►Shop for merchandise: autogefuehl.shop/ ►Subscribe here: ua-cam.com/users/autogefuehl ►Also subscribe to our UA-cam shorts channel: www.youtube.com/@thomasautogefuhl?sub_confirmation=1 ►Follow us on Facebook / Instagram / TikTok @autogefuehl ►Sustainability in the automotive industry documentary: ua-cam.com/video/-8gNXlRGngA/v-deo.htmlsi=bCdeJZORRHNcVmV2 This is our in-depth comparison review of the 2025 all-new BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC. We're taking a look at Exterior, Interior and the driving experience. 00:00 X3 vs GLC exterior facts 02:15 X3 wheels and suspension 02:52 GLC wheels and suspension 03:48 Rear and lights 06:24 Engines 07:14 X3 interior and comfort 10:12 X3 cockpit 15:16 X3 ambient lighting 16:13 X3 rear seats 17:41 GLC rear seats 19:56 GLC interior and comfort 22:32 GLC cockpit 27:54 GLC ambient lighting 28:42 Trunk / boot comparison 31:36 X3 acceleration and Autobahn 37:12 X3 comfort and assistance 43:48 GLC acceleration and Autobahn 47:09 GLC comfort and agility 53:35 GLC assistance and difference 55:49 Fuel economy mpg 55:59 Price 57:12 Which one to buy? #BMWX3 #mercedesglc
I work for BMW and I agree with the comments. They cheapened out on the finishes. One of the wierd things BMW did in the last generation was remove the trunk release from the refresh version. They need to bring it back
I like the previous generation x3 much more. It's more premium looking and feeling inside. BMW is getting too aggressive with cost cutting measure. Do they really think people wouldn't notice?
They know, they just don't care. They have an established market and there aren't many alternatives. So they'll give their costumers shit, and the costumers will say thank you, can we have some more?
Data & facts: BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC Both optional Matrix LED Length X3: 4,76 m 187“ (Tansanite Blue) GLC: 4,72 m 186“ (Patagonia Red) GLC AMG: 4,75 m 187“ 18-21“ wheels (21“ only for GLC AMG) Suspension X3: Base suspension, M Sport suspension or adaptive suspension or adaptive M suspension optional GLC: Optional air suspension (not available on NA market) and optional rear-axle steering for Non-AMG up to 4,5°, for AMG up to 2,5 combined in a package 18-20“, AMG base 19“ and also up to 21“ X3 interior: 12,3“ instruments, 15“ infotainment Econeer seating 100 % recycling standard in EU, Optional or standard in US Veganza high grade leatherette in 3 colors Optional still animal skin available M Sport: Veganza/Alcantara Mix Vegan steering wheel standard, M Sport steering animal GLC interior: 12,3“ instruments, 12“ infotainment Base seats in fabric/artico (EU) or artico/mbtex in US and UK AMG seats Artico/microfibre, UK: animal skin Optional performance seats Steering wheel available in Carbon/Microfibre Trunk / boot X3: 570 l trunk (+20 l) - 1700 l, PHEV: 460 l - 1600 l GLC: 620 l (PHEV 470 l) Engines X3: 2,0 l 4-cyl and 3,0 l 6-cyl petrol and diesel, PHEV base on 2,0 l petrol GLC: 2,0 l 4cyl petrol and 2,0 l 4-cyl and 3,0 l 6-cyl petrol and diesel, PHEV base both on 2,0 l petrol and diesel Prices X3: starts 58.000 Euro, spec shown 73.000 Euro, US starts 50.000 USD, specced 57.000 USD GLC: 55.000 Euro, spec shown 86.000 Euro, US starts 49.000 USD, specced 62.000 USD GLC 43: starts 67.000 USD, 87.000 Euro X3 M50: starts 64.000 USD, 83.000 Euro Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.
The way Leah said “No” for no sil protector on the door and the way Thomas said that the interior door handle can be made more premium is what I feel about the new X3. Like the older generation. Anyways good review Thomas and Leah!
After owning X3s my intention was to move to the new model. I simply didn’t like the G45, specially the interior lack of finesse. Its a step back regarding the G01. Then I tried the GLC and loved. Much more refined. Finally I got a deal on an X5 and I’m really happy with it.
At least the x5 and x3 and very affordable for what ur getting. The x3/x4 is 54k and the x5 is 75k, glc is 55k and the Gle is 76k. Meanwhile the Audi q3 is 58k and its compared with the x1 and gla. The q5 which is compared with the x3 and glc is 85k. The x5 and Gle competitor the q7 is 126k. Bmw and Mercedes are great for cheaper price
The X3 looks so weirdly under-wheeled now - removing the wheel arch cladding on a car this slab sided has the same effect as shaving someone’s eyebrows off
Having seen the new X3 in real, it is less ugly than on photo. Still, BMW design is in a crisis and with the interior being less ergonomic, less attractive and of poorer quality, BMW is really testing the loyalty of BMW owners.
I agree in terms of Looks, however I can not agree in terms of build quality. MB is absolutely terrible, everything squicks like crazy, wobbles from minor pushes. BMW build quality is MUCH higher, though material on the door are unacceptable indeed. And that textile dash / interior infestation from used/reused textile is literally garbage sold as innovation. I don’t mind reused materials being used to shape trims and panels, but at least line them / top them with nice premium materials if you sell a base car at 65k!
I had a G01 LCI Xdrive30e for 3 years and I loved every minute with the car. When the time came to go for something new, it was just impossible to choose the G45 X3 over the GLC. A real shame, as I would have loved to continue with BMW
😂😂 even I don’t want to sit in this plastic bucket . They should call it the ultimate plastic machine . Next lci they would give you Walmart plastic chairs and call it sustainability that’s how stupid bmw became . I just don’t get it after driving bmws from years this is the cheapest looking and feeling bmw . This interior honestly feels like Kia rentals I get in airports . I’ll keep my 22 x3 for sometime I’ll have to buy out my lease balance or look at new q5 unfortunately. I want to really throw up 🤮 on this quality for the price.
I've found out that a lot of that are disliking bmw's new design suffer from low self esteem and only dislike it for clout. Grow up you retards. That x3 is nice looking car
I own a GLC and I love every minute of it. I was going for the X3M but I thing it was a “good luck sign” when the dealer said they didn’t have some for a test drive. I saw this Obisidian Black model theta I fell in love with. Superior interior, safe for my little one at the back and the smooth ride is something from another world. BMW are shooting themselves in the foot. Thomas tell the BMW CEO this.
Went from a 2014 Q5 to a 2024 GLC 300 and am very happy. Interior is in another league compared to the new X3, and very similar to higher-end Benz models. Very comfortable ride which is also very competent steering on the highway! After a few months of ownership, I'm still amazed at how well the interior is put together and the overall luxury.
Merc did a massive downgrade in the GLC compared to the previous generation, belly button downwards, only hard plastic. So I do not see how this would be superior to the BMW.
@@Johnny91832 I did not say this. The guy claimed that the GLC is another League in terms of interior. For sure not when we talking about interior quality. Design is personal preference anyhow. I had a look at both and find the BMW interior more appealing.
Bmw is trying to go for minimalist and modern style like what Tesla is doing at the same time forgetting what a high quality bimmer is supposed to feel like
Is BMW moving from luxury segment to mainstream with corresponding price reduction? This X3 does not feel premium anymore, and the interiors look very cheap.
Longtime BMW owner and fan, but when I was waiting to buy this X3, when I saw the shitty quality in the new 5 series I ordered a GLE. I think the review is based towards bmw, he failed to mention that the interior quality of the Merc is from the moment you step in clearly better, the inside of the doors, then the options like the electronic wheel adjustment, or mentioning that the panoramic roof might have problems when opening to "cover" for the bmw's price cutting style to remove the opening... My old X3 has more options than this car which now looks and feels like a Dacia on the inside.
