Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3 Comparison Test: El Clásico of Luxury SUVs, Decided for 2026
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| image credits: autocarindia |
Some comparisons are genuinely difficult to call. Others are close on paper but clear on the road. The Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3 is neither — it is one of the most sharply divided evaluations in the automotive world, where the right answer changes completely depending on who is asking the question and what they intend to do with the answer.
A Mercedes-Benz vs BMW is always an 'El Clásico'. And it's even more fierce when the rivalry is between their popular mid-size luxury SUVs. The GLC has been Mercedes' champion seller for years — refined, opulent, and consistently reassuring in its premium delivery. The X3 returns for its fourth generation larger, bolder, more technologically adventurous, and as unapologetically BMW in character as any car the brand has ever made.
Which is the better choice for 2026? After driving both back-to-back across Mumbai's city traffic, the Expressway, and hill roads — and with the benefit of Autocar India's full comparative assessment — the answer is clear, nuanced, and genuinely dependent on your priorities.
Design: Two Philosophies That Have Never Been Further Apart
Both SUVs do style very differently — and it's the same difference when it comes to the interiors as well.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC embraces the evolutionary approach. Pronounced chrome accents on the grille, flowing power lines on the bonnet, and a near-coupé-like roofline that tapers elegantly into a sculpted rear — the GLC looks like a GLC should look, and that is precisely what its buyers want. It doesn't demand attention; it commands it quietly. The 19-inch wheels sit behind gently flared arches, and the overall silhouette communicates sophistication with restraint.
The new BMW X3 xDrive 20 M Sport takes the opposite approach entirely. It is longer, wider, and taller than the GLC — falling short only on wheelbase (2,865 mm vs 2,888 mm on the GLC). The moderately sized backlit kidney grille with a backlit perimeter, sleek LED headlamps, angular M Sport bumpers, and a bold, upright roofline create a road presence that the GLC cannot match in sheer visual impact. Where the GLC says "quiet confidence," the X3 says "I am here." The boxy silhouette and upright roofline also give the X3 that prominent SUV stance — more commanding, more physical, more immediately noticeable in traffic.
At the rear, the character division continues. The BMW continues with sharp lines and creases; the GLC continues to favour curves. Both feature 19-inch alloy wheels, with the BMW's sportier design visible through the arches at a glance.
Dimensions at a glance:
| Dimension | Mercedes GLC 300 4MATIC | BMW X3 xDrive 20 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,716 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,640 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 201 mm | Lower (sportier setup) |
| Boot Capacity | 640 litres | 570 litres |
The GLC's longer wheelbase (by 23 mm) translates directly into rear cabin space. The X3's greater length, width, and height give it stronger road presence and a more commanding physical footprint. The GLC has a cavernous 640-litre boot — 70 litres more than the X3's 570 litres — though access to the X3's boot is easier owing to its wider opening and lower loading floor.
The GLC's higher tyre profile adds a layer of comfort on road imperfections. The X3's sportier, lower-profile setup prioritises dynamics over compliance on broken surfaces — a distinction that becomes felt clearly on Indian urban roads.
Design verdict: GLC for elegant, timeless luxury presence. X3 for bold, modern, maximum road presence. Neither is objectively correct — both are authentic to the brand's character.
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| image credits: autocarindia |
Interior: The Clearest Differentiator in the Whole Comparison
This is where the comparison becomes most decisive — and most revealing about the two philosophies.
BMW X3: Sporty, Modern, Tech-Forward
Inside the all-new X3, minimalism seems to be the theme. The dashboard design is sporty and contemporary, with a whole lot of recycled polyester used on the upper dash. The mesh-like material mimics carbon fibre visually, but the rough texture won't appeal to everyone — and keeping the dust out of the open pores will be a practical challenge in Indian conditions.
The centrepiece is BMW's curved display — a single-piece sweep combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen (on the Empowered variant). The iDrive 9 software is logical and well-organised, though BMW's decision to embed AC control into haptic-touch vent controls at the ends of the dashboard — which require precise interaction for airflow adjustment — is over-engineered for something that should be simple.
The X3's front seats are one of its standout qualities. The additional under-thigh extension, side bolster adjustment, and soft cushioning that is comfortable for long drives give the X3's front seats a genuine edge over the GLC's. Both are powered; the X3 offers ventilation; the GLC offers both heating and ventilation — a feature advantage that matters in the Indian climate year-round.
