BMW X5 G05 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

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

B58 40i · Petrol vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	340 hp Winner	211 hp
Torque	450 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,5 s Winner	7,3 s
Top speed	243 km/h Winner	222 km/h
Power-to-weight	159,3 hp/t Winner	121,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	198 g/km	152 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,6 L/100km	6,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	650 L Winner	550 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.870 L Winner	1.600 L
Wheelbase	2,98 m Winner	2,87 m
Length	4,92 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	21,4 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	12,6 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	2.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	CLAR (longitudinal)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed Steptronic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/EGR 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 X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

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 X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

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 X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.

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.