@autogefuehl thanks, but I could already know you have a synphaty for the BMW when you did not criticise the Dacia door trims quality or the handle or lack of metal covers everywhere now, I mean come on, you also see the difference between this and the old X3. Moreover you failed to acknowledge thst the Merc interior quality is better, when all the Internet already know this, look at the comments!
@@mrman2913no w223 s class vs g70, the g70 7 series interior quality smashes the w223 out of the park, and coming from a man who has a w221 and w222 s class
As a long time BMW owner, the exterior of the X3 is fine, but the interior is such a let down, we have the previous generation (G01) and it feels so much nicer inside. Hope they don’t go this minimalist on the X5 and X7 next generation.
Longtime BMW owner and fan, but when I was waiting to buy this X3, when I saw the shitty quality in the new 5 series I ordered a GLE. I think the review is based towards bmw, he failed to mention that the interior quality of the Merc is from the moment you step in clearly better, the inside of the doors, then the options like the electronic wheel adjustment, or mentioning that the panoramic roof might have problems when opening to "cover" for the bmw's price cutting style to remove the opening... My old X3 has more options than this car which now looks and feels like a Dacia on the inside.
I literally thought x3 gonna follow x5 design this year, but what we saw is piece of 💀. The dashboard in front of passenger seat has nothing there... a whole piece of black board, no texture or material split sessions. I can't imagine it's a luxury German car.
I was waiting for the new X3, so I could get rid of my i4. Unfortunately I don’t know what happened with this new X3. So I switched to Mercedes-Benz, much more premium at this moment.
Thanks for a fair and unbiased comparison Thomas. Great to see that this time around, the X3 is your favorite, albeit with a small margin and without taking the price difference into account. Noticed in the comments section, the X3 hate brigade is again out in full force - sales numbers will soon have the final say. My new X3 hybrid left the factory a few days ago and I can’t wait to compare it with the three faultless X3’s I had so far 😊
A very comprehensive report Thomas, thank you. I personally am not too keen on either of them and the lack of control switches is something I suppose we have to expect. It’s best to drive vehicles oneself, as you have done to establish which one is best. It will be interesting to see what the X3M looks like and how it actually drives. Have a great weekend
Test drove both cars. While the definitely GLC has a more premium interior it drives like a CRV. The engine and transmission are very jerky and the car feels like it's pulling its weight with significant effort. The X3 has a more disco vibe interior but it has comfier seats. The drive quality on the X3 is miles better, the base suspension on the X3 30 is smooth, the transmission talks nicely to the B48 and the whole car moves as one. As for the exterior that's extremely subjective and will come down to which style you prefer. Objectively the new X3 is a more superior driving experience than the outgoing GLC in base.
Thanks for the report, very interesting! I really like the GLC but many seem not to believe me that the X3 can be equal or even a little better overall albeit the stuff the missed out on
I planned for many years to buy one of these. Finally I ordered a Hyundai new Santa Fe. Because with all options in Switzerland a X3 or GLC is 100000. A new Santa Fe is 70000. I have some use for the 30000 spared. These companies have been doing incredible profits at the expense of their clients. They can now bite the dust.
This X3 looks much better, more beefy than the previous one, which looked like a little shy mouse. I tested drive both. Personally, the BMW without hesitation.
Great comparison guys! I think we live in a time that anyone can choose what they like and fit best for their life stile X3 Q5 or GLC. All of them have their pros and cons. All are very closely matched. To be honest I am happy they still try to be different from each other. There is no need for hate. Thanks
As a bmw fan and owner for many years, the new X3 is a huge disappointment on the inside mostly. I had the previous generation G01 and materials were much better, esp the doors feel extremely cheap, with hard plastic everywhere. I'm glad that I have the LCI G05 X5 which still feels like a BMW.
In the world of being politically correct many reviews are not bringing as much useful information. Here at least you mentioned the seats in GLC are small. When discussing about Comfort the Seats are Top priority and then Driving Train. NEW is not Better! Keep up the good work!
So surprise that you think the seating in X3 is ”better erconomically”, as it is vegan friendly material. You really cannot trust these reviews parts where the materials are ranked, because it is so biased.
Thank you very much for your interest in this topic. I also bought cars with animal skin leather seats before I did my research and got to know the industry. The most important thing is: With today's modern materials, you have nothing to lose, just to gain. You achieve the same kind of luxury and comfort or even better while having the same or better durability with less impact on humans, animals and the environment. You can use fabric/cloth, microfibre or leatherette. The classic approach is using oil/plastic as source material. Overall, a vehicle contains about 300 kg plastic. A car seat needs about 5 kg plastic. So the overall plastic share for the seats is very low and it is at this moment the most efficient way to produce a car seat. A couple of litres of fuel equals a car seat basically. So if you want to save oil/plastic, rather look at consumption for energy, fuel and heating and to other car parts than the seat. Note that animal skin leather also always contains a plastic coating for durability. However, long-term we should of course find raw oil alternatives. So going further, seats can be made from recyclables (e.g. from PET-bottles or old fishing nets) or even increased share of plant-based materials (like pine oil, canola oil or start-up materials like Pinatex from pineapple leaves or Desertex from cactus fibre or the mixed-plant-based Mirum, so be seen at ua-cam.com/video/S1aNZeoatmE/v-deo.html). On a calculation base, by ditching animal skin leather from car interiors, the amount of emissions (CO2e) is reduced by 85 (!) % (www.press.bmwgroup.com/africa-dom-easteurope/article/detail/T0403389EN/on-the-market-from-2023:-bmw-and-mini-models-with-vegan-interiors?language=en) - and that is a very conservative calculation. So it is at this moment the most important thing you can do to make car interiors more sustainable. A good example for high-end luxury with ventilated animal free seats is the BMW X7 with Sensafin: ua-cam.com/video/1pRNkW9nrrw/v-deo.html And the Kia EV9 with plant-based oil share: ua-cam.com/video/6vXePQi_MAk/v-deo.html New leatherette materials can be superior in every aspect, even for cleaning: ua-cam.com/video/u94YXJ72UTA/v-deo.html More and more natural materials are rising: ua-cam.com/video/nRSsXEnwHDo/v-deo.html Also check out what the animal skin leather industry tried to with our channel: ua-cam.com/video/nP_CvLlaFlI/v-deo.html For seeing how the animals are being treated and transported in the global leather industry, watch this footage: ua-cam.com/video/tkjCAmq1_8E/v-deo.html Note that the footage is genuine and was recorded by a highly decorated investigative journalist in Germany I know myself personally. Also a group of researchers and German journalists from public media could recent directly trace the connection between car animal leather production and illegal burning down Amazon rain forest: www.daserste.de/information/reportage-dokumentation/ard-story/videos/illegales-leder-video-100.html In a high animal skin grade, the animals are specifically raised for this matter. However even if meat is the "first" misuse case, the hide remains a profitable body part. That means: If manufacturers put animal leather in a car and you demand it as a customer, you give your money to an industry that earns money by oppressing humans, animals and harms the environment, you make them more profitable. Alternatively, you could support industries with your wallet which try to improve the sustainability of materials. Also, if you turn the argument around to "meat is the waste of the leather industry" you realize that it doesn't make sense (and is ethically doubtful) to discuss the primary use of individual body parts of mammals. Mind experiment: You are getting slain down on the street; would it matter to you if it was for your smartphone or for your purse? Remember that animal skin leather is no different to fur, fur is just leather where the hair is still on. And fur is widely not accepted for clothing anymore, and of course not for cars. We cannot change what we have bought in the past, but with more information and compassion we can change how we decide in the future. For a great insight into sustainability in the automotive industry, you can also check out our extensive documentary: ua-cam.com/video/-8gNXlRGngA/v-deo.html The argument that leather is merely a "waste" product of the food industry and therefore ethical or sustainable has been a topic of debate, and there are several reasons why it is considered problematic and unethical: 1. Leather is a Profitable Co-Product, not a Byproduct. * Leather is not a waste material. It is a valuable co-product of the meat and dairy industries, meaning that the skins and hides of animals are sold for profit. The global leather industry is worth billions of dollars, and the demand for high-quality leather, particularly for luxury goods, is significant. * Economic Contribution: By buying leather, consumers are directly contributing to the profitability of the meat and dairy industries, reinforcing demand for animal farming. Leather adds financial value to the slaughter of animals, which in turn incentivizes the continuation of intensive animal agriculture. 