The GLC also adds seat kinetics — a subtle, continuous micro-adjustment of the seat that doesn't provide a full massage experience but does meaningfully reduce fatigue on long drives. The X3 has no equivalent.
The X3's one-piece fixed glass roof is a genuine highlight — unobstructed sky and a dramatic sense of space that the GLC's split-opening panoramic sunroof — which does not provide an unobstructed view but does allow for ventilation — cannot match for visual drama.
Mercedes-Benz GLC: Plush, Traditional, Immediately Premium
The GLC's interior follows a more traditional approach, which works emphatically in its favour — it feels more plush and expensive from the moment you open the door. The generous use of wood and metal throughout ups the visual and tactile quotient considerably. Between the two, the GLC has a more luxe appeal — one that immediately communicates "this is a luxury car" without requiring the occupant to process it consciously.
The 11.9-inch portrait-format touchscreen is crisp, beautifully rendered, and — critically — far easier to use while driving than the X3's system. Basic HVAC functions are hard-coded on the screen and accessible in two touches. The X3's equivalent requires multiple steps, smaller font sizes, and carries a higher risk of hitting unintended functions on the move. This is a daily-use ergonomic difference that compounds over months of ownership.
The GLC also includes several features that the X3 simply does not offer in the India spec: seat heating and ventilation (X3 offers ventilation only), seat kinetics for long-drive fatigue reduction, an off-road mode with electronic traction management, and a transparent bonnet feature — a camera-stitched view of what's immediately in front of and beneath the car's nose, useful for parking and slow off-road manoeuvring.
Rear Seat: GLC's Longer Wheelbase Pays Off
The GLC's 23 mm wheelbase advantage translates into meaningful rear knee room — the most important rear-seat space metric for chauffeur-driven use. The scooped-out front seats further elevate knee clearance. The seat backrest is slightly better angled than the X3's, though both lack a reclinable backrest — a miss at this price.
The X3's rear seat benefits from the larger seat base, which delivers better under-thigh support than the GLC's shorter squabs. For rear-seat passengers on long drives, this becomes a comfort trade-off: more knee room (GLC) versus better under-thigh support (X3).
Both have a large centre tunnel that compromises the middle rear seat meaningfully. Windows are large on both, with manual sunblinds standard.
One irritant on the GLC that Autocar India specifically flagged: the narrow footwell and short dead pedal. Drivers with UK size 10 feet or above will struggle to comfortably rest the left foot — an issue that becomes cumbersome on long drives and is not present in the X3.
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| image credits: autocarindia |
Powertrain: Matched on Paper, Different in Character
Both the GLC 300 4MATIC and the X3 xDrive 20 M Sport in their India-sold specifications use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). Both manufacturers have moved to this standardised mild-hybrid architecture, and on paper, the similarities are striking.
| Powertrain Spec | Mercedes GLC 300 4MATIC | BMW X3 xDrive 20 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo |
| Mild Hybrid | 48V ISG | 48V ISG |
| Power | 258 PS / 255 bhp | 204 PS / 201 bhp (20d diesel) / 258 PS (30i petrol) |
| Transmission | 9-speed AT | 8-speed AT |
| AWD | 4MATIC (standard) | xDrive (standard) |
| 0–100 km/h | ~6.0 sec | ~6.3–7.5 sec (variant dependent) |
| Fuel Economy (claimed) | ~13.1 km/l | ~13.6 km/l (petrol) |
The petrol variants of the X3 and GLC trade blows when it comes to power — the comparable 258 PS specs of both place them evenly matched in outright performance. The GLC 300 is, however, the slightly quicker car to 100 km/h — ~6.0 seconds versus the BMW's ~6.3 seconds in equivalent petrol specification.
In character, the GLC's 9-speed automatic is silkier in its shifts for relaxed daily driving. The X3's 8-speed is sharper and more responsive when called upon — more rewarding for drivers, less transparent for passengers.
The X3 also offers a diesel variant (xDrive 20d) with meaningfully better claimed fuel economy — ARAI figures of 17.86 km/l for the diesel against the GLC 220d's 19.4 km/l, though the Mercedes diesel edges ahead on claimed efficiency. In real-world mixed Indian driving, both petrol variants return 8–11 km/l in city conditions and 12–15 km/l on highways.
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| image credits: autocarindia |
Ride & Handling: The Signature BMW-vs-Mercedes Divide
This is where the character difference is most viscerally felt — and most defining for the buying decision.
