In a rather unusual comparison, our friends from AutoTopNL decided to pit two cars against each other, from different segments. The BMW X3 usually goes up against the Mercedes-Benz GLC but in this case, the guys decided it would be a good idea to pit it against the smaller GLA model. Admittedly, we’re not dealing with “normal” models here but some enhanced beasts, although only one of them is built by the company’s top-performance sub-brand – the GLA45 AMG from Mercedes-Benz.
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Since Mercedes-Benz decided to use AMG badges on front-wheel drive cars with 2-liter 4-cylinder engines, the GLA45 AMG is now part of the performance division in Stuttgart. And while at first a 4-cylinder might seem like it’s not worthy of the Affalterbach naming scheme, this one makes 381 HP which is definitely enough for a small crossover. As a matter of fact it’s enough to make sure the GLA45 reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds.
That’s faster than the BMW X3 going up against it here. In this case we’re not dealing with the full-on M model as that hasn’t come out yet. Instead we’re looking at the M40i model, coming with a 3-liter straight six engine good for 360 HP. Therefore the Bavarian is down on power and has a slight edge in torque. At the same time, it’s considerably heavier than its rival here and that’s something that will definitely affect performance.
BMW claims a time of 4.8 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) and a top speed that’s limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), just like the GLA45 AMG. Therefore, at first, you may think the BMW has no chance but the video definitely seems to suggest otherwise. Maybe that’s why the guys decided to publish it in the first place.
The part digital dials on the X3 look awful! Why can’t they be fully digital like the Audi virtual cockpit? Would look much better IMO.
It’s good that you mention this. In NA (at least here in Canada), the digital display is 100% digital. It has none of those analog numbers around the core that “surround” the actual LCD. I’ve been trying to figure out if this is a UK/EU thing…. does anyone here know? https://youtu.be/BZrN1S1Kbjo?t=4m50s Here’s what it looks like in NA (different from the video linked in this article).
I keep replaying the video and I still can’t spot the analogue numbers you refer to. The dials are the same globally aren’t they?
That’s the thing…I dont think the dials are the same globally. This BMW Blog article here has the permanent analog numbers at all times, which is what Zaa/the OP of this thread said they didnt like. I was responding by telling them that there are models where there isn’t any permanent analog numbers, like in the video i posted (which is fully digital). So it looks like the dials aren’t the same globally, and I’m trying to figure out why and which models/regions get digital/analog vs. pure digital.
It’s not a regional difference. The dials depend on the Package you select. If you have the Executive Package, you have a “12.3” Dynamic Digital Cluster,” which is all digital. If you don’t, part of your display is physical.
Thanks for letting me know it’s related to the package. That was definitely the main clue I needed. I ran through the visual configurator and it looks like here in Canada, the full digital display comes as part of the “Premium Package Enhanced” (I had to use the interior view method because I didnt see “12.3” Digital Dynamic Cluster” under the Executive Package list (ours just says Leatherette Dashboard”), “Multifunctional Instrument Display” comes up under Premium Packaged Enhanced”). Without Premium Package Enhanced, it’s the partially digital display. So you’re absolutely right in that it’s not regional and it’s related to the package. Mystery solved, thanks!
i agree.