2. Encourages the Environmental Impact of Animal Farming * Environmental Harm: Animal farming is a leading cause of environmental degradation. It contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The leather industry, as part of this system, intensifies the environmental impact. * Tanning Process: Leather production itself is extremely resource-intensive and involves harmful chemicals like chromium, which can pollute water sources and harm ecosystems and communities living near tanneries. The argument that leather is a "waste" deflects from these significant environmental costs. 3. Supports Cruel Animal Farming Practices * Factory Farming: Most leather comes from animals raised in factory farms where they endure inhumane conditions-such as overcrowding, mutilation (dehorning, tail docking), and often brutal slaughter practices. * Leather Sources Beyond Cattle: It’s important to note that leather is not only sourced from cows. Other animals such as pigs, sheep, goats, and even exotic animals like crocodiles and snakes are often killed specifically for their skins. In some cases, animals are bred solely for leather production, especially in the case of exotic leathers. 4. Leather’s Role in the Global Meat and Dairy Supply Chain * The "Chicken and Egg" Relationship: The leather industry is deeply intertwined with the meat and dairy supply chains. It is misleading to claim that leather is merely a waste product when in reality it adds value to the entire system. The more leather that is purchased, the more profitable it becomes for the animal agriculture industry to keep raising and slaughtering animals. * Ethical Disconnect: From an ethical standpoint, using leather under the assumption that it’s “just waste” ignores the larger systemic issues of animal exploitation. It perpetuates a cycle where animals are bred, confined, and slaughtered in massive numbers, not just for meat but also for profit from their hides. 5. There Are Viable, Sustainable Alternatives * Innovation in Vegan Leathers: Today, there are numerous cruelty-free, sustainable alternatives to animal leather, such as pineapple leather (Piñatex), mushroom leather, apple leather, and even lab-grown leather. These options do not involve the same ethical, environmental, or health concerns as traditional leather production. * Sustainability Argument: Many leather alternatives are far more environmentally friendly. For instance, plant-based and recycled materials often require fewer resources and generate less pollution compared to the production of leather from animal hides, which requires heavy water and energy consumption and the use of toxic chemicals in tanning. 6. Moral and Ethical Considerations * Devaluing Animal Lives: By framing leather as a “waste” product, it downplays the intrinsic value of animal lives and reduces sentient beings to mere commodities. This perspective is often criticized for failing to acknowledge the rights of animals to live free from exploitation and harm. * Speciesism: The belief that animals can be farmed for their skins because their lives are less important than human needs or luxury goods can be seen as a form of speciesism-the assumption that human interests always take precedence over the welfare of other species, even when non-leather alternatives are available. 7. Global Impact on Communities * Health Risks to Workers: Many leather tanneries, especially in developing countries, expose workers to unsafe chemicals like chromium salts. These chemicals can cause severe health issues, including cancer, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. Communities near tanneries often suffer from polluted water and land. * Environmental Justice: Often, the communities that are most affected by the environmental harm of the leather industry are poor and marginalized. These populations bear the brunt of the environmental degradation, even though the demand for leather comes largely from wealthier consumers in more developed countries. The idea that leather is a "waste" product from the food industry is misleading and unethical because it ignores the significant role that leather plays in the profitability of animal farming, the environmental degradation it causes, the cruelty inherent in the industry, and the availability of sustainable alternatives. To label leather as mere "waste" downplays its substantial impact on both animals and the environment, making this argument a way to justify the continued use of an ethically and environmentally problematic material.
I wonder why gas and brake pedals are still physical and not replaced by tablets. That would be so cost efficient LOL. You could have 50 different cheap looking themes for gas pedal look :)
And the steering wheel, too. That could be a display with touch sensitive areas, the harder you press, the faster you steer! Used to work well on PC games back in the 90s.
Thank you once again for the detail. I thought BMW’s UI/UX experience has moved backwards with more capacitive and less real buttons, and that awful nonsense beside the door handle, let alone the stuff that has migrated to touch screen. Given the complexity of the UI/UX in both cars, I wonder how good they will look after about five tears of heavy use. Will the ambient lighting continue to work or only bits of it? I just can not find a reason to want either car, especially at the price.
Thank you Thomas and Leah, I was badly waiting for this one. I wanted to get the X3, but the interiors are awful as they look very cheap and don’t have a luxury feel. Kia and Citroën’s have better interiors than this. Compared to the GLC, you can’t spec it with passenger seat memory, no massage seat option , no automatic steering wheel adjustment, no air suspension, and lack of physical buttons. As the car is for my wife, I took her to experience both in person, starting with the X3 as I was keen on that, but a minute into sitting in the GLC, she said, “ I don’t want the X3, get me the GLC.” Looks like we will go for the GLC 300 de.
Looked at the new e class sedan and did not like it. Small back seat, uncomfortable front seats and braking that was bad. Pricing was around 60k for a base 4 with AWD. Looked at the X3 with a couple of options like real leather and a comfort package. It drove, braked and provided much better comfort . I purchased for 48k .
This video was bit of a surprise. I had always associated previous generations of BMW being more functional than Mercedes, but being very good for quality and potentially better than Mercedes for quality. This is maybe the first time in relatively recent history (last 10-15 years) where a Mercedes seems to have jumped ahead on the interior quality. Might only be a few relatively small areas, but they are touch points and things even non-journalists will feel and notice. Some may care, some may not care. Door pockets not being lined seems to be a regular occurence with the premium brands. To my knowledge, up to this segment none of BMW, Mercedes or Audi offer lined door pockets, at least up to this segment and price and point, though oddly, VW and Skoda do, despite Audi being the group's premium brand and not offering lined door pockets.
I never have been a fanboy for either brand. I test drove a 2022 GLC43 AMG and just had to have one. I found one in selenite magno with the 21s and the blackout package. I love it, and the family loves riding in it. It's a little noisy inside at times, but it rides wonderfully for a sporty vehicle, the sport exhaust sounds really nice and has some get-up-and-go. PS. Don't get those side steps. Looks better without
As a mercedes fan, I always envied BMW fans of the X3s design of certain elements compared to the GLC. I preferred the tail of the X3, the steering wheel, the physical buttons and its screen. Now, I don’t see why anyone would not prefer the GLC in all elements. A shame to lose a nice looking car like the old X3 on the road and instead get this, hate to say it, ugly new X3. Wouldn’t be surprised if GLC sales surge compared to X3 sales..
Beautiful, very bold for both designs. But I must ask, was the Q5 out when you did this? It would have been interesting to have it in the mix.. Thank you for the review, Thomas!!!
x3 looks weird, i think, this is the car which got they guy fired. rightfully so. is was such a cool and agressive sporty looking. now just looks like .. idk man
I like the exterior on the X3 but the interior door handle thing doesn't look that good no solid aluminum metal like in the Merc or an Audi the rest of the interior is fine. I think the Mercedes has a more premium interior. In this case I'd choose the Mercedes has a more premium feeling package . Anyway, great review as always Thomas super detailed and informative. Keep up the good work. Cheers my friend !
@@autogefuehl Um , sorry Thomas I didn't get that one did you mean mate , like an Englishman ? Ha, ha , good one ! I know some German but not much it kind of sucks .
@@autogefuehl BTW ,Thomas I'm not an Englishman even though English is my mother language . Born and raised in Australia by Greek parents but now living in Europe . So I'm definitely a European now , I think , I hope so . Bis bald Thomas , Keep showing us those awesome German cars man we love them . Tschuss !