The GLC's longer wheelbase, softer suspension calibration, and higher tyre profile combine to deliver a ride quality that is meaningfully more compliant on Indian urban roads. Speed breakers, expansion joints, and the sharp-edged potholes that characterise residential colony roads in Indian cities — the GLC handles all of them with more composure and less harshness than the X3. The 201 mm ground clearance is also a genuine advantage on India's higher-set speed breakers compared to the X3's sportier, lower-slung setup.
The X3's ride is firmer — not harsh, but clearly calibrated for dynamics over compliance. On smooth tarmac, it is engaging and composed. On India's variable urban surfaces, it transmits more to the cabin than the GLC. The reward is a steering feel, body control in corners, and driving involvement that the GLC simply does not attempt to replicate. The GLC is built to be driven in; the X3 is built to be driven.
Both SUVs feature standard AWD systems — 4MATIC on the Mercedes and xDrive on the BMW — providing all-weather traction confidence that is not strictly necessary on Indian roads but adds to ownership peace of mind year-round.
Ride and handling verdict: GLC for superior ride comfort on Indian road surfaces and chauffeur-driven use. X3 for superior driving engagement and dynamic confidence for drivers.
Infotainment & Technology: MBUX Wins on Usability; iDrive Wins on Ambition
Both SUVs rely heavily on their touchscreen infotainment for all major functions — everything from climate to car settings is embedded in the UI, with only a few haptic controls as shortcuts. Right off the bat, the MBUX in the GLC is extremely easy to use in comparison to the X3's iDrive 9 system. Basic functions like HVAC are hard-coded on the GLC's screen; the BMW requires multiple touches, and the font size feels a tad small, so you inevitably end up hitting unnecessary functions while on the move.
The GLC's 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen is intuitive from the first interaction — a quality that the iDrive 9 system requires a learning period to match. For buyers upgrading from non-BMW vehicles, the MBUX learning curve is minimal; iDrive 9's is moderate but navigable.
The X3's curved display with iDrive 9 is, however, the more technically ambitious system. The interaction bar — a crystal-like strip running the base of the screen for ambient and climate interaction — is visually stunning. The system's over-the-air update capability, deeper feature integration, and more modern interface will age better over the car's ownership life.
Both get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, park assist, 360-degree cameras, and ADAS suites. The GLC's transparent bonnet feature — camera-stitched under-car view for parking and low-speed terrain use — is unique to the Mercedes. The X3's park assist is noted by Autocar India as considerably easier to use than the GLC's.
Safety: Comprehensively Matched
Both SUVs offer a comprehensive ADAS suite including Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Active Lane Change Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Both feature seven airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX mounts, and 360-degree camera systems.
The X3 received a four-star NHTSA safety rating; the GLC has earned consistent five-star safety credentials in European testing. In India, both are sold with equivalent safety hardware for the segment.
The GLC's seat kinetics provide an indirect safety benefit — reduced driver fatigue over long drives. The X3's superior seat support and under-thigh extension are their own long-drive comfort advantage for driver alertness.
Features Comparison
| Feature | Mercedes GLC 300 4MATIC | BMW X3 xDrive 20 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment | 11.9-inch portrait MBUX | 14.9-inch curved iDrive 9 |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch digital | 12.3-inch digital |
| Front Seat Ventilation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Front Seat Heating | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Seat Kinetics/Massage | ✅ Yes (kinetics) | ❌ No |
| Panoramic Roof | Split-open panoramic | Fixed glass roof |
| AWD | 4MATIC (standard) | xDrive (standard) |
| Transparent Bonnet | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Off-road Mode | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (standard spec) |
| Ambient Lighting | 64-colour | Crystal ambient strip |
| Ground Clearance | 201 mm | Lower (sportier) |
| Boot Space | 640 litres | 570 litres |
| Seat Adjustment (front) | Standard powered | Under-thigh extension + bolster adj. |
| Infotainment Usability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Front Seat Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rear Knee Room | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rear Under-Thigh Support | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price: Closely Matched at the Point of Purchase
The BMW X3 starts at ₹71.20 lakh ex-showroom for the xDrive 20 M Sport (petrol), and the Mercedes-Benz GLC starts at ₹73.95 lakh for the 220d diesel — making the comparable petrol variants roughly matched in price. The X3's diesel xDrive 20d commands approximately ₹90,000 more than the comparable GLC 220d diesel.
After GST revision in 2025, the BMW Group passed on significant price reductions — up to ₹13.6 lakh on certain BMW models — further sharpening the X3's competitive positioning against the GLC.
