BMW X5 M vs Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the BMW X5 M a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

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 Coupe gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X5 M stands out with ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe counters with Burmester audio and 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 Coupe offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X5 M and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

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 Coupe responds with a Petrol making 190kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.

The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 190kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X5 M is 3.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 M and 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, giving the BMW X5 M a 80L 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.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 11.9 m against 12.7 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X5 M costs about $3,563 a year (12.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe about $2,195 a year (7.7 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,368 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X5 M) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe).

Where each one leads

The BMW X5 M: more power (460kW against 190kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (650L against 570L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 2,000kg).

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe: the lower starting price ($111,400 against $247,800) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,195 a year against $3,563).

The Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe scores higher, 72 vs 59

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe scores 72 to the BMW X5 M's 59 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe ahead by 43 points), performance (BMW X5 M ahead by 33 points), safety (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe ahead by 29 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe costs about $1,368 less (7.7 L/100km against 12.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 650L in the BMW X5 M, 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Common questions