Just re-watched the X1 video to compare some of the weak points on the new X3. It looks like unless you need to carry adults in the rear seats regularly, the X1 appears to be a better car. While fairly similar on the exterior, it just seems to work better on the X1, though that is personal taste. More importantly, the quality seems to be better in the X1 and there seems to be more seating fexibility to adjust the angle of the backrests and slide the seats forward or backwards (albeit only on the non-hybrid models). Would interested to see an actual side by side comparison if that becomes a possibility.
The X1 is the better price/performance deal yeah. We ll have a newer version of that comparison soon, any1 who missed the old one: ua-cam.com/video/_YZh-u46BaM/v-deo.html
Thomas, can you please please ask the German carmakers why they are cost cutting on interior material quality? How is it that Chinese cars costing half the price have better interiors?? There is no reason to buy a German car anymore because the new Chinese cars perform just as well yet at the same time have better interior build and material quality and all features as standard. Do the German carmakers not want to keep selling cars? They are basically giving away market share to the Chinese at this point. I really thought BMW was going to keep that old solid German feel but they went the Mercedes way now. Severe cost cutting and you can see and feel it. They can no longer sell based on badge. People are no longer as brand loyal and are more informed now.
@@autogefuehl One question i have. Which one is better for you, BMW Veganza interior or Mercedes-Benz Artico? Which feels better? Thank you in advance!
They're both very nice in this segment here. Both soft. I feel the main difference here is that the BMW seat itself is a little better for taller drivers, if you re not that tall wont make a big difference.
@@autogefuehl Thank you for your answer and keep up your great work! I am vegan and I’m very happy that you are pushing for more free-animals interiors for every car manufacturer!!!
Yeah i tried leatherette but i just don't get the perfect feeling that's on the leather. If one day it could be as good as leather i will switch to it but until then i can't.
depends on the quality grade. Test the modern BMW leatherette especially in X5, X7, 7 Series, 5 Series etc. and also here, it's great and softer than the animal sourced one.
Thomas, I was beginning to think BMW, couldn’t build an even uglier car than the i7. Well, they’ve proved me wrong again. I bought quite a lot of Beemers between 1998 and 2015 but they’re no fun to drive anymore let alone nice to look at.
Premium Brands from Germany ... Material way behind the often criticised tesla... well now they are on a level with korean brands and below mazda as well ... its such a shame
The thing what I do not understand is that they introduce the ambient lighting bars everywhere at bmw. However in the new 5 series you cannot order it anymore in 520, 530e due to production problems, and you get an even cheaper light bar. Only electric models, m5 and 550e still get it, it baffles me that you make a model and afterwards have issues again
I don't get why all the premium brands don't make carpets inside the door pockets. VW and even Skoda has it in their middle class models. I hate clattering sounds inside of this. And i think it is a shame that the "Premium" doors don't have soft materials on the lower part. The Volvo V60 has it and even the Tesla M3 Highland.
Well when its out of the studio the headlights of the X3 doesn't look so squashed. As usual BMW starts to grow on me after a while. But the rear like a coffin i can't swallow 😕
►Shop for merchandise: autogefuehl.shop/
►Subscribe here: ua-cam.com/users/autogefuehl
►Also subscribe to our UA-cam shorts channel: www.youtube.com/@thomasautogefuhl?sub_confirmation=1
►Follow us on Facebook / Instagram / TikTok @autogefuehl
►Sustainability in the automotive industry documentary: ua-cam.com/video/-8gNXlRGngA/v-deo.htmlsi=bCdeJZORRHNcVmV2
This is our in-depth comparison review of the 2025 all-new BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC. We're taking a look at Exterior, Interior and the driving experience.
00:00 X3 vs GLC exterior facts
02:15 X3 wheels and suspension
02:52 GLC wheels and suspension
03:48 Rear and lights
06:24 Engines
07:14 X3 interior and comfort
10:12 X3 cockpit
15:16 X3 ambient lighting
16:13 X3 rear seats
17:41 GLC rear seats
19:56 GLC interior and comfort
22:32 GLC cockpit
27:54 GLC ambient lighting
28:42 Trunk / boot comparison
31:36 X3 acceleration and Autobahn
37:12 X3 comfort and assistance
43:48 GLC acceleration and Autobahn
47:09 GLC comfort and agility
53:35 GLC assistance and difference
55:49 Fuel economy mpg
55:59 Price
57:12 Which one to buy?
#BMWX3 #mercedesglc
I work for BMW and I agree with the comments. They cheapened out on the finishes. One of the wierd things BMW did in the last generation was remove the trunk release from the refresh version. They need to bring it back
Yea, you work for BMW! Nice try.
Thomas convinced me X3 when I heard the noise they made flooring the I6!
Quick release button shouldn’t expensive, really can’t understand why
I stay with the GLC, in my opinion the X3 has lost its personality and BMW its brand identity with each new model.
Great review, as always.
cheers !
I see it the complete opposite way. Mercedes has degraded to a cheap mass product with lower quality and lots of flimsy plastic.
@@teekanne15 Real wood and leather are not sustainable. The cheaper plastics are endlessly recyclable.
I agree
@@davidnjuguna9477 a 2.5t luxury car is never sustainable. The purpse is comfort, status and mobility. everything else is a gimmick
I like the previous generation x3 much more. It's more premium looking and feeling inside. BMW is getting too aggressive with cost cutting measure. Do they really think people wouldn't notice?
Agree the inside feels as cheap as golf now. Prev generation was much better
They know, they just don't care. They have an established market and there aren't many alternatives. So they'll give their costumers shit, and the costumers will say thank you, can we have some more?
"If they wanted to save money on making the car, they should just make it cheaper. The new X3 is a bit too cheap and cheerful for my liking."
@@atom999
Don't disrespect the Golf like that. At least the Golf is sturdy and won't start squeaking and crackling after 20k miles.
their design department destroyed everything
Data & facts:
BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC
Both optional Matrix LED
Length
X3: 4,76 m 187“ (Tansanite Blue)
GLC: 4,72 m 186“ (Patagonia Red)
GLC AMG: 4,75 m 187“
18-21“ wheels (21“ only for GLC AMG)
Suspension
X3: Base suspension, M Sport suspension or adaptive suspension or adaptive M suspension optional
GLC: Optional air suspension (not available on NA market) and optional rear-axle steering for Non-AMG up to 4,5°, for AMG up to 2,5 combined in a package
18-20“, AMG base 19“ and also up to 21“
X3 interior:
12,3“ instruments, 15“ infotainment
Econeer seating 100 % recycling standard in EU,
Optional or standard in US Veganza high grade leatherette in 3 colors
Optional still animal skin available
M Sport: Veganza/Alcantara Mix
Vegan steering wheel standard, M Sport steering animal
GLC interior:
12,3“ instruments, 12“ infotainment
Base seats in fabric/artico (EU) or artico/mbtex in US and UK
AMG seats Artico/microfibre, UK: animal skin
Optional performance seats
Steering wheel available in Carbon/Microfibre
Trunk / boot
X3: 570 l trunk (+20 l) - 1700 l, PHEV: 460 l - 1600 l
GLC: 620 l (PHEV 470 l)
Engines
X3: 2,0 l 4-cyl and 3,0 l 6-cyl petrol and diesel, PHEV base on 2,0 l petrol
GLC: 2,0 l 4cyl petrol and 2,0 l 4-cyl and 3,0 l 6-cyl petrol and diesel, PHEV base both on 2,0 l petrol and diesel
Prices
X3: starts 58.000 Euro, spec shown 73.000 Euro, US starts 50.000 USD, specced 57.000 USD
GLC: 55.000 Euro, spec shown 86.000 Euro, US starts 49.000 USD, specced 62.000 USD
GLC 43: starts 67.000 USD, 87.000 Euro
X3 M50: starts 64.000 USD, 83.000 Euro
Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.
the cheap interior of the bmw is an absolute joke.
