[Mako]

WOW, so for all of us wishing for a X3M or X4M, might be time to make the switch to Mercedes! this thing looks 10X better than the old GLK and now will have a V8 engine with 450+horsepower!

If the X4 M40i or whatever its called actually comes out, looks like that will just be enough to compete with a Audi SQ5 and the GLC AMG Sport, but will be blown away by the AMG63. I would think the full blown AMG should even give the Porsche Macan Turbo a run for its money.



Mercedes-Benz has confirmed plans to offer two high-performance GLC variants carrying AMG badges.



Following the unveiling event for the basic GLC, the company's president of car sales, Matthias Luehrs, told CarAdvice that Mercedes-Benz is working on a GLC 450 AMG Sport, while Mercedes-AMG is developing the flagship GLC 63.

Following the positioning scheme outlined late last year, the AMG Sport package will slot between the true AMG-designed packages and the lesser models outfitted with the optional AMG Sport Package add-on.

The GLC 450 AMG Sport is expected to borrow the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that powers its C-Class counterpart, the C450 AMG 4Matic, which boasts 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.

Luehrs also confirmed that the GLC 63 will borrow the C63's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which is also used in the GT coupe. In the C63, the engine delivers 469 ponies and 479 lb-ft of twist. It will presumably see its first all-wheel-drive implementation in the GLC range-topper.

Both AMG models are expected to arrive next year, though the company has not yet detailed which markets will receive the high-performance crossovers. The basic GLC will arrive in showrooms this November for the 2016 model year.

Read more: http://www.leftlanenews.com/mercedes...#ixzz3dWGS3DvC

[brissim]

I agree with what you are saying but only up to a point. Yes the 6 and 8-cylinder AMG GLCs will be awesome and as of now do not have any equivalent X3 (or Q5 etc). However I do believe BMW have already said that full blown M performance models will be coming with the next generation X3 (and X4).

What I am surprised about however with the release of details about the standard GLC is that they are staying with 4-cylinder engines only and will not be offering any 6-cylinder models to challenge the X3 (and Q5) 6-cylinder models - what I call "affordable performance".

Overall I certainly think the GLC looks good externally but still remain unconvinced about the interior design elements of the big circular air vents and of course the stick-on Ipad screen taken pretty much direct from the C Class.

Tony

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by brissim

I agree with what you are saying but only up to a point. Yes the 6 and 8-cylinder AMG GLCs will be awesome and as of now do not have any equivalent X3 (or Q5 etc). However I do believe BMW have already said that full blown M performance models will be coming with the next generation X3 (and X4).

What I am surprised about however with the release of details about the standard GLC is that they are staying with 4-cylinder engines only and will not be offering any 6-cylinder models to challenge the X3 (and Q5) 6-cylinder models - what I call "affordable performance".

Overall I certainly think the GLC looks good externally but still remain unconvinced about the interior design elements of the big circular air vents and of course the stick-on Ipad screen taken pretty much direct from the C Class.

Tony

+1
If they bring that GLA 45 AMG engine into the GLC that will be awesome too..

[Portimao318]

why would anyone need 450 bhp in the States ? 450 horses to drive 65 mph ?

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Endre2

why would anyone need 450 bhp in the States ? 450 horses to drive 65 mph ?

That has always been my view and thoughts. Perhaps a status symbol? Look what I am driving!

Perhaps I am being cynical. The same applies for people who drive in the UK only. At least we are connected with the rest of Europe and drive our fast cars over there!

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by Endre2

why would anyone need 450 bhp in the States ? 450 horses to drive 65 mph ?

While (whilst) my comments only pertain to my opinion, Endre and Peter, I can share why I wish to have a BMW X3 with higher HP despite living here in the US, and rest assured it has nothing to do with status (at least for me). Back in the '70s I had opportunities to drive the Autobahn at speeds 120mph +/-5mph and felt quite comfortable doing so. The need for situational awareness ('SA') (especially the rear view mirror view for the two small headlights which seemed miles away only to be on your rear bumper in a minute or so) was certainly heightened in some respects, but as the research into the 'Horsepower and Speed - the Graph' thread ( http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1004702 ) indicates, HP is not necessarily a pre-requisite to be able to drive at 120mph. For our X3, it takes about 150 effective HP to maintain constant speed, level grade at 120 mph, increasing to really only 185 eff HP to reach 130 mph.

Where the power requirement comes in, even over here, is in the acceleration curves, which I respectfully suggest are crucial when driving in congested Interstate traffic moving along at 85 mph. Case in point was my trip today, having just returned from a 300 mile round trip just now (all on Interstate). Despite a speed limit posted of 70mph, the 'fast lane' today was rarely going less than 80, and more often seemed between 85-89 mph. All three lanes in the same direction were full, and at speed were very close to each other, not following classic guidelines for distancing per 10mph. Invariably one comes to a rather quick slowing when someone going only 60mph is in the middle lane, and even when going the proper speed limit rapid reaction time and SA is important as well. If the right lane is going only 60-65 as well with an RV towing their personal vehicle or the older pickup going only 60 carrying vegetables in a trailer (saw both today), then the ability to rapidly accelerate into the fast lane, with a limited (but safe) zone of free lane in which to maneuver, is critical. And it is this acceleration time, especially at higher speed, which a larger HP engine can provide. A similar circumstance is going upgrade or at altitude as discussed in previous threads as well (as to why some choose a larger engine).

