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, finely lined with plastic 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 when creating the GLC Coupe in Stuttgart, more than one BMW X4 was taken apart by cogs. 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 spares: in Mercedes, the compressor is with sealant, and BMW is traditionally equipped with run-flat tires that allow 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 vs. 211 Horse power! 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 reaches the maximum speed in the fifth, and if you slowly maintain a cruising speed of 110 km / h, then the box “sticks” the ninth transmission 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.

The Mercedes company finally decided to try to push the BMW company in the crossover segment, which the Bavarian company once created. After a controversial market launch, Mercedes will compete for market share with the BMW X4. Let's compare these two amazing cars.

For the X4 model, this is the first real competitor in the world market. The appearance of the new Mercedes model one to one corresponds to the older model GLE Coupe. The novelty is based on the new generation GLK crossovers, which received the new designation GLC.

In accordance with the new designation of all model range Mercedes, . GLC Coupe, respectively, a C-class crossover in the performance of a four-door coupe body.

Start of sales BMW competitor X4 is scheduled for September 2016. A more powerful version will also be available. compact crossover in the coupe Mercedes model Coupe GLC AMG 43, which is focused on competition with. These two models are visually as well as technically focused on the same audience in the market.

We offer you a visual comparison of the two German SUVs coupe with sporty performance.

Mercedes GLC Coupe is 4.73 meters, which is 6 centimeters. Compared with conventional model GLC, the new model is 8 centimeters longer and 4 centimeters lower. As a result of the increased body length, the inside of the GLC Coupe is visually much more spacious.

After entering the market in autumn 2016 new crossover will be offered with 8 motors and various drive options. Including a hybrid version, the GLC Coupe 350 model, will be available from autumn. In addition, as we have already said, for fans of the powerful, I have prepared the Mercedes Coupe GLC AMG 43 model.

In Europe, traditionally, the main demand will be directed to diesel crossover models. That is why Mercedes will sell diesel versions of the GLC Coupe in Europe: the GLC Coupe 220 with 170 hp, the GLC Coupe 250 D with 204 hp.

All models except hybrid version, will be equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission 9G-Tronic.

Head of Design Department Daimler AG Gorden Wagener stated:

"The GLC Coupe is an iconic Mercedes coupe that has a sporty style that symbolizes our brand's bipolarity of power and classic conservatism. Its sensual and clear design is a perfect expression of the Mercedes design philosophy and a great expression of modern concept automotive luxury.

BMW X4 photos

No, they definitely agreed! Coincidences like this don't happen so easily: premium brands, as if on cue, gave a volley of debuts in the mid-size crossover segment. 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 gasoline turbo engines of similar 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 the 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 don’t require a car to be particularly nimble in turns, 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 an automatic transmission selector washer, 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. IN motor range Discovery Sport is listed with only one petrol engine. 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 steering wheel-seat-pedal linkage is extremely good, with anyone in our test group sitting comfortably in the driver's seat 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. - in our test basic version. 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 bmw suspension it works more confidently than the Lexus one, but it is far from Land Rover's 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 spacious interior and high running 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 a 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 VASILEV

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The German "big three" are confident that to manage onboard systems Nothing is more convenient than a joystick puck. 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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Multimedia 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 site "Behind the wheel" had to be driven in alternative way. Plus, with BMW ConnectedDrive services, you can unlock or lock your car using your smartphone or determine its exact location within a radius of one and a half kilometers.

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Lexus 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, Lexus still has support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols. 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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For 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 of various brands running on different operating systems without any problems (4). And the “Englishman” will not only show the incoming text message, but also allow you to write outgoing messages directly on the standard display. The only pity is that the screen is littered at too large an angle and pretty glare.

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 wheel.

By capacity Mercedes-Benz(5) outperformed 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 broad hard tires and verified reactive force on the steering wheel, including in the near-zero zone. But why so much sportiness is not the most powerful version 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 multi-plate clutch. With the optional Performance Control system, the electronics in the corner also apply brakes to the inner wheel for better realization of the moment on the outer one. 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 the necessary wheel with brakes. 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 an energy-intensive suspension and a relatively light steering wheel, you get 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, in a small locality 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. 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 rear wheels are connected by a Haldex coupling, and Terrain Response is provided to adapt the machine to different driving conditions. 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.

