[clivem2]

I've run an F25 X3 30D for 2 years followed by a 35D for the last 2.5 years. My lease is nearing it's end so I thought I'd consider a Jag F-Pace and Merc GLC. A G01 could be an option but I can't try one currently.

Whilst I love my 35D I don't really need the all of the 313hp for what is mainly country lane driving nowadays. I'd like a little extra refinement in terms of noise suppression (road and traffic).


F-Pace

I tried a 180hp R-Sport. I liked the interior, I get the comments about some cheap materials but the cabin is a nice place to be. The sports steering while is good. As soon as I pulled away I realised that the F-Pace is less refined than the X3 - there's more NHV - noise, vibration and harshness. Not a lot more but some more. The suspension setup makes the Jag feel this it's the one on RFTs, not the X3. It handles very well so this is the trade off for the NVH. The car feels bulky on UK roads.

I didn't like the performance. In comfort mode it felt like BMW Eco-Pro, flat and laggy. In sport it was better but really far from eager.

Overall I much prefer the X3, even with a 2.0D engine.


GLC

This is more a direct X3 competitor. I drove a 220d AMG Premium (the 250d wasn't available). I hate the vinyl seats, I'd have to have leather. Interior style is a bit ho-hum but ok. The refinement of the car is good, where the X3 should be but isn't. Good road and traffic noise suppression.

The AMG suspension is very nicely setup, sporting yet refined. The engine is eager low down and in normal driving I barely felt I was losing anything vs the 35D. Off course when I planted my right foot there was a massive difference. I could though live with the 220d; I wonder how much better or needed the 250d is?


I'm thinking now between a new GLC or buying my X3 35D from the leasing company for £25k at 3 years old with 28k on the clock - buying my existing leased X3 is my preference currently.

Can anyone out there comment on the GLC non-AMG suspension and how the 250d is in comparison to the 220d?

[Jon Fi]

Not sure how your overall timing looks like but there might be an option to wait for the new X3 GO1 which to my understanding will be unveiled in June of this year. More space inside, less weight, more engine variety to chose from and a 'real' M model is what I have picked up so far. What will be interesting to see is how BMW further structured their warranty program after unfortunately scaling it back here in the US.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Jon Fi

Not sure how your overall timing looks like but there might be an option to wait for the new X3 GO1 which to my understanding will be unveiled in June of this year. More space inside, less weight, more engine variety to chose from and a 'real' M model is what I have picked up so far. What will be interesting to see is how BMW further structured their warranty program after unfortunately scaling it back here in the US.

Here is the latest (speculation) thread....

http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/04/07/20...erformance-dat

Quote...
The complete list of motors is as follows:

BMW X3 sDrive18d | 150 hp Rear wheel | Manual, Automatic
BMW X3 sDrive20d | 190 hp Rear wheel | Manual, Automatic
BMW X3 xDrive20d | 190 hp All-wheel drive | Manual, Automatic
BMW X3 xDrive25d | 224 hp All-wheel drive | Manual, Automatic
BMW X3 xDrive30d | 258 hp All-wheel drive | Automatic
BMW X3 M40d | 320 hp All-wheel drive | Automatic

BMW X3 sDrive20i | 190 hp Rear wheel | manual, automatic
BMW X3 xDrive20i | 190 hp All-wheel drive | Automatic
BMW X3 xDrive30i | 252 hp All-wheel drive | Automatic
BMW X3 M40i | 360 hp All-wheel drive | Automatic

BMW X3 xDrive30e iPerformance | 252 hp All-wheel drive | Automatic
BMW X3 xDrive40e iPerformance | 326 hp All-wheel drive | Automatic

It is anyone's guess as to which engines will be available in different parts of the world.

More BMW Blog info....

http://www.bmwblog.com/tag/g01-x3/

[Crassus]

While the GLC is more refined(I have driven it too). You will be kicking yourself in the teeth next year if you buy a GLC now. The new G01 will be unveiled by August and this time the 30i engine will likely be available to UK customers.

It will be smoother and quieter engine than 20d which sounds and vibrates like a canal boat compared with comparable engines in the GLC and new Q5. Make no mistake, the 20d is punchy but has turbo lag that manifest in many everyday situations, and my partner has commented on it every times too.

So before you downgrade, ask to borrow a 20d X3 for 24h or 48h.

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by Crassus

While the GLC is more refined(I have driven it too). You will be kicking yourself in the teeth next year if you buy a GLC now. The new G01 will be unveiled by August and this time the 30i engine will likely be available to UK customers.

It will be smoother and quieter engine than 20d which sounds and vibrates like a canal boat compared with comparable engines in the GLC and new Q5. Make no mistake, the 20d is punchy but has turbo lag that manifest in many everyday situations, and my partner has commented on it every times too.

So before you downgrade, ask to borrow a 20d X3 for 24h or 48h.

Thanks, yes the G01 needs to be part of the equation. My most likely route is to buy my existing 35D from the leasing company as the price is reasonable and is a great vehicle. I can then wait a few months or even 18 months until I decide on my my next car.

I was surprised that the Merc (AMG sport suspension and engine) is as good as it is. I was equally disappointed in the Jag due to its lack of refinement; probably more so than my original post suggests. Possibly the air suspension would make a big difference.