BMW

Is the 2026 BMW iX3 better than the new Mercedes-Benz GLC in cone testing?

At well over 5,000 pounds, the new BMW iX3 is quite a heavy beast for a vehicle in the compact SUV segment. You can thank the big battery for that, of course. The question is: Does the heavy electric powertrain significantly impact the iX3’s agility? To answer that, km77 subjected the electric BMW to the dreaded moose test to see how effectively it could complete the evasive maneuver. Designed to see how safely a car can avoid a sudden hazard, it’s the ultimate test of a vehicle’s roll control, how well it manages understeer/oversteer, and whether the electronic stability control system does its job.

The vehicle used for the test is the 50 xDrive, which is the same iX3 model that arrived in the U.S. first. An even quicker variant, the iX3 M60, was unveiled earlier in October and arrives later. The vehicle that conducted the moose test had a few extras, including substantial 22-inch wheels.

The testers first took the iX3 out for the slalom test, where it had to navigate its way through a series of cones. The driver appreciated the iX3’s precise steering and resistance to excessive body roll. It finished the slalom in 22.7 seconds, matching the Porsche Macan (gas model). It was fractionally slower than the more powerful Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic EQ (22.6 seconds).

The BMW iX3 performs roughly on par with or fractionally behind the Mercedes-Benz GLC in cone and moose tests, matching its top-speed avoidance limits while staying tightly matched in slalom timing.

The BMW iX3 completed the slalom test in 22.7 seconds, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic EQ was fractionally faster at 22.6 seconds.

Slalom test performance:

BMW iX3:

• Finished the cone slalom in 22.7 seconds.

• Praised for precise steering, resistance to excessive body roll, and good weight management despite its heavy battery pack.

• Matched the gas-powered Porsche Macan's time.

Mercedes-Benz GLC:

• Finished the cone slalom in 22.6 seconds, beating the iX3 by just one-tenth of a second.

• Benefited from features like rear-axle steering and air suspension options that enhance agility and composure in tight transitions

Test performance breakdown:

• Moose Test (Evasive Maneuver):

• The BMW iX3 manages a maximum clean completion speed of around 73 km/h (45 mph), frequently experiencing notable understeer due to its heavy battery pack.

• The Mercedes-Benz GLC (depending on the hybrid or electric variant tested) hits similar evasive speed thresholds around 74 km/h, though it also relies heavily on stability control intervention and exhibits early understeer.

• Slalom test:

• In tight slalom courses, the BMW iX3 completes runs in roughly 22.7 seconds, keeping pace closely with its rivals and finishing a fraction of a second behind the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic.

• Handling Dynamics:

• Reviewers note that while the BMW iX3 feels responsive and features precise steering, its heavier weight and high-capacity battery can make it feel a bit skittish over bumps compared to the settled composure of a Mercedes GLC.

by: Autonews