New Audi Q5 wants to send competitors to the bench. These are very strong rivals and the clash should be emotional - Mercedes with excellent diesel, experienced BMW X3 and SUV Land Rover Discovery- This best crossovers, which are represented not by the only and first model, but by entire generations ...

Only fabulous luxury cars: dynamic, comfortable, practical, spacious and there are few people who would not like to have any of these models in their property. They are all gorgeous, impressive looking, and if anyone can afford them, it would be hard to find an argument against buying one. luxury crossover. But which of these cars is the best?

Fortunately, each of the compared cars was thoroughly tested: we measured acceleration, elasticity, noise level, cab sizes, fuel consumption and checked what these cars are capable of on the road. And within a minute after reading this comparison, it will be clear to you which of these 2017 crossovers model year can take the place of your favorite car in your garage.

A fly in the ointment and a sea of ​​​​benefits. Specific facts? In the test instance, the plastic panel on the headlight switch was loose and loose. But the most annoying thing for me was the screech coming from the A-pillar area and windshield. This is completely unusual for Audi. Despite this, the Q5 wins the comparison because it is beautiful and the best in many categories. Comfort is taken care of optionally here air suspension. A similar solution offers in this "company" only Mercedes. Audi gently filters both minor and more serious road bumps.

At higher speeds, the Q5 doesn't get overly stiff like the GLC and can still run in its most comfortable position. It is worth ordering air suspension also when you want to move off the asphalt, because it allows you to increase the ground clearance by 45 mm at a speed of 40 km / h. Beautifully finished interior sports seats and wisely working adaptive cruise control contribute to the sensational ride comfort. At the same time, the Audi proves to be just as good in handling as the BMW. The body of the Q5 is heavy and stiff, but the precise steering system allows for very precise cornering. Riding the Q5 is a lot of fun.

- pros: great sound, great suspension comfort, communicative steering, low consumption fuel.

- cons: gearbox with double clutch hard turns on and a jerk occurs when starting off, installation flaws.

For seven years now, the X3 has been battling the competition among premium crossovers. Attracts customers with its dynamic properties. Equipped with variable sport steering and adaptive dampers (both available on the menu), the BMW X3 consistently impressed us as razor-sharp and easy to drive. The steering responds quickly and directly, allowing you to get great pleasure on winding country roads. However, on the highway, this characteristic is too nervous.

Mercedes and Audi allow you to relax better while driving in a straight line. Are we biased? It depends on how long the routes will be covered by the driver. You have to constantly make sure that your hand does not waver, because in BMW this causes an instantaneous change of direction, which can be really tiring at high speeds against the backdrop of rivals. The adaptive suspension provides good cushioning comfort, but doesn't smooth out holes as gently as the tires in the Q5 and GLC. The 8-speed "automatic" remains invincible, which, when selected, sport mode instantly corrects the correct attitude to the situation. However, in terms of quality materials and attention to detail, the X3 has to admit the superiority of its rivals: the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC.

- pluses: like a crossover, but very good cornering behavior, high-torque engine and loves speed, excellent automatic transmission.

- cons: narrow rear end cabins, standard seats not as comfortable as rivals, limited cushioning comfort.

The prefix "Sport" should not be taken too literally in this case. Introduced in 2015, Discovery Sport slumbers, rather, the spirit of Defendera. When creating, a strong emphasis was placed on the off-road capabilities typical of this brand. On the panel above the control knob of the 9-speed "automatic" ZF, you can select the operating modes of the Terrain Response system. It allows you to adjust the settings of the components for the type of terrain, where in this moment we go. The first move is very short gear ratio The car usually starts in 2nd gear. Such a solution does not interfere with everyday driving, and on a “unit” the car will have tremendous traction.