Unfortunately it's modern tendential. A lot of premium car has interior worst than cheapest version of Chinese car.
@@Kirdaro you wont see that inside a Volvo XC60, Volvo seems to be the only premium car that actually has rela quality build
Have you sat inside one to accurately comment on the feel of premium-ness?
@ ofc i did lol
@@Nigel8Chelsea have u ever sat inside an XC60? U might wanna check that out
Not even the wide angle camera can fix the rectangular wall that is the front end of the X3
yea look at the angle at 0:43 I was like what the hell
@@SilverMeatMachine
Spot on 😂
The way Leah said “No” for no sil protector on the door and the way Thomas said that the interior door handle can be made more premium is what I feel about the new X3. Like the older generation. Anyways good review Thomas and Leah!
cheers !
Thev plastic door handles and plastic where window controls are is so disappointing and cheap feeling - Golf like feeling
After owning X3s my intention was to move to the new model. I simply didn’t like the G45, specially the interior lack of finesse. Its a step back regarding the G01. Then I tried the GLC and loved. Much more refined. Finally I got a deal on an X5 and I’m really happy with it.
exactly same story here
same here. Except I think the interior is 3 steps back: quality-wise, design-wise and in terms of usability.
At least the x5 and x3 and very affordable for what ur getting. The x3/x4 is 54k and the x5 is 75k, glc is 55k and the Gle is 76k. Meanwhile the Audi q3 is 58k and its compared with the x1 and gla. The q5 which is compared with the x3 and glc is 85k. The x5 and Gle competitor the q7 is 126k. Bmw and Mercedes are great for cheaper price
@@scotie690 congrats! Did you get the X5 40i with m sport professional package?
The X3 looks so weirdly under-wheeled now - removing the wheel arch cladding on a car this slab sided has the same effect as shaving someone’s eyebrows off
Winter tires….
🤣🤣😂
Having seen the new X3 in real, it is less ugly than on photo. Still, BMW design is in a crisis and with the interior being less ergonomic, less attractive and of poorer quality, BMW is really testing the loyalty of BMW owners.
I checked in person all the surfaces in the new X3, the interior quality is a big let down when it comes to materials... in the boot/trunk the same.
Exactly, even the loading trim is now plastic, struts removed for the cover. All screams massive cost cutting.
The interior of the BMW X3 fails in comparison to the Mercedes Benz GLC. The GLC is way more sophisticated in interior tech and design!
My wife has a AMG GLC43 Night Ed. and it's excellent. That BMW interior is terrible, Audi are doing the same thing with their new models.
I agree in terms of Looks, however I can not agree in terms of build quality. MB is absolutely terrible, everything squicks like crazy, wobbles from minor pushes. BMW build quality is MUCH higher, though material on the door are unacceptable indeed.
And that textile dash / interior infestation from used/reused textile is literally garbage sold as innovation.
I don’t mind reused materials being used to shape trims and panels, but at least line them / top them with nice premium materials if you sell a base car at 65k!
Not even a plastic surgery can fix that ugly grill on new X3. What were the designer’s smoking😂
I had a G01 LCI Xdrive30e for 3 years and I loved every minute with the car.
When the time came to go for something new, it was just impossible to choose the G45 X3 over the GLC. A real shame, as I would have loved to continue with BMW
I like it that Lea participates more in the videos now.
A second opinion is always welcome.
Exactly what I was thinking too. 😊
If someone gave me the X3 as a gift I would return it.
You are lying 😂😊
😂😂 even I don’t want to sit in this plastic bucket . They should call it the ultimate plastic machine . Next lci they would give you Walmart plastic chairs and call it sustainability that’s how stupid bmw became . I just don’t get it after driving bmws from years this is the cheapest looking and feeling bmw . This interior honestly feels like Kia rentals I get in airports . I’ll keep my 22 x3 for sometime I’ll have to buy out my lease balance or look at new q5 unfortunately. I want to really throw up 🤮 on this quality for the price.
So am I...and even will pay for it 😅
I will sell it.
Yeah , Right 😂
It’s time to switch to Mercedes, guys ( After so many years on bmw, the new design us a deal breaker for me. Exterior and interior wise…
Sorry, kodiaq instead save another 30k
Glad they fired their designer
Not soon enough!
I've found out that a lot of that are disliking bmw's new design suffer from low self esteem and only dislike it for clout. Grow up you retards. That x3 is nice looking car
I am an X3 F25 35d owner , but this new generation is ugly. I like the GLC
I own a GLC and I love every minute of it. I was going for the X3M but I thing it was a “good luck sign” when the dealer said they didn’t have some for a test drive. I saw this Obisidian Black model theta I fell in love with. Superior interior, safe for my little one at the back and the smooth ride is something from another world. BMW are shooting themselves in the foot. Thomas tell the BMW CEO this.
i really dont like what BMW is doing with their looks; better level up
The reaction to no sill protector is hilarious! Too much cost cutting with this new X3. Interior looks very cheap.
Indeed for a base 1 series. Okay. But for an X3…
Interiors of X3 looks cheaper than previous model. I don't understand BMW designers are thinking about?
Designers get the prompt from financial team..
Went from a 2014 Q5 to a 2024 GLC 300 and am very happy. Interior is in another league compared to the new X3, and very similar to higher-end Benz models. Very comfortable ride which is also very competent steering on the highway! After a few months of ownership, I'm still amazed at how well the interior is put together and the overall luxury.
Merc did a massive downgrade in the GLC compared to the previous generation, belly button downwards, only hard plastic. So I do not see how this would be superior to the BMW.
@@Maxxwellification bmw is also hard plastic
New q5 is 85k, x3/x4 and glc is 54k
@@Johnny91832 I did not say this. The guy claimed that the GLC is another League in terms of interior. For sure not when we talking about interior quality. Design is personal preference anyhow. I had a look at both and find the BMW interior more appealing.
Bmw is trying to go for minimalist and modern style like what Tesla is doing at the same time forgetting what a high quality bimmer is supposed to feel like
Even as an EV hater, I can confidently say Teslas look nicer than BMWs these days.
Give me the Model Y looks over this X3...
Full 1 minute of door closing sounds?!!❤ appreciated 😅
you re welcome :)
@@autogefuehlplease add 1 min of plastic trim press test
We kinda did that 😅
Is BMW moving from luxury segment to mainstream with corresponding price reduction? This X3 does not feel premium anymore, and the interiors look very cheap.
The BMWs look worse and worse each year, lol
I agree. At least there is a reason to save money with buying used older models
Strongly agree. Sales volume will tell BMW to do the right thing
but somehow they keep selling more cars than any of the other luxury brands
No the BMW look modern and aggressive whereas the Mercedes look boring and conservative
@@frankdatteln-westhausen3093 Aggressive is one way to put it, lol But I don't like the Merc either tbh.
Minimalism is killing these German cars, when will they ever realize that lol
These make me really appreciate the design of my Stelvio Competizione inside and out.
Longtime BMW owner and fan, but when I was waiting to buy this X3, when I saw the shitty quality in the new 5 series I ordered a GLE. I think the review is based towards bmw, he failed to mention that the interior quality of the Merc is from the moment you step in clearly better, the inside of the doors, then the options like the electronic wheel adjustment, or mentioning that the panoramic roof might have problems when opening to "cover" for the bmw's price cutting style to remove the opening... My old X3 has more options than this car which now looks and feels like a Dacia on the inside.
I have no brand bias. I did explain all the points and pros and cons in detail. Nothing to hide here.
@autogefuehl thanks, but I could already know you have a synphaty for the BMW when you did not criticise the Dacia door trims quality or the handle or lack of metal covers everywhere now, I mean come on, you also see the difference between this and the old X3. Moreover you failed to acknowledge thst the Merc interior quality is better, when all the Internet already know this, look at the comments!
@@mrman2913no w223 s class vs g70, the g70 7 series interior quality smashes the w223 out of the park, and coming from a man who has a w221 and w222 s class
@@seansiew5629coming from guy with Bmw PFP it's like muslim saying Bin laden was Buddhist.
