BMW X4 G02 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

BMW X4

G02 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation X4 (G02), on the CLAR platform shared with the X3 G01.

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 G02 for the B58 M40i and a more dynamic, refined package than the F26.

Best engine: The M40i (B58, 360 hp) — the standout.

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

M40i · Petrol vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	360 hp Winner	211 hp
Torque	500 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,8 s Winner	7,3 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	222 km/h
Power-to-weight	188,0 hp/t Winner	121,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	191 g/km	152 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,2 L/100km	6,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	525 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,75 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	CLAR (G02, xDrive)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48/B58 petrol · B47/B57 diesel (mild-hybrid)	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	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 X4

Cooling-system plastics and water pumps
Oil-filter housing gasket leaks (B48/B58)
EGR/DPF/AdBlue attention on diesels

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

B58 M40i is strong, free-revving and the standout
Facelift (2021) brought mild-hybrid tech on many diesels
More dynamic and refined than the F26

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

Sloping roof reduces rear headroom versus the X3
Firm ride on M Sport adaptive suspension and larger wheels

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 and refined than the F26. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but prioritises composure and refinement over pure sharpness. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The B58 M40i is the standout: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. B48 four-cylinder petrols are smooth and responsive. Diesels (especially the B57 sixes) deliver strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that balances road presence, dynamics and everyday usability better than its predecessor.

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.