The question is whether this car has other features and whether they interfere while traveling on smooth asphalt. Compared to the competition, handling on hard and level ground is a little more difficult: the steering is less responsive and transparent, ESP system engages early, the automatic transmission often only responds after a thoughtfulness, and the engine has the roughest sound. Discovery is also the most slow car in the ranking: 10.5 seconds (Land Rover) and 7.7 seconds (Mercedes) to "hundreds" divides the abyss.

- pluses: good off-road properties, as for this class of car, comfortable fit, a lot of space in the back, original style.

- cons: early ESP system, strong body rolls when cornering, uncertain “automatic”.

Better or nothing - this is the current slogan "Mercedes". Released in some categories since 2015. The GLC is actually better than the Q5 in some categories. Quality is one of them. The Mercedes is meticulously finished, all the materials used are noble and they make a good impression. At the rear, the GLC offers more space than the Q5 and can carry 73kg more than an Audi – with a load capacity of up to 545kg. Thus, Mercedes wins the "body" category, and makes a great statement in the "drive" section as well.

The GLC has the most thrust of its rivals at 500 Nm, which is 70 Nm more than the Land Rover and 100 Nm more than the Audi and BMW. This is especially felt on the track, where the GLC picks up speed more easily. Very quiet at high speeds, and the air suspension shows what it can do. Long and soft rocking on the pavement, the 9-speed "automatic" keeps a low level of speed, and the steering reacts calmly. The Mercedes rides nicely. But we do not understand why, above 100 km/h, the suspension suddenly freezes. True, it still filters asphalt pretty well, but the Q5 does it even better.

- pluses: a lot of space, very good quality, comfortable air suspension, powerful engine.

- cons: Mercedes basically has no flaws, but Audi seems to be a little more active while driving.

New Audi Q5 vs BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes GLC - road test results (by rating)

	Audi	Mercedes	bmw	Land Rover
Acceleration 0-50 km/h	2.7 sec	2.5 sec	2.7 sec	3.4 sec
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	8.4 sec	7.7 sec	8.4 sec	10.5 sec
Acceleration 0-130 km/h	14.4 sec	12.8 sec	14.5s	18.2 sec
Acceleration time 60-100 km/h	4.8 sec	4.4s	4.9 sec	6.0 sec
Acceleration time 80-120 km/h	6.6 sec	5.6 sec	6.6 sec	8.2 sec
Actual mass /carrying capacity	1968/472 kg	1955/545 kg	1871/494 kg	2001/504 kg
Weight distribution (front/rear)	53/47 %	55/45%	50/50%	58/42%
Turning diameter (left/right)	11.6/11.8 m	11.8/11.6 m	12.0/11.9 m	11.9/11.6 m
Braking from 100 km/h (cold)	36.8 m	37.0 m	38.3 m	36.4 m
Braking from 100 km/h (hot)	35.6 m	36.1 m	37.7 m	35.8 m
Noise in the cabin at 50 km/h	55 dB(A)	55 dB(A)	55 dB(A)	56 dB(A)
Noise in the cabin at 100 km / h	62 dB(A)	62 dB(A)	63 dB(A)	65 dB(A)
Noise in the cabin at 130 km / h	66 dB(A)	67 dB(A)	67 dB(A)	69 dB(A)
Fuel consumption	7.2 l / 100 km.	7.4 l/100 km	7.6 l/100 km	8.0 l/100 km
Range	900 km	890 km	880 km	870 km

New Audi Q5 vs BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes GLC - catalog data (not estimated except for luggage compartment capacity)