Apologies for the rather lengthy reply, but your question was a valid one and seemed to require at least one potential explanation as to why folks over here in the US may wish for that extra HP under the hood. While (whilst) not being used often perhaps by those using only small country roads, for those of us who do have to travel on congested fast-flowing Interstates, the extra HP can (and does) make a huge difference.

[Peter_R]

Max Well

The reasons you post make sense. The problem I have is with the 450 horsepower. It is over the top for nipping in and out of traffic. In my opinion, the 3 litre engine in the X3's in the US are ample for carrying out such manoeuvres.

[Max Well]

Thank you, Peter. But I must suggest, mine was simply one example. What if one lives near higher altitudes and wishes to pull a trailer with a boat or must pull a trailer for an occupation, but does not care to follow the usual Pickup truck route? This was merely an attempt to share that many have reasons for their decisions, rightly or wrongly in others' view, but in the end, it does come down to a personal decision for that individual and family. Shall I wonder why Alpina sells their product line to someone, when a reasonably-equipped X3 is quite sufficient to ferry one along their way? We all have a reason as to why we choose the wonderful vehicles BMW and other elite manufacturers produce, and I feel fortuntate to live in a time when such technology is available (and quite humble as to be able to afford such when so many cannot). Thank you again for sharing your views.

[Tjalle]

When I was about to buy my X4 35i, I was worried about performance with a 1.9 ton, AWD vehicle. I drove a X3 35i 8-speed, and was convinced it would do the job.
Because my former employer is located in Detroit, and the nature of my work, I have been "forced" to drive all around the US.
In my experience, the most aggressive traffic is on the 75/94/696 in the Detroit area.
Still, utilizing the performance of a 300bhp vehicle would be sufficient for overtaking and adapting to traffic. If a "not so experienced" driver - any extra bhp would, of course, help.

Note: normally we all utilise the torque only -but, when using max acceleration, the bhp is the deciding factor - whether it is att 4500 or 7000 rpm.

[gIzzE]

The simple answer is it is more fun. So why not?

People who say 450hp is too much probably haven't lived with a 450hp car before.
It just gives you a bit more of everything. Jump into an M5, day to day it feels like a regular 5 series, if anything more refined than the standard car most people will have been in, but with 560bhp on tap it is amazing fun when you want it to be.

The thing that really gets me is why UK buyers buy a premium/luxury car and then tick the diesel box. (Not even got a choice now on many models because so many numb nuts have chosen diesel over the years, I include myself in that comment before anyone gets upset).

They can no longer argue ''....I love the torque...'' as nearly all the petrols are now forced induction anyway, and the MPG on things like the 30/35d is only a smidge better than the 28i/35i.

I went from a 535d touring to a 335i touring and the petrol gave a slightly better overall average to the diesel.
The guy down the road from me swapped his 535d for a 550i and he is only 3mpg behind which he is over the moon with, and says the extra refinement is stunning, he has had diesels for the last 20 years now and had actually forgotten how much nicer a petrol is.

Get into an AMG or a M Car and it is a real experience, it gives you something the standard cars never can, and the sound of a nice petrol as it climbs the revs is part of that experience, the M50d I don't get, I have driven one and I found it pointless to be honest.


So I totally get why someone would buy one of the cars, hopefully Mercedes will bring the new GLC400 to the UK, I think it would sell well. However, the CLC350e would be the winner imho, if they can make enough, they have stopped taking orders for the new C350e as they can't guarantee delivery before the grant money runs out for hybrid cars the order books are so rammed.

Mind you Mercedes start to use their new suer efficient straight six petrol engines next year, 2.2 litre and up size wise. They are looking pretty good and will be interesting.

At least Mercedes UK are going to offer a petrol in their range, unlike BMW UK.

Problem with Mercedes in the UK though is Mercedes UK, crap dealers, poor warranties, bad auc prep alot of times and Mercedes don't ever want to know if a problem with one of their main dealers, they just send you back to the dealer.

BMW is far better in many respects.

[Peter_R]

Sorry I cannot subscribe to the notion that the diesel engined cars are only a smidgen better than petrol ones. There are many like for like examples where the difference is quite marked.

What people say about the small difference is anecdotal evidence at best. The way to find out the facts is to use fuelly.com, not what suits them when generally talking in the street or standing at the bar on a Friday night.

When it comes to the real world and I have been experiencing this since 1961 driving more cars than I can shake a stick at and also since the diesel started being used regularly in cars, it is obvious where the economy lies.

