Team-BHP - Debating between German SUVs: BMW (X1, X3) vs Mercedes (GLC, GLE)

Hi Folks,

Someone I know is trying to chose between the BMW X1, X3, GLC and GLE. They are primarily chauffeur driven and expect to run between 3000-8000 Km per year. Since they are chauffeur driven 90% of the time, I think it makes sense to consider the 4 cylinder versions only. While their running would indicate Petrol to be the best option, it limits the cars they can consider.

The budget is flexible, but they don't know a lot about cars and are going to go with my suggestion, so there is a lot of pressure on me to make sure the decision is correct.

Apart from the fact that they are all pretty expensive, I found the C220 to be short on rear seat space and under thigh support. I was quite impressed with the way it drove. I think with the X3 due for replacement next year, it doesn't make too much sense to consider it. The X1 seems to be a good package but again short on rear seat space? The GLE will still be sold in the current avatar for 2-3 years so that may be a good option.
What sorts of discounts can be expected on these cars? I'd greatly appreciate your input.

Best Wishes

imp

If X3 is due for replacement, you will get a really good deal on the present version (expect Rs.8-10 lakhs discount easily). GLE is priced almost twice the C class / Audi / X1. I am not sure if X1 has petrol version.

I had checked Mercedes C220 CDI (not the avantgarde version) price last week in Pune and without negotiating, they made an offer of about Rs.44 lakhs on road. So for petrol version and with good negotiations, it should come to around 40-42 lakhs.

Also, why not consider Audi Q3 since it has good under thigh support and suspension is also great. Price wise, it should be cheaper than those you have listed (though you will have to buy a diesel version).

For the Chauffeur driven, I'd imagine the Mercs to be a better bet. The GLE is quite large and should be spacious and comfy, but the GLC is newer and has new age Merc interiors which are really classy. The GLE on the other hand shows its age on the inside.

The X1 has poor underthigh support for the rear seats. The X3 is better in that respect and can be quite comfortable if one is not very tall. My 5'10" Dad finds the rear to be very comfy whereas I (6'2") don't like it too much due to lowish seat base and sightly knees up sitting position. Ride quality of the X3 is good and these days RFTs are not as harsh as before. Rear seats comfort of these SUV's are no match for sedans (same price range) IMHO.

If badge value is not of importance, the Innova Crysta with captain seats should be a good fit. And if SUV's are not a must, there are good deals to be had on E and 5.

Quote:

Originally Posted by akshay81 (Post 4107419)

Thanks Akshay. They haven't liked any of the Audi cars they have driven in, so aren't considering one. I'll let you know once we get an offer for the GLC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santoshbhat (Post 4107428)

Thanks Santosh,

So far they are leaning to the GLC because it is newer, the GLE will only be considered if they can't live with the space of the GLE. They do tend to change cars every 3-5 years, and are keen on getting something that has been recently launched. I am pushing them to keep the car for a minimum of 5 years, this time they may actually take my advise.

We had considered the X3 when we bought our Pajero Sport. While the X3 is much more comfortable than the Paj, I wasn't too happy with the seating position of the rear seat and found the thigh support insufficient for my requirements. Unfortunately, the 530D is a dream car for me so everything I look at gets stacked against it, which isn't entirely fair! Congratulations on your X30D. For my friends however, it went to the bottom of the list when I told them a new one was expected next year. Same with the E and 5, although they may hold out for the new E if nothing satisfies them enough to buy this year. They already have an Innova Crysta so another one is out of question.

How much discount do you think I can negotiate on a Petrol GLC for them? Here too I am not entirely convinced they should buy a Petrol given the lack of mid range punch, but they are quite set on petrol if they have an option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by imp! (Post 4107437)

Oh the 530d. I still lust after it and hope some day I'll have it in my garage. I had to go for a crossover basically for family needs. In India low ground clearance restricts usage and if you carry a spacesaver, the boot gets highly compromised with the 530d. Most of our usage is me and dad driving up and down to Belgaum every month. And since we are self driven we are very comfy upfront in those lovely sports seats. Back seat comes into the picture for us during family trips only.

My advise is avoid the petrols. If they change cars frequently, petrol models will be a depreciation disaster.

If discounts on the X3 20d are same as what they were last year, you should be able to knock off about 8L to 10L from OTR in BLR. Discounts on the GLC should be lower. I am not familiar with Merc discount structures as I have never dealt with them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santoshbhat (Post 4107449)

Oh believe me I can understand your lust for the 530D. I have the exact same itch! My cars too tend to be based on family requirements.

We've been offered 2.5L off the GLC400 but I need to get more details about that deal. I'll discuss the X3 20 and see if there is any interest there

Quote:

Originally Posted by imp! (Post 4108096)

Hi Guys,

Thank you all for your inputs. The final decision was to go with the GLC, it felt newer and nicer than the GLE, the youngsters in my friends family liked the size and way it drove, although they did push hard to wait for the new E350 or 530D while the older generation liked the height, ease of ingress and egress. Most of the people who will sit in the rear seat agreed that they can live with the relatively low thigh support. Looks like they will close a deal on the GLC400 after negotiations.

Best Regards

imp

You cant go wrong. The X3 is a great driving machine butmay not be optimum for the passenger. GLC is pretty well put together and a great all rounder. I cannot comment on the X1 though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajmat (Post 4108102)

You cant go wrong. The X3 is a great driving machine butmay not be optimum for the passenger. GLC is pretty well put together and a great all rounder. I cannot comment on the X1 though.

Thanks Ajit. I completely agree with you. The X3 was looked at in the showroom and ruled out, The X1 was out of consideration very early into the test drive. Although, in all fairness, I probably would have taken a serious look at it again but the buyers weren't too happy with the rear seat and it just didn't feel premium enough.

The deal has been closed for the GLC300 (for some reason I thought the 400 tune was also available on it); I don't know if I'll ever be asked for help again because I have converted youngsters who were happy with the Toyota Innova and Honda City into out and out petrol heads by extolling the virtues of my dream 530D. They have now started on the older generation to allow them to buy either the E350 or the 530D at launch time!

Quote:

Originally Posted by imp! (Post 4109031)

Thanks Ajit. I completely agree with you.

The deal has been closed for the GLC300 (for some reason I thought the 400 tune was also available on it); I don't know if I'll ever be asked for help again because I have converted youngsters who were happy with the Toyota Innova and Honda City into out and out petrol heads by extolling the virtues of my dream 530D. They have now started on the older generation to allow them to buy either the E350 or the 530D at launch time!

Good choice with the GLC and definitely upscale compared to X1 and X3

Does this come with a Panasonic sunroof and 19inch wheel? The interior is newer compared to GLE as well

What was the final discount you were offered?