	Q5	GLC	X3	discovery
Engine: type/cylinders/valves	diesel turbo/R4/16	diesel biturbo/R4/16	diesel turbo/R4/16	diesel turbo/R4/16
Engine installation	longitudinally front	longitudinally front	longitudinally front	transversely front
Power supply / timing drive	common rail /belt	common rail /chain	common rail /chain	common rail /chain
Displacement (cm3)	1968	2143	1995	1999
Max power (hp/rev/ min)	190/3800	204/3800	190/4000	180/4000
Max. torque (Nm/rev./ min)	400/1750	500/1600	400/1750	430/1750
Max speed (km/h)	218	222	210	200
Transmission	ed. 7	ed. 9	ed. 8	ed. 9
Drive unit	4x4	4x4	4x4	4x4
Brakes (front/rear)	tw/t	tw/t	tw/tw	tw/t
Trunk volume (l)	550-1550	550-1600	550-1600	541-1698
Fuel tank capacity And Adblue fluids(l)	65/24	66/27,5	65/-	70/13,7
Tire brand and model	Michelin Latitude Sport 3	Michelin Latitude Sport 3	Michelin Primacy 3ZP	Continental SportContact 5
Tire size	255/45R20	235/55R19	245/45 R 19 and 275/40R19	235/55R19
CO2 emissions (g/km)	132	129	136	139
Mass of the towed trailer with/without brakes (kg)	2400/750	2500/750	2400/750	2500/750

New Audi Q5 vs BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes GLC - cabin dimensions (by rating)

		Audi Q5	Mercedes GLC	BMW X3	Land Rover Discovery Sport
Legroom front max.	(mm)	1145	1170	1130	1120
Cabin width front	(mm)	1540	1510	1490	1525
Cabin height front max.	(mm)	1050	1050	1015	1000
Range seat adjustment	(mm)	235	215	210	200
Place marker for rear legs*	(mm)	725	745	755	790
Cabin width behind	(mm)	1520	1490	1460	1510
Height above head behind	(mm)	980	985	975	965
Height rear seats	(mm)	360	380	335	370

* rear legroom indicator to the back of the rear sofa from the driver's seat after moving its back a meter from the brake pedal.

New Audi Q5 vs BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes GLC - loss of value (by rating)

New Audi Q5 vs BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes GLC - points and classification

Body	Max. paragraph.	Audi	Mercedes	bmw	Land Rover
Space in front	40	36	36	31	30
Spacious rear	30	23	24	23	26
Trunk volume	25	22	22	22	22
load capacity	15	11	13	12	12
Visibility	20	17	17	17	16
Armchairs, position driver	30	28	27	25	25
Ergonomics	20	18	18	18	17
Finish quality	20	18	19	17	16
Sum of points	200	173	176	165	164
Drive and suspension	Max. paragraph.	Audi	Mercedes	bmw	Land Rover
Acceleration	25	20	21	20	17
Flexibility	25	22	23	22	21
Noise level	15	14	14	13	12
Transmission	15	14	14	15	13
Behavior on the road	30	27	26	27	24
Ride comfort	30	28	27	24	23
Steering	15	14	14	15	13
Turning diameter	5	4	4	3	4
Brake performance	40	35	34	32	35
Sum of points	200	178	177	171	162
Expenses	Max. paragraph.	Audi	Mercedes	bmw	Land Rover
Cost after modernization	50	18	14	20	14
Loss of value	15	15	14	14	13
Fuel consumption	30	22	21	20	18
Equipment - comfort	30	25	25	25	25
Exit. - safety	30	26	26	26	26
Insurance	10	5	4	5	4
Guarantee	15	10	9	8	10
technical inspections	20	12	15	12	20
Sum of points	200	133	128	130	130
Final result	600	484	481	466	456
Place in the test		1.	2.	3.	4.

New Audi Q5 vs BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes GLC - test average fuel consumption against the consumption declared by the manufacturers

Are you relying on super economical diesel engines? Nothing like this. These are heavy machines all-wheel drive 4x4, and the bodies have significant air resistance, which of course does not improve fuel economy.

New Audi Q5 vs BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes GLC - summary

In terms of off-road capability, the Land Rover Discovery should win in another league. However, today crossovers drive on asphalt and in such conditions Audi wins. Mercedes came out great too, and BMW still has its advantages.

If you have an opinion about the vehicles featured, then you are in the right place to express them publicly. Welcome to commenting!