As a long time BMW owner, the exterior of the X3 is fine, but the interior is such a let down, we have the previous generation (G01) and it feels so much nicer inside. Hope they don’t go this minimalist on the X5 and X7 next generation.
Longtime BMW owner and fan, but when I was waiting to buy this X3, when I saw the shitty quality in the new 5 series I ordered a GLE. I think the review is based towards bmw, he failed to mention that the interior quality of the Merc is from the moment you step in clearly better, the inside of the doors, then the options like the electronic wheel adjustment, or mentioning that the panoramic roof might have problems when opening to "cover" for the bmw's price cutting style to remove the opening... My old X3 has more options than this car which now looks and feels like a Dacia on the inside.
I literally thought x3 gonna follow x5 design this year, but what we saw is piece of 💀. The dashboard in front of passenger seat has nothing there... a whole piece of black board, no texture or material split sessions. I can't imagine it's a luxury German car.
@@mrman2913why are you copying and pasting this??? lol
I would normally be all over this review, but it doesn't matter as the new X3 is too ugly to consider buying. What a shame.
I was waiting for the new X3, so I could get rid of my i4. Unfortunately I don’t know what happened with this new X3. So I switched to Mercedes-Benz, much more premium at this moment.
Thanks for a fair and unbiased comparison Thomas. Great to see that this time around, the X3 is your favorite, albeit with a small margin and without taking the price difference into account. Noticed in the comments section, the X3 hate brigade is again out in full force - sales numbers will soon have the final say. My new X3 hybrid left the factory a few days ago and I can’t wait to compare it with the three faultless X3’s I had so far 😊
Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏
enjoy and tell us about your experience!
Excellent video, as usual. When do you think you will be able to review the new Q5 and compare against Merc and BMW?
thanks! Q5 driving will be early next year! So far: ua-cam.com/video/RPFFxM3S5VA/v-deo.html
Excellent comparison. Really love these!
highly appreciated !
Thanks for the excellent comparison -as usual-. It would me more interesting if you include new Q5 in the comparison 😊
Sure we will soon if we can, static first: ua-cam.com/video/RPFFxM3S5VA/v-deo.html
X3 doesn't look premium with the cheap looking plastic. The back end also looks disjointed somehow. Mercedes still looks premium.
They look cheap but the price is higher. 😖😖
As a F series and G series owner my next car will not be a bmw more than likely. The designs are just repulsive
A very comprehensive report Thomas, thank you.
I personally am not too keen on either of them and the lack of control switches is something I suppose we have to expect.
It’s best to drive vehicles oneself, as you have done to establish which one is best.
It will be interesting to see what the X3M looks like and how it actually drives.
Have a great weekend
thanks you too !
@ 👍
It is brilliant that you have added the ambient lighting shots in the video👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻
appreciated!
Still, I would have mentioned that there are no ambient lighting bars in the back anymore. At least not in the new X3. Used to be in the old model.
At least with the GLC, the rear seat can be adjusted to a steeper cargo position; that information would have been a nice addition
As a BMW owner of 2019 model, it's very disappointing to see how BMW designers lost their mind after 2022
Can someone explain this crazy prices in Europe? US is always 20% cheaper. Are they robering us in Europe?
Test drove both cars. While the definitely GLC has a more premium interior it drives like a CRV. The engine and transmission are very jerky and the car feels like it's pulling its weight with significant effort. The X3 has a more disco vibe interior but it has comfier seats. The drive quality on the X3 is miles better, the base suspension on the X3 30 is smooth, the transmission talks nicely to the B48 and the whole car moves as one. As for the exterior that's extremely subjective and will come down to which style you prefer. Objectively the new X3 is a more superior driving experience than the outgoing GLC in base.
Thanks for the report, very interesting! I really like the GLC but many seem not to believe me that the X3 can be equal or even a little better overall albeit the stuff the missed out on
I like Leah's engagement. She's not afraid to speak up, great observations 👍
highly appreciated! Keep tuning in !
She is mostly loudly smiling.
And instantly the first gen E83 X3 looks gorgeous in comparison.
That is still worse, I don’t forgive the E65 design he did
I own one and drive it everyday
14:55 😂😂Nothing could have prepared me for that…Thomas really just said no filter, we call it as it is
hehe
I planned for many years to buy one of these. Finally I ordered a Hyundai new Santa Fe. Because with all options in Switzerland a X3 or GLC is 100000. A new Santa Fe is 70000. I have some use for the 30000 spared. These companies have been doing incredible profits at the expense of their clients. They can now bite the dust.
Even the base Škoda Octavia has felt lined door pockets.
This X3 looks much better, more beefy than the previous one, which looked like a little shy mouse. I tested drive both. Personally, the BMW without hesitation.
Thomas your so good man ❤i love the vibe
Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏
Great comparison guys! I think we live in a time that anyone can choose what they like and fit best for their life stile X3 Q5 or GLC. All of them have their pros and cons. All are very closely matched. To be honest I am happy they still try to be different from each other.
There is no need for hate.
Thanks
Cheers! We ll do the Q5 driving as soon as available
As a pedestrian i would prefer the Merc....😅
Not the GLC43 or the GLC 63 with the 4 cylinders
As a bmw fan and owner for many years, the new X3 is a huge disappointment on the inside mostly. I had the previous generation G01 and materials were much better, esp the doors feel extremely cheap, with hard plastic everywhere. I'm glad that I have the LCI G05 X5 which still feels like a BMW.
Next can we have new 1 Series vs updated A3?
In the world of being politically correct many reviews are not bringing as much useful information. Here at least you mentioned the seats in GLC are small. When discussing about Comfort the Seats are Top priority and then Driving Train. NEW is not Better! Keep up the good work!
highly appreciated! Please recommend!
Bland, if not downright ugly pricey cars, a sea of shiny plastic and tablets stuck on instead of proper dashboards.
So glad that BMW changed their chief designer
At first, the BMW towered over the Merc and then I saw that the Merc has a much better looking front, back and profile.
Good point about the boot comparison
cheers !
X3 looks absolutely 🤮
Nah man you just have a shit taste, that x3 looks way better than the Mercedes
It’s a ugly Kia sportage
Ageee
Will be great once Q5 is out, wonder how it'll compare to these.
Cheers m8! ua-cam.com/video/RPFFxM3S5VA/v-deo.html
More soon as soon as possible, it is not available for driving yet.
So surprise that you think the seating in X3 is ”better erconomically”, as it is vegan friendly material. You really cannot trust these reviews parts where the materials are ranked, because it is so biased.
Thank you very much for your interest in this topic. I also bought cars with animal skin leather seats before I did my research and got to know the industry. The most important thing is: With today's modern materials, you have nothing to lose, just to gain. You achieve the same kind of luxury and comfort or even better while having the same or better durability with less impact on humans, animals and the environment.
You can use fabric/cloth, microfibre or leatherette. The classic approach is using oil/plastic as source material. Overall, a vehicle contains about 300 kg plastic. A car seat needs about 5 kg plastic. So the overall plastic share for the seats is very low and it is at this moment the most efficient way to produce a car seat. A couple of litres of fuel equals a car seat basically. So if you want to save oil/plastic, rather look at consumption for energy, fuel and heating and to other car parts than the seat. Note that animal skin leather also always contains a plastic coating for durability. However, long-term we should of course find raw oil alternatives. So going further, seats can be made from recyclables (e.g. from PET-bottles or old fishing nets) or even increased share of plant-based materials (like pine oil, canola oil or start-up materials like Pinatex from pineapple leaves or Desertex from cactus fibre or the mixed-plant-based Mirum, so be seen at ua-cam.com/video/S1aNZeoatmE/v-deo.html). On a calculation base, by ditching animal skin leather from car interiors, the amount of emissions (CO2e) is reduced by 85 (!) % (www.press.bmwgroup.com/africa-dom-easteurope/article/detail/T0403389EN/on-the-market-from-2023:-bmw-and-mini-models-with-vegan-interiors?language=en) - and that is a very conservative calculation. So it is at this moment the most important thing you can do to make car interiors more sustainable.
