BMW IX1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC200

What's the difference?

The world is full of shock brand announcements.

Remember the time Coke suddenly changed its cola recipe? Or when Apple decided to take on Nokia with iPhone? Nobody saw those coming.

We all know how the latter turned out and even the former eventually became a marketing masterstroke.

Now here's another super-surprise – a German electric luxury SUV that’s actually comparatively inexpensive. And not stingily equipped. Yep, we’re talking about the iX1.

Based on the really rather impressive third-generation X1, it decisively undercuts similarly-specified rivals from Mercedes-Benz (EQA, EQB) and Genesis (GV60).

But is the Bavarian EV SUV worth paying that little bit extra for against (only very slightly) cheaper alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge?

Let’s see.

Mercedes-Benz has brought back the entry-grade GLC200 and it's now the most affordable way into the sleek, mid-size luxury SUV.

But ‘entry-level’ doesn’t always mean ‘everyday friendly,’ so we’ve been family-testing it to see if it delivers that signature Benz comfort, quality and class without the premium sting.

The question is, does it offer enough substance and style to take on its high-profile rivals, the Audi Q5 and BMW X3?