BMW X4 F26 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

BMW X4

F26 · 2014 – 2018

The first-generation X4 (F26), on the F25 X3 platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the F26 only with documented N20 chain work or a later build — otherwise the timing-chain risk is real.

Best engine: The xDrive28i (N20, 245 hp) or xDrive30d (N57).

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

xDrive28i · Petrol vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	245 hp Winner	211 hp
Torque	350 Nm	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,4 s Winner	7,3 s
Top speed	232 km/h Winner	222 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t Winner	121,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	179 g/km	152 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,2 L/100km	6,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	500 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.400 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,81 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,67 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	F25 (F26, xDrive)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	N20/N55 petrol · N47/B47 · N57 diesel	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X4

N20 timing chain and tensioner (biggest risk)
Electric water pump and coolant loss
Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks

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 X4

First X4: more aggressive style than the X3 F25
N55 (35i) is the reliable petrol choice
B47 diesel (20d/25d) much improved over N47

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 X4

N20 cold-start chain rattle is a warning sign
Sloping roof limits rear headroom

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 X4

More dynamic than a standard X3 of the same generation. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but not a pure sports car — weight and the higher centre of gravity are noticeable when pushed. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps balance firmness and comfort. The N55 petrol sixes (35i/M40i) deliver strong, linear performance and a characterful engine note. The N20 four-cylinder petrols are competent but less refined. Diesels (especially the N57 sixes) offer strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that prioritises road presence and dynamics over maximum practicality.

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.