BMW X2 F39 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

BMW X2

F39 · 2017 – 2023

The first-generation X2 (F39), on the UKL2 platform shared with the X1 and MINI Countryman.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X2

Pick the F39 if you want coupé style and sporty driving in a compact crossover — accepting a smaller boot and tighter rear headroom than the X1.

Best engine: The B48 20i (192 hp) — the sweet spot.

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

sDrive20i · Petrol vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol

	BMW X2	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	192 hp	211 hp Winner
Torque	280 Nm	350 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,4 s	7,3 s Winner
Top speed	227 km/h Winner	222 km/h
Power-to-weight	118,9 hp/t	121,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	146 g/km Winner	152 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,4 L/100km Winner	6,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X2	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	470 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.355 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,36 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	18,2 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	11,3 m Winner	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X2	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X2

B48 oil-filter housing gasket leaks and possible coolant-oil mixing
B47 EGR cooler: fire-risk recall (verify completed)
Plastic coolant lines and expansion tank

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 X2

B48 20i (192 hp) is refined, responsive and the sweet spot
M35i (306 hp) delivers hot-hatch pace in a crossover
Quick, direct steering — drives like a raised hot hatch

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 X2

Wind noise around A-pillars and mirrors at speed
Boot and rear headroom smaller than 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

Driving experience

BMW X2

The F39 is more engaging than a conventional compact SUV. Steering is quick and direct, body control is good, and the car feels agile and planted on twisty roads, especially with M Sport suspension and larger wheels. Ride is firm — acceptable on smooth roads but it can feel busy and thumpy over Belgian cobbles, patched asphalt or motorway expansion joints. The B48 20i is the sweet spot: refined, responsive and willing without being harsh. The 18i is adequate but coarser; the M35i is properly quick and sounds more purposeful. Diesels are strong and refined for the class. Noise levels are good at speed, though wind noise can be noticeable around the A-pillars and mirrors. Overall it drives more like a raised hot hatch than a soft family crossover.

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.