BMW X1 E84 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

BMW X1

E84 · 2009 – 2015

The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (N20 petrol) or 20d (N47 diesel).

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

N20 20i · Petrol vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	184 hp	211 hp Winner
Torque	270 Nm	350 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,7 s	7,3 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	222 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	121,1 hp/t	121,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	168 g/km	152 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,7 L/100km	6,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	420 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.350 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,76 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,45 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i)	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 5	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1

N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
Transfer case (xDrive)
Cooling system needs checking

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 X1

Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact footprint
Good headroom

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 X1

Firm ride
Small boot for the class

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

Driving experience

BMW X1

—

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Comfortable, quiet and more car-like than its height suggests. The GLC steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well on the standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. 4MATIC is standard on most versions and adds sure-footed traction without altering the relaxed character. The M274/M264 petrols are smooth and willing, the OM654 diesel is the economical distance choice, and the 300 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a well-rounded, easy-to-live-with compact SUV that does everything competently.