A good example for high-end luxury with ventilated animal free seats is the BMW X7 with Sensafin: ua-cam.com/video/1pRNkW9nrrw/v-deo.html
And the Kia EV9 with plant-based oil share: ua-cam.com/video/6vXePQi_MAk/v-deo.html
New leatherette materials can be superior in every aspect, even for cleaning: ua-cam.com/video/u94YXJ72UTA/v-deo.html
More and more natural materials are rising: ua-cam.com/video/nRSsXEnwHDo/v-deo.html
Also check out what the animal skin leather industry tried to with our channel: ua-cam.com/video/nP_CvLlaFlI/v-deo.html
For seeing how the animals are being treated and transported in the global leather industry, watch this footage: ua-cam.com/video/tkjCAmq1_8E/v-deo.html
Note that the footage is genuine and was recorded by a highly decorated investigative journalist in Germany I know myself personally.
Also a group of researchers and German journalists from public media could recent directly trace the connection between car animal leather production and illegal burning down Amazon rain forest:
www.daserste.de/information/reportage-dokumentation/ard-story/videos/illegales-leder-video-100.html
In a high animal skin grade, the animals are specifically raised for this matter. However even if meat is the "first" misuse case, the hide remains a profitable body part. That means: If manufacturers put animal leather in a car and you demand it as a customer, you give your money to an industry that earns money by oppressing humans, animals and harms the environment, you make them more profitable. Alternatively, you could support industries with your wallet which try to improve the sustainability of materials. Also, if you turn the argument around to "meat is the waste of the leather industry" you realize that it doesn't make sense (and is ethically doubtful) to discuss the primary use of individual body parts of mammals. Mind experiment: You are getting slain down on the street; would it matter to you if it was for your smartphone or for your purse? Remember that animal skin leather is no different to fur, fur is just leather where the hair is still on. And fur is widely not accepted for clothing anymore, and of course not for cars.
We cannot change what we have bought in the past, but with more information and compassion we can change how we decide in the future.
For a great insight into sustainability in the automotive industry, you can also check out our extensive documentary:
ua-cam.com/video/-8gNXlRGngA/v-deo.html
The argument that leather is merely a "waste" product of the food industry and therefore ethical or sustainable has been a topic of debate, and there are several reasons why it is considered problematic and unethical:
1. Leather is a Profitable Co-Product, not a Byproduct.
* Leather is not a waste material. It is a valuable co-product of the meat and dairy industries, meaning that the skins and hides of animals are sold for profit. The global leather industry is worth billions of dollars, and the demand for high-quality leather, particularly for luxury goods, is significant.
* Economic Contribution: By buying leather, consumers are directly contributing to the profitability of the meat and dairy industries, reinforcing demand for animal farming. Leather adds financial value to the slaughter of animals, which in turn incentivizes the continuation of intensive animal agriculture.
2. Encourages the Environmental Impact of Animal Farming
* Environmental Harm: Animal farming is a leading cause of environmental degradation. It contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The leather industry, as part of this system, intensifies the environmental impact.
* Tanning Process: Leather production itself is extremely resource-intensive and involves harmful chemicals like chromium, which can pollute water sources and harm ecosystems and communities living near tanneries. The argument that leather is a "waste" deflects from these significant environmental costs.
3. Supports Cruel Animal Farming Practices
* Factory Farming: Most leather comes from animals raised in factory farms where they endure inhumane conditions-such as overcrowding, mutilation (dehorning, tail docking), and often brutal slaughter practices.
* Leather Sources Beyond Cattle: It’s important to note that leather is not only sourced from cows. Other animals such as pigs, sheep, goats, and even exotic animals like crocodiles and snakes are often killed specifically for their skins. In some cases, animals are bred solely for leather production, especially in the case of exotic leathers.
4. Leather’s Role in the Global Meat and Dairy Supply Chain
* The "Chicken and Egg" Relationship: The leather industry is deeply intertwined with the meat and dairy supply chains. It is misleading to claim that leather is merely a waste product when in reality it adds value to the entire system. The more leather that is purchased, the more profitable it becomes for the animal agriculture industry to keep raising and slaughtering animals.
* Ethical Disconnect: From an ethical standpoint, using leather under the assumption that it’s “just waste” ignores the larger systemic issues of animal exploitation. It perpetuates a cycle where animals are bred, confined, and slaughtered in massive numbers, not just for meat but also for profit from their hides.
5. There Are Viable, Sustainable Alternatives
* Innovation in Vegan Leathers: Today, there are numerous cruelty-free, sustainable alternatives to animal leather, such as pineapple leather (Piñatex), mushroom leather, apple leather, and even lab-grown leather. These options do not involve the same ethical, environmental, or health concerns as traditional leather production.
* Sustainability Argument: Many leather alternatives are far more environmentally friendly. For instance, plant-based and recycled materials often require fewer resources and generate less pollution compared to the production of leather from animal hides, which requires heavy water and energy consumption and the use of toxic chemicals in tanning.
6. Moral and Ethical Considerations
* Devaluing Animal Lives: By framing leather as a “waste” product, it downplays the intrinsic value of animal lives and reduces sentient beings to mere commodities. This perspective is often criticized for failing to acknowledge the rights of animals to live free from exploitation and harm.
* Speciesism: The belief that animals can be farmed for their skins because their lives are less important than human needs or luxury goods can be seen as a form of speciesism-the assumption that human interests always take precedence over the welfare of other species, even when non-leather alternatives are available.
7. Global Impact on Communities
* Health Risks to Workers: Many leather tanneries, especially in developing countries, expose workers to unsafe chemicals like chromium salts. These chemicals can cause severe health issues, including cancer, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. Communities near tanneries often suffer from polluted water and land.
* Environmental Justice: Often, the communities that are most affected by the environmental harm of the leather industry are poor and marginalized. These populations bear the brunt of the environmental degradation, even though the demand for leather comes largely from wealthier consumers in more developed countries.
The idea that leather is a "waste" product from the food industry is misleading and unethical because it ignores the significant role that leather plays in the profitability of animal farming, the environmental degradation it causes, the cruelty inherent in the industry, and the availability of sustainable alternatives. To label leather as mere "waste" downplays its substantial impact on both animals and the environment, making this argument a way to justify the continued use of an ethically and environmentally problematic material.
A friend bought the Merc. He put his height in and the seat automatically adjusted. Really clever and when i tried it was super comfortable
I bought a glc in July, and watching this video I'm glad I bought it and didn't wait for the x3.
I wonder why gas and brake pedals are still physical and not replaced by tablets. That would be so cost efficient LOL. You could have 50 different cheap looking themes for gas pedal look :)
And the steering wheel, too. That could be a display with touch sensitive areas, the harder you press, the faster you steer! Used to work well on PC games back in the 90s.
Thank you once again for the detail.
I thought BMW’s UI/UX experience has moved backwards with more capacitive and less real buttons, and that awful nonsense beside the door handle, let alone the stuff that has migrated to touch screen. Given the complexity of the UI/UX in both cars, I wonder how good they will look after about five tears of heavy use. Will the ambient lighting continue to work or only bits of it? I just can not find a reason to want either car, especially at the price.
Thanks! Ya fair observation!
Porsche is the last German company that makes beautiful cars , it's a shame that they are soo expensive compared to the rest
But there is no new petrol Macan
New macan looks awful
Thank you Thomas and Leah, I was badly waiting for this one. I wanted to get the X3, but the interiors are awful as they look very cheap and don’t have a luxury feel. Kia and Citroën’s have better interiors than this.
Compared to the GLC, you can’t spec it with passenger seat memory, no massage seat option , no automatic steering wheel adjustment, no air suspension, and lack of physical buttons.
