Compare the2023 BMW X1VS 2022 Mercedes GLC

The BMW X1 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.

The X1 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The GLC doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X1 offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The GLC doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the X1. But it costs extra on the GLC.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X1’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The GLC doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The X1’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 X1 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The X1’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the GLC’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X1 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.

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 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The X1’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 273) than the GLC’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the X1 gets better mileage than the GLC:

Regenerative brakes improve the X1’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GLC doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the BMW X1 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The GLC requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW X1 higher (8 out of 10) than the Mercedes GLC (6). This means the X1 produces up to 6.6 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the GLC every 15,000 miles.

The X1 offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The GLC doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The X1’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.

The X1’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GLC’s standard 60 series tires. The X1’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the GLC’s optional 45 series tires.

The X1 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.

For greater off-road capability the X1 has a 3.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the GLC (8.1 vs. 5 inches), allowing the X1 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The X1 is 6.1 inches shorter than the GLC, making the X1 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the BMW X1 amounts to more than styling. The X1 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .27 Cd. That is significantly lower than the GLC (.35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the X1 get better fuel mileage.

The X1 has 4.3 inches more front headroom and .8 inches more rear headroom than the GLC.

The X1 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the GLC with its rear seat up (25.7 vs. 19.4 cubic feet). The X1 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the GLC with its rear seat folded (57.2 vs. 56.5 cubic feet).

A Trailer Stabilization Control is standard on the X1, using the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the GLC.

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.