At the petrol top-spec: the GLC 300 4MATIC and X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro are priced closely — within ₹1–3 lakh of each other depending on the variant configuration. Neither brand significantly undercuts the other at equivalent specification.
On-road pricing in Tier 1 Indian cities will add registration, insurance, and accessories — typically pushing both into ₹80–95 lakh on-road territory for top petrol variants.
3 Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1: The Chauffeur-Driven Executive — Suresh, Delhi NCR
Suresh chose the GLC 300 4MATIC for executive chauffeur-driven use after test-driving both. His deciding factors were the longer wheelbase's rear knee room, the MBUX's ease of use for his driver, the seat kinetics for fatigue reduction on long Delhi–Chandigarh runs, and the transparent bonnet for parking navigation in tight basement areas. After six months of ownership, his verdict is consistent: the GLC is the more refined rear-seat experience, and his driver navigates its infotainment without stress. His one concession: the narrow footwell is a weekly irritation for his driver, who wears UK size 11.
Case Study 2: The Driving Enthusiast — Priya, Bengaluru
Priya chose the BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro for its driving dynamics after an extended back-to-back test session. She drives herself everywhere and uses the car daily on Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road and for regular Coorg weekend drives. Her verdict after five months: the steering is significantly more communicative than the GLC's, the chassis balance in fast corners inspires confidence the Mercedes never matched, and the front seat support has made four-hour drives comfortable without the fatigue she experienced in the GLC. Her consistent criticism: iDrive 9's climate controls require more attention than they should, and the X3's lower tyre profile makes Bengaluru's city roads feel coarser than the GLC.
Case Study 3: The Practical Luxury Buyer — Vikram, Mumbai
Vikram evaluated both purely on the family use brief: airport runs, weekend Lonavla drives with spouse and two children, and weekday commuting. He chose the GLC 300 4MATIC. His key factors: the 640-litre boot — 70 litres more than the X3 — that swallows school bags, luggage, and a golf bag simultaneously; the seat heating for winter commutes (absent on the X3); the more intuitive infotainment that his spouse uses without confusion; and the GLC's overall ride quality on Mumbai's uneven roads, which keeps rear-seat passengers more comfortable. His driving self-assessment: he's not a spirited driver and doesn't need the X3's dynamics. The GLC's blend of comfort, space, and technology is precisely what he needed.
Head-to-Head Verdict Table
| Category | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Road Presence | BMW X3 ✅ | Larger dimensions, bolder design — commands attention |
| Exterior Design | Personal — Draw | GLC is elegant; X3 is bold; both are authentic to brand |
| Interior Quality (feel) | Mercedes GLC ✅ | Wood and metal are more plush and expensive-feeling than X3's recycled polyester |
| Front Seat Comfort | BMW X3 ✅ | Under-thigh extension, side bolster adj., better support |
| Rear Knee Room | Mercedes GLC ✅ | Longer wheelbase + scooped front seats = more rear knee room |
| Rear Under-Thigh Support | BMW X3 ✅ | Larger seat base compensates for shorter wheelbase |
| Boot Space | Mercedes GLC ✅ | 640L vs 570L — 70L more usable capacity |
| Boot Access | BMW X3 ✅ | Wider opening, lower floor, easier loading |
| Infotainment Usability | Mercedes GLC ✅ | MBUX is significantly easier to use while driving |
| Infotainment Ambition | BMW X3 ✅ | iDrive 9 is more technologically advanced and will age better |
| Seat Heating | Mercedes GLC ✅ | Both heating + ventilation; X3 offers ventilation only |
| Seat Kinetics / Massage | Mercedes GLC ✅ | Not available on X3 |
| Transparent Bonnet | Mercedes GLC ✅ | Unique to GLC; X3 has no equivalent |
| Glass Roof (drama) | BMW X3 ✅ | Fixed one-piece glass roof — more panoramic and dramatic |
| Ride Comfort (Indian roads) | Mercedes GLC ✅ | Higher tyre profile, softer suspension, longer wheelbase |
| Driving Dynamics | BMW X3 ✅ | Sharper steering, better balance, more engaging chassis |
| Ground Clearance | Mercedes GLC ✅ | 201 mm — better suited for Indian speed breakers |
| Park Assist Usability | BMW X3 ✅ | Noted as significantly easier to use than GLC's |
| Footwell Space (driver) | BMW X3 ✅ | GLC's narrow footwell and short dead pedal problematic for larger drivers |
| Overall Value | BMW X3 ✅ | Starts ₹2.75 lakh lower; post-GST reductions sharpened position |
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC if:
- Your primary use is chauffeur-driven — the longer wheelbase delivers rear space that the X3 cannot match
- Infotainment ease of use matters — MBUX is dramatically more intuitive for drivers unfamiliar with BMW systems
- You carry luggage regularly — 640 litres of boot space is a meaningful real-world advantage
- Seat heating is important to your year-round comfort (absent on the X3's base ventilation-only setup)
