Mercedes-Benz Philippines dropped the latest iteration of the GLC crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) not too long ago.
Not only does it offer the newest features available in the nameplate but it also plays a significant role as the mild-hybrid Mercedes-Benz GLC can be seen as a herald of the brand’s soon-to-grow portfolio of electrified and fully-electric offerings.
Here to give the Mercedes-Benz GLC a warm welcome is yet another luxury crossover staple, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
Which of the two will emerge as the better nameplate in this posh punch-out? Let’s find out.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4,716 millimeters (mm) long, 2,076mm wide, and 1,640mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,888mm.
On the other hand, the global model of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque has a maximum length of 4,371mm, a maximum width of 2,100mm, and a maximum height of 1,649mm. Its wheelbase is 2,681mm.
From the outside, the Mercedes-Benz GLC wears a luxurious look, thanks to its standard exterior chrome package that endows the crossover SUV with a refined vibe.
On its front fascia are chrome appointments that surround its front grille and its large three-pointed Mercedes-Benz star. Likewise, its lower front bumper is also finished in the same elegant chrome accent.
A pair of high-performance LED headlamps complete the breathtaking look the Mercedes-Benz GLC has to offer from the fore.
The side profile of the luxury crossover is adorned by a set of 19-inch 10 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, electropolished roof rails, and chrome accents surrounding the windows of the automobile.
Its rear dons two beautiful taillamps and a chrome diffuser.
As for the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, it offers the iconic fascia found on automobiles offered by the storied British brand.
At the tip of the bonnet is a chrome “RANGE ROVER” script accompanied by a narrow honeycomb grille that wears a Land Rover badge. To each of its sides are thin LED light clusters.
Air vents found on the side and lower portion of the crossover’s front end give the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque that proud and cultured look.
To its side are 17- to 20-inch wheels wrapped with all-season tires; flush door handles; as well as blacked-out A, B, and C pillars that give the vehicle a floating roof design.
At the back, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque offers a pair of taillamps that seem to hug its rear end, a horizontal bar with reflectors or repeaters, and a large diffuser.
Overall, both crossover SUVs are neck and neck in terms of how well-appointed they are exterior-wise. On that note, we’re calling this round a tie.
Showcasing a luxurious cabin, the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers its would-be owners seats finished in man-made Artico leather and plush velour floor mats.
Additionally, it boasts a digital instrument panel and an 11.9-inch infotainment system with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and “Hey Mercedes” voice control.
Other notable features include a Burmester 3D surround sound system, a wireless charging tray, heated front seats, and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Meanwhile, the Land Rover Range Rover offers a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple Carplay and Android Auto) that sits flush on the dashboard, and digital air conditioning controls that are positioned on the center console.
The modern interior is complemented by cooled front seats (available in select models), a wireless charging dock, and an optionally available cabin air purification system with a PM2.5 filter.
Pretty much like how these nameplates stack against each other in terms of their exterior features, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque are still toe-to-toe in this round.
With that said, we will again call it a tie.
Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz GLC is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an EQ Boost Mild Hybrid integrated started generator. It is mated to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.
Performance-wise, it is said to put out as much as 204 horses and 320 Newton-meters (Nm) of pulling power.
Meanwhile, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque — based on the brand’s local website — can be had with either a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated diesel engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine, as well as a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with mild-hybrid technology, or a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with plug-in hybrid technology.
Power figures range from 160 horsepower (hp) to 304hp.
With plenty of powertrain options on offer, we give this round to the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
Safety-wise, the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers features like an anti-lock brake system, electronic stability program, active brake assist, lane-keeping assist, hill-start assist, attention assist (drowsiness detection), and the brand’s Guard 360-degree Vehicle Protection, to name a few.
Not to be outdone, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque also packs a suite of safety technologies like a rear camera, emergency braking, front and rear parking aid, cruise control and speed limiter, as well as traffic sign recognition and adaptive speed limiter.
With both crossovers offering one of the best safety features one’s money can buy, we call this round a tie.
The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque slightly edges over the Mercedes-Benz GLC thanks to the breadth of powertrain options available for the nameplate. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz’s entry can eliminate the confusion for its customers by offering the GLC in a pre-configured setup.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is priced at P5.19 million while the Range Rover Land Rover Evoque’s price can be had upon request.
Photos from Juan Paulo Papa, Auto Nation Group, and Land Rover
Also read:
Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. the competition
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