➖ Twitchy automatic transmission
➖ Quality of finishing materials
➖ Unreliability
➖ There is no spare tire / dokatka

pros

➕ Dynamics
➕ Comfortable interior
➕ Manageability
➕ Visibility

The advantages and disadvantages of the 2017-2018 Mercedes GLC in a new body are identified based on feedback from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of the Mercedes GLC with automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive can be found in the stories below:

Owner reviews

Impressions are rather positive, if you do not look at the price-quality ratio. This is exactly what MB has a problem with ...

The first thing that caught my eye, but rather in my hands, is a squeezed wooden lining on the door trim, that's right shaking on a new car. Those. here it is somehow not rigidly attached. When turning the steering wheel on reverse gear from somewhere below came an unpleasant rattle.

Driving performance norms, 211 hp he has enough, not a race, of course, but he rides. The bumps in the road, of course, are felt, after all, it’s not the air suspension, although there are quite a few settings for this very suspension, steering, and engine. The brakes are excellent.

Review of Mercedes GLC 2.1d with automatic and all-wheel drive 2016

Video review

Eco leather seats. The quality is good, better than the Japanese leather. The GLC rides well, but the box is twitchy, that is, from the start, if the pedal is not pressed to the floor, we get a kick in the ass. The same goes for higher RPMs. Suspension travel is often not enough. There are a little more small holes on the pits - it breaks through, although it may be because the wheels are 19 ″.

1. At 3,000 km, the shock absorber began to creak. It turned out to be an anther for metal: 2 days in service + 2 weeks of waiting for lubrication. Greased, like the order.

2. At 3,500 km, plastic began to creak in the trunk wall on the right. 2 days in service. Done under warranty.

3. At 6,000 km, plastic began to rattle in the racks, as if bolts were poured there. 4 days in service. They did it under warranty so far.

4. At 8,000 km, there is a rattle of plastic in the racks or in the deflector area on the right. They did it under warranty - it still knocks from time to time.

5. Water enters the gas tank hatch. That is, there is no protection against water ingress at all. Feel? everything will freeze in winter… The dealer refuses to do it. Let's see how it ends.

6. When the turn signal is on and the steering wheel is turned, a cut-off click is heard (so that when the steering wheel is turned back, it returns to its original position). The click is strong enough, little things, not nice. Dealer refuses to do it. He says that on all machines of the C class such garbage.

That is, you are driving a Mercedes, listening to jazz, you want to turn right and then once, as if something fell off - German quality ...

Review of Mercedes GLC 2.0 (245 hp) automatic transmission 2015

The trunk is a disappointment. Here, if they didn’t save money, then they were obviously too lazy to invent something new. The curtain is the simplest, it closes only horizontally and is fixed by aiming into the grooves. No automatic folding, no complex trajectories, and even more so no servos - shame! The floor of the trunk - it's the cover that covers the underground - just lies, and apart from gravity, nothing holds it.

The interior is very beautiful! If you just look at it and do not touch anything! On glossy surfaces, of which there are in abundance, traces constantly remain. Pictograms on light buttons are absolutely invisible and unreadable. The tops of the doors and dashboard are made of what looks like very cheap vinyl, which really stands out against the fairly high quality trim inserts.

Those air deflectors are great! They adjust very premium, look nice, and are reminiscent of old Mercedes. Pleased with the ashtray. In size - almost the second glove compartment. A wallet, gloves, and a couple of phones can easily fit here.

Basic egg-shaped chairs are not painted even by contrasting stitching. You don’t want to take such a seat home, but cover it as soon as possible. However, in terms of convenience, it is quite German, and does not bother in any way.

The side mirrors are awesome! On the GLK, only one adjacent row was visible in them, so when changing lanes, one had to rely on the blind spot assistant, or on impudence. You can see everything in the GLC mirrors!

