to BMW in the gearbox department. They use ZF's excellent 8-speed automatic, which we prefer to the 7G-Tronic recently tested on the 2015 GLK-Class.
However, the wheelbase is almost the same, 2.83 meters (111.4 inches) for the Merc and 2.810 in the case of the X4. No other specifications are available for comparison, but at a glance, the BMW has a taller greenhouse with more rear headroom.
Like we said earlier in this article, the photo comparison shows the BMW X4 Concept from 2013's Shanghai Auto Show in parallel with the GLC Coupe Concept from this year. If you want to see the X4 production model, the best place for that is our review, which featured a very attractive red car with the xDrive35i engine and M Sport body kit.
Mercedes will take a similar approach to satisfying its customers' diverse needs. An AMG Line kit will give basic diesel cars compromise-free looks while a selection of wheels and paint will complete the package.
From the front, we think the BMW X4 is at a slight disadvantage because it is based on the older X3 model. Christopher Weil and his team could only hide the boxy front end behind a set of enlarged air intakes and tweaked headlights. Mercedes, meanwhile, has made a protruding grille with a gigantic emblem that's sure to get noticed.
The profiles of both cars are energetic and distinctive. Because they are shorter than full-size SUVs, the curve of the roof is not that elegant, but chunky rocker panels and character lines give off muscular appearances and draw the eye away from the flaws.
Around the back, it's our opinion that BMW did a better job. Why? Because the X4's taillights are designed to look like those of the X6, which makes sense. Meanwhile, the GLC Coupe unsuccessfully copies the S-Class. Not everything is supposed to look the same, Daimler!
2015 is the year Mercedes-Benz's retaliation finally came. At the Detroit Auto Show, they presented the big GLE Coupe, which rivals the X6, and they followed that up with the GLC Coupe, a preview for the X4 fighter.
In 2013, the Concept X4 was shown at the Shanghai Auto Show, which means BMW has a lead of exactly 2 years over Mercedes. But how are the X4 and GLC Coupe different in terms of design or engineering? That's what we want to find out.
Unfortunately, the Mercedes model is only a concept at the moment. That's why we used photos of BMW's 2013 concept, so you guys can't base your opinions on unjust features. It's apples and oranges sort of stuff!
Engines and transmissions
We have no idea what the GLC Coupe actually weighs, but we do know it will be based on the same platform as the W205 C-Class and will offer the same types of engines, 4- and 6-cylinder ones.Starting from the top and working our way to the bottom, we will mention the GLC 450 AMG Coupe, which will be the most powerful unit. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 will be used to deliver exactly 367 PS through a 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic to the all-wheel drive system. A 333 PS version of the same engine will be offered in the GLE 400 Coupe model.
Right now, the most powerful petrol-powered version of the BMW X4 is the xDrive35i, good for 306 PS. However, the Bavarians might retaliate soon with a twin-turbo inline-6 that makes about 370 PS some time in the future.
Two other petrol-engined models exist, the 184 PS xDrive20i and the 245 PS xDrive28i, both with 2-liter turbos. Come 2016, Mercedes is going to retaliate with nearly identical versions of the GLC Coupe, the 250 and 300.
The turbodiesel range is where BMW's X4 becomes untouchable, as the xDrive35i pushes out 313 PS and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) from its 3-liter twin-turbo. Mercedes simply doesn't have that kind of engine, so the GLC Coupe will have to make due with the 2.1-liter CDI block in two output configurations.
However, BMW has already fitted the X4 with its B47D20 new-gen diesel engine for the xDrive20d. It's smooth and uniformly delivers power, which explains why the majority of European buyers order it. The overall advantage in the diesel war goes to the X4.
The all-wheel-drive drivetrains of these two raised coupes aren't designed for serious off-road use. Instead of locking mechanical diffs, they use electronics to divert the torque where it's needed. Still, both will be able to reach places inhospitable to a C-Coupe or 4 Series. Until Mercedes starts production of the GLC Coupe, and we find out what it's like, we have to give the advantage to BMW in the gearbox department. They use ZF's excellent 8-speed automatic, which we prefer to the 7G-Tronic recently tested on the 2015 GLK-Class.
Overall dimensions
From bumper to bumper, the GLC Coupe concept measures 4.73 meters (186.2 inches), which means it is 6 centimeters or about 2.5 inches longer than a BMW X4. We believe that this is due to the design at the back, which is streamlined to copy that of the upcoming C-Class Coupe.However, the wheelbase is almost the same, 2.83 meters (111.4 inches) for the Merc and 2.810 in the case of the X4. No other specifications are available for comparison, but at a glance, the BMW has a taller greenhouse with more rear headroom.
Styling
Finally, we have to talk about styling, which is always going to be the most important aspect of something that has "coupe" in its name. This is a very tricky subject because no two buyers are going to have the same opinion.Like we said earlier in this article, the photo comparison shows the BMW X4 Concept from 2013's Shanghai Auto Show in parallel with the GLC Coupe Concept from this year. If you want to see the X4 production model, the best place for that is our review, which featured a very attractive red car with the xDrive35i engine and M Sport body kit.
Mercedes will take a similar approach to satisfying its customers' diverse needs. An AMG Line kit will give basic diesel cars compromise-free looks while a selection of wheels and paint will complete the package.
From the front, we think the BMW X4 is at a slight disadvantage because it is based on the older X3 model. Christopher Weil and his team could only hide the boxy front end behind a set of enlarged air intakes and tweaked headlights. Mercedes, meanwhile, has made a protruding grille with a gigantic emblem that's sure to get noticed.
The profiles of both cars are energetic and distinctive. Because they are shorter than full-size SUVs, the curve of the roof is not that elegant, but chunky rocker panels and character lines give off muscular appearances and draw the eye away from the flaws.
Around the back, it's our opinion that BMW did a better job. Why? Because the X4's taillights are designed to look like those of the X6, which makes sense. Meanwhile, the GLC Coupe unsuccessfully copies the S-Class. Not everything is supposed to look the same, Daimler!
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