BMW X5 M vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$247,800RRP
- no option data for this car
$89,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BMW X5 M & Mercedes-Benz GLC
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X5 M starts from $247,800 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $157,900.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $272,580 and $98,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLC by roughly $7,125 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the BMW X5 M. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
BMW X5 M
None open on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006414 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the steering coupling bolts may not meet specifications and could become loose.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-006318 · published 28 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the high-voltage starter generator may experience an intermittent overload, which could deactivate functions of the system.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- 26 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X5 M features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The BMW X5 M stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X5 M gets merino leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X5 M and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Drivetrain
The BMW X5 M uses a Petrol producing 460kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X5 M is 4.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X5 M measures 4,948mm long on a 2,972mm wheelbase, 232mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 M generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 M and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the BMW X5 M a 50L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X5 M leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.7m
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,563/year for the BMW X5 M and $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $1,425 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5 M) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X5 M if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (59 vs 62). The BMW X5 M and Mercedes-Benz GLC trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz GLC will save you roughly $1,425 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 M has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X5 M and Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest at $89,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X5 M by $157,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz GLC holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We hold no ANCAP data for BMW X5 M, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 M has the largest boot at 650L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 M has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,700kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW X5 M makes the most power at 460kW. The BMW X5 M is quickest to 100km/h in 3.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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