The GLC moves off briskly, almost without delay, with ease unusual for Mercedes. What mode is the car in now? Ah, there's a tiny S in an orange square. I'll try Comfort. I swing the toggle switch, and in response to each click I get a kick from the box! I switched from Sport to Sport + - you have a lower gear and a kick! From Sport to Comfort - up the gear and kick! Eco - another gear up and another kick! And it's a new car! When I complained about this to Mercedes, they said that only yesterday they uploaded new software for the box, which came from Stuttgart a week ago. A new car ... Accurately to restyling "finished".

The car is quiet, but here, too, everything is not clear. While standing, you can hear everything that happens on the street (it was quieter in the GLK). But the higher the speed, the less noise! After 60 km / h, the GLC is already quieter than its predecessor, after 100 km / h - it is generally quieter than everyone else! The wind is not heard. Wheels, too.

Review of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 2.1d diesel (170 hp) AT 4Matic 2015

Mileage 500 km - the column does not work driver's door, gas pedal creaks, mileage 900 km - caught fire check engine. I turned to the service under warranty, connected the column, replaced faulty sensor, about the pedal they did not even understand what to do. It was very frustrating that this happened on a completely new car, but I thought that I was out of luck and there was nothing more to break. I was wrong…

After 2 months of operation, I began to notice creaks in the shock absorber struts (they creaked like on a cart). Service call again. Diagnosis: springs bigger size than needed. Replaced under warranty, and I went, but not far.

Mileage 7,500 km, again a problem - the headlights do not work, or rather, how they do not work, they burn when the engine is turned off and do not turn off, the headlight correctors do not work. Service again, replacement of the headlight control unit. Then TO 10,000 km worth 30,832 rubles.

We go further. June 2017, what is it? Does not splash liquid on the windshield and rear glass, shock absorbers creak again, and the gas pedal creaks. I, as for work, go to the service. They replaced the windshield washer motor, lubricated the springs - it turns out that this is routine maintenance ?!

I just left the service, I understand that the pedal both creaked and creaked. I had to return to the service, and in the parking lot in front dealer center the master lubricated the pedal with silicone for 5 minutes. I could have done this myself, much more accurately.

And it's a Mercedes! How much time wasted, it's not hours, it's weeks... 2-year warranty ends. I'm dreading the next crash...

Olga rides Mercedes-Benz GLC 2.1d (170 hp) with 2016 automatic

Mileage 5 thousand km no problems, I hope there will be no. The first time I sat on a German, before that I always went to Toyotas. I like everything in the car, but in my opinion the trunk trim (plastic, tailgate) could be better, for 3 lyama they could glue the plastic with Shumka, or is it our dealers who save money when ordering a car ?!

As for the suspension, in my opinion it is, on the contrary, soft, if you drive in economy mode, and in sport + it becomes tougher, but not much!

Review of Mercedes-Benz GLTs 2.0 (211 forces) automatic 2016

Appearance: a little disappointing, as it has become similar to many crossovers from other manufacturers, having lost its specific and recognizable Mercedes look of the G family.

Salon: light beige, artificial leather. On this occasion, at first I was worried that it would get dirty, but everything is not so scary and very beautiful. Compared to the GLK, the interior has become larger, like the car itself. Considering that I mostly don’t transport more than 1-2 passengers, there is more than enough space. True, it seems to me that the back seat is still cramped for the knees.

The trunk, oddly enough, is not much larger than in the GLK, but it is enough for my needs. The tailgate can be opened and closed in three ways: directly from the door itself, from the button from the passenger compartment and from the ignition key button.

I will give my opinion about the numerous options. Of all their diversity, I would leave the automatic transmission, cruise control, climate control and, well, the radio. All other automatic and semi-automatic bells and whistles - car price increase and a tribute to time - the car becomes a gadget with often unnecessary, but prestigious functions.

Although, we must pay tribute, everything works clearly and adequately. There is, however, headache- parking sensors. These guys live their complex and sometimes illogical life, and it is not in vain that they can be turned off.

Outdoor lighting, headlights, running lights, dimensions - beyond praise, better than the GLK. Spares, dokatki, and therefore no jack. In a city where tire fitting is on every corner, it’s all right, but on highways, and even in sparsely populated areas, I start to feel uncomfortable.