I can quote from my stats and actual consumption/mileage over thousands of miles in the family. My figures are as follows:

2003 Audi A3 Tdi over 15,000 miles =41.5 mpg

2005 plate 120d 15000 miles= 42 mpg

2007 e91 pre lci 325d M Sport (remapped) 23,000 miles = 37 mpg

2012 F31 320d Sport =46.2 mpg

2013 F25 X3 xDrive30d M Sport = 37.5 mpg

2008 Seat Ibiza 1.4 (petrol) still in use. = 36.7 mpg

2013 f25 X3 xDrive30d M Sport


2012 f31 320d Sport


2008 SEAT Ibiza 1.4 SC Petrol


As can be seen from the above actual figures, the small petrol engined car cannot keep up with the larger diesels even when it is driven slowly all the time as is the case of my wife's SEAT 1.4 petrol.

Also I might add that the guy over the road from me had as a loaner the latest Mercedes petrol engined car of the same year as his 2015 320d M Sport and over the course of the month, the Mercedes returned 32 mpg against nearly 50 mpg for his BMW. He drives from our village near Oxford to the other side of Birmingham everyday using mixed driving of A and B roads and the M40.

Anyway, back on subject. Time for BMW to step up their game? In my view they are always AHEAD of the game, they just do it quietly in the background and release snippets to keep fans interested.

[clivem2]

What we need to recognise is that diesels driven hard have similar economy to petrol but this is foot to the floor. Who nowadays drives like that frequently and still has a valid driver's license? Most of us will drive sanely with the occaisional blast...diesels driven this way will give better economy than petrol.

[gIzzE]

At the theatre at the moment in London so I will reply properly later.

But I have owned a few cars now in both the petrol and diesel equivalent and the figures are surprisingly similar for both.

It is also the overall cost of car ownership that is important, you may save 30% at the pump, but that may be less than 5% overall.

People get all excited about saving £10 a week on fuel but they forget about the £500 a month the car is costing and the £50 insurance and the £50 in upkeep for servicing and tyres.

Often we are talking about the difference between £700 a month for the diesel or £750 for the petrol.

In the grand scheme of things it is not much of a saving, just the difference between 30mpg and 42mpg sounds a lot and you notice it as it is the one running cost you physically pay fir each week.

[Bimar]

From the pics I have seen looks like the GLC looks like a fattened GLA, maybe merc following Rover Trend where the RR sport looks like an oversize Evoque, interesting competition ahead.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by X4guy

From the pics I have seen looks like the GLC looks like a fattened GLA, maybe merc following Rover Trend where the RR sport looks like an oversize Evoque, interesting competition ahead.

X4guy

I agree they look remarkably similar.

[clivem2]

I feel a 6 pot X3 is better suited to diesel and I have to say so many people on the road are surprised by what it can do. If there were an 8 pot option I'd expect petrol would be preferable. For a 3 series I would prefer petrol, it's horses for courses.

I lease my cars through a very generous company scheme (private lease). Diesels very much hold their own in terms of lease cost. 35i vs 35d comparisons show the diesels work out cheaper due to their better resale values, of course there can be no such UK X3 comparison.

[Ashok]

I've owned my Alpina XD3 for 7 months now and it just keeps getting better. It has the perfect balance of performance and practicality although it's certainly no nimble sports car. It's about half the price of a X5M or Range Rover SVR and I can't see an AMG offering the same kind of value. I'm driving it down to Germany this weekend and it's going to be fabulous!

350hp/700Nm/0-60 in 4.9s in plenty fast enough for me

[gIzzE]

Originally Posted by Ashok

I've owned my Alpina XD3 for 7 months now and it just keeps getting better. It has the perfect balance of performance and practicality although it's certainly no nimble sports car. It's about half the price of a X5M or Range Rover SVR and I can't see an AMG offering the same kind of value. I'm driving it down to Germany this weekend and it's going to be fabulous!

350hp/700Nm/0-60 in 4.9s in plenty fast enough for me

I saw yours on the Alpinaregister, yours has the sublime brick orange interior from memory?


You going to get a chance to open her up on the autobahns?

[gIzzE]

Looks nice, but can't work out how big it is interior wise, the older GLK was very roomy, seems this has lost some of that interior space for aesthetics.....

[Ashok]

Originally Posted by gIzzE

I saw yours on the Alpinaregister, yours has the sublime brick orange interior from memory?


You going to get a chance to open her up on the autobahns?

Yes - that's mine! Taking it out there this weekend

[gIzzE]

Nice one mate.

Where are you heading to?

I keep thinking about a few days n Germany, whenever I go it is always work related and I really love the place, but never done it as a holiday which seems a shame.
Some of the buildings and scenery, especially as you get to Bavaria, is just stunning. I fancy at least a long weekend in Rothenburg at some point in the not too distant future.

What colour is that interior by the way? Caramel?
Didn't you have Caramel on your M5 too?

[exon]

Originally Posted by brissim

What I am surprised about however with the release of details about the standard GLC is that they are staying with 4-cylinder engines only and will not be offering any 6-cylinder models to challenge the X3 (and Q5) 6-cylinder models - what I call "affordable performance".

4 cylinder is just for the launch. GLC 450 AMG sport will come next (in the U.S.), then the real deal AMG.

I am sure outside of U.S. there will be even more engine choices.

But, what you call "affordable performance" i.e. the GLC equivalent of C400. may not come to U.S. Not sure about other regions.