As the car is for my wife, I took her to experience both in person, starting with the X3 as I was keen on that, but a minute into sitting in the GLC, she said, “ I don’t want the X3, get me the GLC.”
Looks like we will go for the GLC 300 de.
thanks keep tuning in !
Looked at the new e class sedan and did not like it. Small back seat, uncomfortable front seats and braking that was bad. Pricing was around 60k for a base 4 with AWD. Looked at the X3 with a couple of options like real leather and a comfort package. It drove, braked and provided much better comfort . I purchased for 48k .
“checking for shit on the shoes” I’m dying laughing. 14:52 best part of the video
=)
This video was bit of a surprise. I had always associated previous generations of BMW being more functional than Mercedes, but being very good for quality and potentially better than Mercedes for quality. This is maybe the first time in relatively recent history (last 10-15 years) where a Mercedes seems to have jumped ahead on the interior quality. Might only be a few relatively small areas, but they are touch points and things even non-journalists will feel and notice. Some may care, some may not care. Door pockets not being lined seems to be a regular occurence with the premium brands. To my knowledge, up to this segment none of BMW, Mercedes or Audi offer lined door pockets, at least up to this segment and price and point, though oddly, VW and Skoda do, despite Audi being the group's premium brand and not offering lined door pockets.
I never have been a fanboy for either brand. I test drove a 2022 GLC43 AMG and just had to have one. I found one in selenite magno with the 21s and the blackout package. I love it, and the family loves riding in it. It's a little noisy inside at times, but it rides wonderfully for a sporty vehicle, the sport exhaust sounds really nice and has some get-up-and-go.
PS. Don't get those side steps. Looks better without
As a mercedes fan, I always envied BMW fans of the X3s design of certain elements compared to the GLC. I preferred the tail of the X3, the steering wheel, the physical buttons and its screen. Now, I don’t see why anyone would not prefer the GLC in all elements. A shame to lose a nice looking car like the old X3 on the road and instead get this, hate to say it, ugly new X3. Wouldn’t be surprised if GLC sales surge compared to X3 sales..
Even in the entry level version, premium cars must offer superior finishing and not give up expenses that sacrifice the appearance of luxury.
The secondary character with the dog is the best 😂
Beautiful, very bold for both designs. But I must ask, was the Q5 out when you did this? It would have been interesting to have it in the mix..
Thank you for the review, Thomas!!!
Cheers m8! ua-cam.com/video/RPFFxM3S5VA/v-deo.html
More soon as soon as possible, it is not available for driving yet.
To be honest, GLC's interior looks much more premium just like it’s an above segment.
x3 looks weird, i think, this is the car which got they guy fired. rightfully so. is was such a cool and agressive sporty looking. now just looks like .. idk man
What even makes you think he got fired? You think they would let him have rolls royce if he got fired?
I like the exterior on the X3 but the interior door handle thing doesn't look that good
no solid aluminum metal like in the Merc or an Audi the rest of the interior is fine.
I think the Mercedes has a more premium interior.
In this case I'd choose the Mercedes has a more premium feeling package .
Anyway, great review as always Thomas super detailed and informative.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers my friend !
thanks m8 !
@@autogefuehl Um , sorry Thomas I didn't get that one did you mean mate , like
an Englishman ?
Ha, ha , good one !
I know some German but not much it kind of sucks .
yeah for sure thats the common abbreviation heh
@@autogefuehl BTW ,Thomas I'm not an Englishman even though English is my mother language .
Born and raised in Australia by Greek parents but now living in Europe .
So I'm definitely a European now , I think , I hope so .
Bis bald Thomas ,
Keep showing us those awesome German cars man we love them .
Tschuss !
Good review. The GLC’s interior is more special. Both are 👌🏾
cheers !
Just re-watched the X1 video to compare some of the weak points on the new X3. It looks like unless you need to carry adults in the rear seats regularly, the X1 appears to be a better car. While fairly similar on the exterior, it just seems to work better on the X1, though that is personal taste. More importantly, the quality seems to be better in the X1 and there seems to be more seating fexibility to adjust the angle of the backrests and slide the seats forward or backwards (albeit only on the non-hybrid models). Would interested to see an actual side by side comparison if that becomes a possibility.
The X1 is the better price/performance deal yeah. We ll have a newer version of that comparison soon, any1 who missed the old one: ua-cam.com/video/_YZh-u46BaM/v-deo.html
I was today at the BMW dealer. The X1 interior indeed felt nicer. I don”t what they are smoking in Munich.
Thomas, can you please please ask the German carmakers why they are cost cutting on interior material quality? How is it that Chinese cars costing half the price have better interiors?? There is no reason to buy a German car anymore because the new Chinese cars perform just as well yet at the same time have better interior build and material quality and all features as standard. Do the German carmakers not want to keep selling cars? They are basically giving away market share to the Chinese at this point. I really thought BMW was going to keep that old solid German feel but they went the Mercedes way now. Severe cost cutting and you can see and feel it. They can no longer sell based on badge. People are no longer as brand loyal and are more informed now.
agree. I ll have some talks about this
Exactly what i needed, been thinking between these two 😅
enjoy!
@@autogefuehl One question i have. Which one is better for you, BMW Veganza interior or Mercedes-Benz Artico? Which feels better? Thank you in advance!
They're both very nice in this segment here. Both soft. I feel the main difference here is that the BMW seat itself is a little better for taller drivers, if you re not that tall wont make a big difference.
@@autogefuehl Thank you for your answer and keep up your great work! I am vegan and I’m very happy that you are pushing for more free-animals interiors for every car manufacturer!!!
@@autogefuehl Out of curiosity, of all the vegan interiors you have tested, which one felt softer and better for you?? Thank you in advance!!
Hi Thomas, please make a review on the facelifted Xpeng G9 or maybe not a review but a comparison with it's more German rivals? 🎉
Can't believe after all these years, that beauty Alea has been filming you, flip the camera around once in a while :)
we do hehe
LOVE MY X3 G01 LCi ❤
Yeah i tried leatherette but i just don't get the perfect feeling that's on the leather. If one day it could be as good as leather i will switch to it but until then i can't.
depends on the quality grade. Test the modern BMW leatherette especially in X5, X7, 7 Series, 5 Series etc. and also here, it's great and softer than the animal sourced one.
My biggest nightmare is being forced to listen to “thick of it” in the new BMW X3.
Thomas, I was beginning to think BMW, couldn’t build an even uglier car than the i7. Well, they’ve proved me wrong again. I bought quite a lot of Beemers between 1998 and 2015 but they’re no fun to drive anymore let alone nice to look at.
Premium Brands from Germany ... Material way behind the often criticised tesla... well now they are on a level with korean brands and below mazda as well ... its such a shame
The thing what I do not understand is that they introduce the ambient lighting bars everywhere at bmw. However in the new 5 series you cannot order it anymore in 520, 530e due to production problems, and you get an even cheaper light bar. Only electric models, m5 and 550e still get it, it baffles me that you make a model and afterwards have issues again
Checking for shit under the shoes. Not something I expected to hear in your review 😂 great review, as ever.
=)
I don't get why all the premium brands don't make carpets inside the door pockets.
VW and even Skoda has it in their middle class models.
I hate clattering sounds inside of this.
And i think it is a shame that the "Premium" doors don't have soft materials on the lower part. The Volvo V60 has it and even the Tesla M3 Highland.
ya indeed
Hello Thomas, great review as always! Do you maybe know when the BMW will be avaliable with a 6 cylinder diesel? Thank you!
cheers! not sure yet
Well when its out of the studio the headlights of the X3 doesn't look so squashed. As usual BMW starts to grow on me after a while. But the rear like a coffin i can't swallow 😕
wtf is happening with the car design? Same is happening with Volvo too. These new cars are a joke, not to mention they all look the same
Waiting for the comparison between new BMW X3 M50 and BMW X5 40i. Looking forward to your view.