Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW i5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i5 opens at $155,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $66,000.
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 $98,890 and $171,490 respectively.
The BMW i5 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW i5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 89% for the BMW i5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW i5 packs more ADAS features with 7 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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 6 in the BMW i5. The BMW i5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLC misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the BMW i5 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i5. The BMW i5 counters with heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The BMW i5 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The BMW i5 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i5 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4,716mm long on a 2,888mm wheelbase, 344mm shorter than the BMW i5 at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 500L in the BMW i5, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 100L advantage.
For towing, the BMW i5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg 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 11.9m
Based on 11.9m 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
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 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, Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW i5?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest at $89,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i5 by $66,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW i5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i5 makes the most power at 250kW. The BMW i5 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.7s.
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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