- The seat kinetics feature reduces fatigue on long drives — the GLC is the better long-distance passenger car
- Indian road compliance is a priority — the GLC's ride quality on urban surfaces is meaningfully superior
- Your family prioritises plush, traditional luxury over modern minimalism in interior design
- Ground clearance of 201 mm gives you confidence on Indian residential colony roads
Buy the BMW X3 xDrive 20 M Sport / 30 xDrive M Sport Pro if:
- You drive yourself and want the most engaging, rewarding luxury SUV to drive in this price bracket
- You prioritise front seat support and comfort for the driver over rear space
- The iDrive 9 system's technical ambition and future-proofing appeal to you
- The dramatic fixed one-piece glass roof is a feature you'll appreciate daily
- Dynamic confidence on winding roads and expressways matters to your weekend driving plans
- Your primary concern is driving rather than being driven
- The X3's stronger road presence and bolder design language matches your identity preference
- GST-revised pricing makes the X3 the more financially compelling starting proposition
Final Scorecard
| Category | Mercedes GLC 300 4MATIC | BMW X3 xDrive 20 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Design & Presence | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Interior Quality (feel) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Front Seat Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rear Seat Space | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cargo & Practicality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Infotainment Usability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tech Ambition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Feature Set | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ride Comfort (Indian) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Driving Dynamics | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | 4.4 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
The GLC edges the overall score — but the margin reflects the all-round buyer brief, not an absolute verdict. For the driver who values dynamics above all else, the X3 scores its own 5/5. For the chauffeur-driven executive or family buyer who prioritises space, comfort, and intuitive technology, the GLC is the clearly stronger choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which has more boot space — Mercedes GLC or BMW X3? The Mercedes GLC has a larger boot at 640 litres, compared to the BMW X3's 570 litres — a 70-litre advantage. However, the X3's boot has a wider opening and lower loading floor, making it easier to access. Both have a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor.
Q: Is the BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC better for Indian road conditions? The GLC handles Indian road surfaces more comfortably. Its 201 mm ground clearance (better suited to high residential speed breakers), higher tyre profile, softer suspension calibration, and longer wheelbase all contribute to a more compliant, comfortable ride on India's varied road surfaces. The X3's sportier, lower-slung setup trades compliance for driving dynamics.
Q: Which infotainment system is easier to use — MBUX or iDrive 9? MBUX in the GLC is significantly easier to use while driving. Basic functions including HVAC are hard-coded on the screen and accessible quickly. iDrive 9 in the X3 requires more steps, uses a smaller font in certain menus, and can result in unintended inputs while driving. iDrive 9 is, however, more technologically ambitious and is expected to improve further through OTA updates.
Q: Does the Mercedes GLC have seat heating? Does the BMW X3? The GLC 300 4MATIC offers both seat heating and ventilation as standard. The BMW X3 xDrive 20 M Sport offers seat ventilation only in the India specification — seat heating is not included. This is a meaningful feature gap for buyers who value seat heating during cooler months.
Q: Which is better for chauffeur-driven use — GLC or X3? The Mercedes GLC is the stronger chauffeur-driven car. Its longer wheelbase delivers better rear knee room, the MBUX infotainment is easier for chauffeurs to operate, seat kinetics reduce passenger fatigue on long runs, and the ride quality on Indian city roads is more composed. The X3 has better under-thigh support in the rear but trails on knee room and overall rear-seat comfort calibration.
💬 GLC or X3 — What's Your Take?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3 debate is one of the most passionately argued in Indian luxury automotive circles — and the arrival of the all-new fourth-generation X3 has made it more genuinely competitive than it has been in years. GLC loyalists point to rear space, ride comfort, and MBUX's ease. X3 advocates point to driving dynamics, bold design, and iDrive 9's tech ambition.
Which camp do you belong to? Do you already own one of these — and has it lived up to expectations in daily Indian conditions?
Drop your ownership story, your verdict, and your priority list in the comments below. We read and respond to every one.
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