Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2022 Mercedes GLC

The BMW X2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GLC doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X2’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The GLC doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The X2’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the GLC.

Both the X2 and the GLC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, and available all wheel drive.

The X2’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the GLC’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the GLC.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X2’s reliability 20 points higher than the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium SUVs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The GLC isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 24th.

The X2 M35i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 46 more horsepower (301 vs. 255) and 58 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 273) than the GLC’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X2 xDrive28i is faster than the Mercedes GLC:

On the EPA test cycle the X2 gets better mileage than the GLC:

Regenerative brakes improve the X2’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GLC doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The GLC doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X2 M35i’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the GLC:

The X2 stops much shorter than the GLC:

The X2’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GLC’s standard 60 series tires. The X2 M35i’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the GLC’s optional 45 series tires.

The X2 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The GLC’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive handles at .92 G’s, while the GLC 300 4MATIC pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the GLC 300 4MATIC (25.9 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 27.3 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the X2’s turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the GLC’s (37.2 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the X2 has a 2.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the GLC (7.2 vs. 5 inches), allowing the X2 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 250 pounds less than the Mercedes GLC.

The X2 is 11.1 inches shorter than the GLC, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front step up height for the X2 is 3.4 inches lower than the GLC (16.6” vs. 20”). The X2’s rear step up height is 5.5 inches lower than the GLC’s (17” vs. 22.5”).

The X2 has a much larger cargo volume than the GLC with its rear seat up (21.6 vs. 19.4 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

Consumer Reports rated the X2’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the GLC’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

The X2 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X2 will retain 48.65% to 51.59% of its original price after five years, while the GLC only retains 44.8% to 45.61%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X2 will be $7885 to $8561 less than for the Mercedes GLC.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X2, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes GLC isn't recommended.