From 2005 X3 3.0 to 2017 GLC 300
02-06-2017, 03:46 PM
#1
Thread Starter
From 2005 X3 3.0 to 2017 GLC 300
I recently said goodbye to my 2005 BMW X3 3.0.
My wife and I drove this X3 from new for 12 years and 131k miles. Along the way, I even managed to capture this historic moment:
The X3 was the constant garage mate to a whole string of performance cars over the 12 years. It was my wife’s daily driver and our main vehicle for weekend activities. We were very happy with its practicality and driving experience. Performance was nothing spectacular (0-60 in the high 7s), but the X3 handled fairly decently and the motor made nice straight six sounds.
It also turned out to be pretty reliable. The biggest repair was a failed transfer case actuator at around 110k miles. By the time I traded it, there was a minor engine oil leak and a leaking strut. Overall, the X3 handled the miles pretty well. The cabin didn’t develop any annoying squeaks or rattles, and the only flaw in the interior was some cracking in the front seat fabric.
The X3 was still doing a fine job, but I felt it was time to enjoy something brand new that could offer improvements in performance, safety, efficiency, and technology. We wanted to stick with the smallish SUV form factor. After research and a few test drives, I chose the Mercedes GLC 300.
The car I bought is not loaded with all the options, but is fairly well equipped. Major options include Sport Package (19” wheels, big brakes, AMG look), LED lights, Panorama roof, Keyless Go, and Burmeister sound system. Check out the beefy front brake calipers:
Compared to my lightly equipped X3, The GLC seems pretty decadent. I haven’t ever owned a luxury car, but the GLC comes close. The interior is very similar to that of the current C-class but with extra room in the rear. It even seems more upscale than my previous W204 generation C63. The materials all look and feel quality and expensive. It is by far the quietest car I’ve ever owned. At freeway speed, there is so little wind, road or engine noise.
What’s it like to drive? The GLC steering feels light and syrupy smooth. The different driving modes change steering weight, but there isn’t ever much feedback. The GLC generally feels less “sporty” than the X3. Compared to the BMW, the GLC’s ride is much less harsh and could be described as darn comfy. The Mercedes comes standard with adaptive suspension. Even in its firmest setting, the ride never gets unpleasant.
Perhaps the thing I miss most about the X3 is its characterful engine note. The turbo four in the GLC is relatively mute, and any noticeable sound it makes reminds me of the whir of an efficient appliance. It’s not the sound of fun. However, it delivers very decent performance while sounding not exciting. There’s some noticeable turbo lag, but it’s really not bad. The turbo can be making good boost with very few revs on the tach. The spec sheet claims that maximum torque of 273 lb-ft is available at 1,300rpm! This engine feels strong, especially on the freeway. It doesn’t take very large throttle openings to effortlessly pull off passes at 80+ mph. I haven’t done a foot-to-the-floor run yet, but I’m looking forward to doing so! Mercedes says 0-60 comes in 6.3s. Car and Driver did it in 6.0.
I’m feeling good that this GLC will make a pleasurable transportation vehicle for years to come.
My wife and I drove this X3 from new for 12 years and 131k miles. Along the way, I even managed to capture this historic moment:
The X3 was the constant garage mate to a whole string of performance cars over the 12 years. It was my wife’s daily driver and our main vehicle for weekend activities. We were very happy with its practicality and driving experience. Performance was nothing spectacular (0-60 in the high 7s), but the X3 handled fairly decently and the motor made nice straight six sounds.
It also turned out to be pretty reliable. The biggest repair was a failed transfer case actuator at around 110k miles. By the time I traded it, there was a minor engine oil leak and a leaking strut. Overall, the X3 handled the miles pretty well. The cabin didn’t develop any annoying squeaks or rattles, and the only flaw in the interior was some cracking in the front seat fabric.
The X3 was still doing a fine job, but I felt it was time to enjoy something brand new that could offer improvements in performance, safety, efficiency, and technology. We wanted to stick with the smallish SUV form factor. After research and a few test drives, I chose the Mercedes GLC 300.
The car I bought is not loaded with all the options, but is fairly well equipped. Major options include Sport Package (19” wheels, big brakes, AMG look), LED lights, Panorama roof, Keyless Go, and Burmeister sound system. Check out the beefy front brake calipers:
Compared to my lightly equipped X3, The GLC seems pretty decadent. I haven’t ever owned a luxury car, but the GLC comes close. The interior is very similar to that of the current C-class but with extra room in the rear. It even seems more upscale than my previous W204 generation C63. The materials all look and feel quality and expensive. It is by far the quietest car I’ve ever owned. At freeway speed, there is so little wind, road or engine noise.
What’s it like to drive? The GLC steering feels light and syrupy smooth. The different driving modes change steering weight, but there isn’t ever much feedback. The GLC generally feels less “sporty” than the X3. Compared to the BMW, the GLC’s ride is much less harsh and could be described as darn comfy. The Mercedes comes standard with adaptive suspension. Even in its firmest setting, the ride never gets unpleasant.
Perhaps the thing I miss most about the X3 is its characterful engine note. The turbo four in the GLC is relatively mute, and any noticeable sound it makes reminds me of the whir of an efficient appliance. It’s not the sound of fun. However, it delivers very decent performance while sounding not exciting. There’s some noticeable turbo lag, but it’s really not bad. The turbo can be making good boost with very few revs on the tach. The spec sheet claims that maximum torque of 273 lb-ft is available at 1,300rpm! This engine feels strong, especially on the freeway. It doesn’t take very large throttle openings to effortlessly pull off passes at 80+ mph. I haven’t done a foot-to-the-floor run yet, but I’m looking forward to doing so! Mercedes says 0-60 comes in 6.3s. Car and Driver did it in 6.0.
I’m feeling good that this GLC will make a pleasurable transportation vehicle for years to come.
02-06-2017, 05:54 PM
#2
I really like the look of the GLC, and the interior styling is fantastic. I swapped out my company BMW 5 Series for a GLE about a year ago when the GLC was first coming to market. After driving both the GLE and GLC, it was apparent that the GLC is a better overall vehicle. But we wanted the extra space in the GLE.
02-06-2017, 06:16 PM
#4
Is that the same as the GLC Coupe?
02-06-2017, 08:11 PM
#5
Thread Starter
02-07-2017, 05:37 AM
#6
Site Moderator
Really like the brown interior 
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02-08-2017, 08:22 AM
#8
Very nice ride! Hope it gives you many years of good service!
02-08-2017, 11:57 AM
#9
Looks sweet. Congrats on the new ride.
02-08-2017, 12:36 PM
#10
Moderator
"I haven’t ever owned a luxury car, but the GLC comes close."
I'm failing to understand this statement. How is a Mercedes not a luxury car?
I'm failing to understand this statement. How is a Mercedes not a luxury car?
Last edited by RedCelica; 02-08-2017 at 12:38 PM.