BMW XM vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

The BMW XM starts from $309,900 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 $220,000.

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 $340,890 and $98,890 respectively.

The BMW XM qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLC, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW XM by roughly $7,380 in fuel alone.

Both the BMW XM and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BMW XM and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW XM packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BMW XM and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The BMW XM adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLC misses.

The BMW XM features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW XM stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The BMW XM uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 550kW and 800Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The BMW XM has the clear power advantage at 550kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW XM is 3.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW XM measures 5,110mm long on a 3,105mm wheelbase, 394mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW XM generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 500L in the BMW XM and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 100L advantage.

For towing, the BMW XM leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $576/year for the BMW XM and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $1,476 annual difference in favour of the BMW XM.

Estimated annual total: $576 (BMW XM) vs $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The BMW XM saves you roughly $1,476 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW XM) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Both match on warranty length.