BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X1
BMW’s compact premium SUV.
VS
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Mercedes' mid-size SUV 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 (petrol) or 20d (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
B48 20i · Petrol vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol
| BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
192 hp
|
211 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
280 Nm
|
350 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
|
7,3 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
226 km/h
Winner
|
222 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
127,6 hp/t
Winner
|
121,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
Winner
|
152 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
505 L
|
550 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.550 L
|
1.600 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,87 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,44 m
|
4,66 m
|
| Width |
1,82 m
|
1,89 m
|
| Height |
1,60 m
|
1,64 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the Mini Countryman) | 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 | B38/B48 petrol · B47 diesel | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic · 6-speed manual | 9G-TRONIC automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW X1
- EGR clogging on diesels
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47)
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
- Sharp BMW handling
- Proven B-series engines
- Optional xDrive all-wheel drive
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
- Less roomy than the Q3/Tiguan
- Front-wheel-drive base (the E84 was rear-wheel drive)
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
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For sale at dealers
BMW X1
89 for sale · from € 6.990
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
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