BMW iX1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW iX1
BMW’s fully electric compact SUV.
VS
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Mercedes' mid-size SUV on the MRA platform.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW iX1
Pick the iX1 for zero-emission driving in a practical compact premium SUV with modern iDrive tech and a punchy xDrive30.
Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Pick the GLC for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium mid-size SUV.
Best engine: The GLC 220 d (diesel) or GLC 250 (petrol) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Performance
xDrive30 · Electric vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
313 hp
Winner
|
211 hp
|
| Torque |
494 Nm
Winner
|
350 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
5,6 s
Winner
|
7,3 s
|
| Top speed |
180 km/h
|
222 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
150,1 hp/t
Winner
|
121,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
0 g/km
Winner
|
152 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
—
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
490 L
|
550 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.495 L
|
1.600 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,69 m
|
2,87 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,50 m
|
4,66 m
|
| Width |
1,85 m
|
1,89 m
|
| Height |
1,62 m
|
1,64 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | FAAR (front-drive base, shared with the X1 U11) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the C-Class W205) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | Single or dual electric motors (fifth-generation eDrive) | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio) | 9G-TRONIC automatic |
| Euro standard | N/A (electric) | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW iX1
- Software/iDrive (early OS8/OS9 builds)
- Integrated brake system (IBS) recall (2022–2024)
- 12V battery can drain when parked
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Early OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx watch-points
- 9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
- AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
- COMAND/MBUX software glitches (mostly fixed via updates)
Pros
BMW iX1
- Zero-emission and brisk in traffic thanks to instant torque
- Practical compact SUV with adult rear seats and a 490 L boot
- Quiet, refined ride, typically electric
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- 550 L boot growing to ~1,600 L — roomy for a mid-size SUV
- Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLC 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm)
- MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
- GLC 350 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 560 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
BMW iX1
- Firm ride, especially on larger wheels and M Sport
- Battery pack slightly reduces boot versus the X1
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- OM651/OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
- PHEV (GLC 350 e) shrinks boot space (395 L)
- Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
—
—
—
—
—
For sale at dealers
BMW iX1
13 for sale · from € 34.390
BMW iX1 xDrive30 · electric · Panoramic roof · Camera · CarPlay…
€ 34.390
Falcomotive
Falcomotive
BMW iX1 xDrive30 · electric · M-Sport · 360° camera · CarPlay ·…
€ 40.499
Exclusive Car Design BV
Exclusive Car Design BV
BMW iX1 electric · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 36.900
Knokke Cars bv
Knokke Cars bv
BMW iX1 eDrive20 · electric · M-Sport · Camera · CarPlay · LED …
€ 45.680
EV Blue Automobile
EV Blue Automobile
Mercedes-Benz GLC
14 for sale · from € 18.950
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 electric · 4Matic · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarP…
€ 29.999
GDCauto
GDCauto
Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4MATIC · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 51.999
GDCauto
GDCauto
Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 AMG · Camera · LED · Head-up display
€ 26.995
DR Motors
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC · AMG · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarPlay
€ 57.490
Garage Carrera Cars
Garage Carrera Cars
