SPEC SHOWDOWN: Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Mazda CX-60 vs. BMW X3

The Mazda CX-60 recently launched in the Philippine market. It brings new technology, a powerful 3.3-liter motor, and a mild-hybrid system that helps fuel economy while adding a bit of power to the SUV. 

We will compare it against the recently launched Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4MATC and the BMW X3 xDrive20d Professional to see if Mazda has what it takes to compete against established European luxury brands.

To keep things fair for the Mercedes-Benz, which only has one variant available in the Philippines, we will compare it to its closest Mazda and BMW counterparts. For Mazda, we will use the mid-hybrid diesel variant as it has the same features as its gasoline model but with a more upscale two-tone interior, and for the BMW, we will use the xDrive20d Professional as the top-of-the-line model.

To keep things simple, as this is a three-way comparison, we will only focus on the key specifications. 

Sharp, Smooth, and Sporty

Three SUVs in this comparison all come with their unique design languages. The Mazda has its sleek Kodo design that has been adjusted to fit the dimensions of a mid-size SUV. It still comes with smooth lines and the brand’s iconic sharp headlights and massive grille.

The BMW takes a more traditional approach with its signature LED headlights and double kidney grille. The German SUV takes on more angles than curves than its Japanese rival, especially near the bumper area.

On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz has a more rounded look for its front fascia as it takes on more curves than angles. It comes with the brand’s signature high-performance LEDs and its massive grille with the logo in the middle. 

We will look at the dimensions of the vehicles to determine which one is bigger, as their exterior specifications are similar, especially when it comes to lighting, as all the SUVs come with LEDs.

As you can see, the CX-60 dominates the rest of its competitors in terms of its length but is similar in measures with regard to height. Out of the three, the GLC is the widest at over 2 meters. 

Size comparisons aside, we also can’t forget the people who want to buy a BMW and Mercedes-Benz also get the status symbol these vehicles offer. They are already household names known for performance and luxury, which Mazda isn’t entirely known for but is building up to.

Whether you love the sleek designs of the BMW and the Mercedes-Benz or the Mazda's soft curves and Kodo design, we can’t deny that the European brands already have status and brand equity attached to them, giving them the advantage over their Japanese rival in this comparison. 

Luxurious interiors and premium tech

Regardless of which vehicle you choose in this comparison, you will be greeted by plenty of leather, soft-touch materials, and beautifully designed minimalist interiors. 

Premium leather is what you get for all the vehicles in this comparison. The BMW X3 carries Vernasca leather for its sport front seats and its sport leather steering wheel. Aside from this, the X3 also gets 3-zone automatic air conditioning, power-adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, and the BMW Hifi Loudspeaker System.

The X3 also has the BMW Live Cockpit Professional that gives you two high-quality displays: a high-resolution 12.3 Control Display that can be operated by touch and a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display. The compact SUV also carries the brand’s latest BMW Operating System 7, which can be operated via the iDrive touch controller. It also has access to Apple Carplay and Android Auto. 

In the case of the Mazda CX-60 mild-hybrid diesel, you get tan Nappa leather seats all around. The driver’s seat does get a memory function with the same features as the front passenger sans memory function. The mid-size SUV gets Tan Leganu Suede dash panels with graphite and gunmetal accents for the diesel variant and black leather for the gasoline model. 

The CX-60 has a 12.3-inch LCD Display with dual USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. It also has a 12-speaker BOSE sound system. Aside from the infotainment system, the Mazda CX-60 has a 10.4 active driving display with a heads-up display. It also has automatic dual-zone climate control with rear ventilation louvers and a panoramic sunroof. 

Something to note is that the Mazda does not come with a touchscreen and will instead force you to use its command knob controls to operate the infotainment system. It's a small hurdle to overcome for newer drivers, but the controls can quickly be learned. 

On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a minimalist interior with Artico leather accents, powered front seats, and two massive displays at the front. The first is a 12.3-inch display for your digital gauge cluster, while the second is an 11.9-inch portrait-style monitor that acts as the infotainment system. 

The infotainment system has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities and a 15-speaker Burnmester 3D surround sound system. It also carries the brand’s latest BMUX software that gives you access to voice commands for the car. 

Picking a winner from these three is challenging as they are on similar ground. However, we have to give to Mercedes and BMW as their touchscreen requires no learning curve compared to what is available in the Mazda. 

To give credit to Mazda, it designed the CX-60's infotainment system so that you can still keep your eyes on the road while using it. Their system is more complicated than just a regular touchscreen. 

Power from different sources

In terms of power and engine configurations, things aren’t clear-cut. Its because the Mazda CX-60 has a 3.3-liter turbo diesel engine with a mild-hybrid system, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with a mild-hybrid, and the BMW X3 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine.  Mazda is the only one with an in-line six engine while the rest have a 4-cylinder motor. 

The situation ends up being a comparison between a turbo diesel hybrid, a gasoline turbo hybrid, and a regular turbo diesel. However, their common ground is that all these models have an all-wheel-drive system.

The Mazda CX-60 AWD HEV Turbo-D Sport model pushes out 254PS and 550 Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system paired with a 0.33 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4MATIC pushes 204 PS and 320 Nm of torque. It sends power to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Like the Mazda, it has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Along with a small battery, it gets paired with an integrated starter generator. 

The BMW X3 xDrive20d, on the other hand, produces 190 PS and 400 Nm of torque and sends power to all four corners of the car via an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

However, despite having the least power, the BMW X3 is the fastest from 0 to 100km/h, as it can reach that speed in a claimed 6.5 seconds. Meanwhile, getting to that speed takes the CX-60 7.3 and the GLC 7.8 seconds.

The huge price difference

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room - pricing.  Here is where the differences between the three SUVs will become clear-cut. Below is their respective pricing:

Mazda CX-60 - ₱2,890,000
BMW X3 xDrive 20d Professional - ₱4,290,000
Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4MATIC - ₱5,190,000

Despite the differences in categories, here is where Mazda is the strongest. For approximately 1.4 to 2.3 million pesos less, you can get so much more with the CX-60. It is not only the most powerful of the vehicles in this comparison, but it matches them in terms of its feature set and luxury.

Mazda wants to compete against German luxury brands and is doing well in capitalizing on its lower import taxes. It gives the Japanese automaker a considerable advantage over its rivals as it can offer you a big car with the same, if not better, equipment as its European counterparts.

However, something to note is that the models brought in by BMW Philippines and Mercedes-Benz Philippines are mid-spec trims in other markets which explains the limited features and technology they offer locally. 

If it was a top-of-the-line spec comparison, the Mazda would have a more challenging time, but it would also mean higher prices for the European automakers. 

Verdict: Mazda has leveled up

The Mazda CX-60 is the better-equipped vehicle in the comparison, priced well below its competitors. Mazda may have a different history and brand recognition than BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines, but it's out to prove that it can with the CX-60 targeting the luxury 5-seater segment. 

Mazda has taken a page from the Chinese automaker’s playbook. It is undercutting its competition by a substantial 1 to 2.3 million versus its rivals while offering the same, if not better, features and comfort. It shows that the automaker is ready to compete in the luxury segment and take on established nameplates.

However, what if the Mercedes-Benz and BMW badges and brand values matter to you more? Perhaps the prestige and class afforded by both brands are the be-all and end-all of luxury for you. Then the Mazda CX-60 may not be enough of an emotional draw to sway you toward it despite being the less expensive alternative.

Should we compare the Mazda CX-60 with its Korean rivals? Let us know in the comment section. 

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