Compare the2024 Mercedes GLCVS 2024 BMW X4

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes GLC have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X4 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes GLC are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X4 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLC offers optional Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The X4 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

Both the GLC and X4 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the GLC has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The X4’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the GLC and the X4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

The Mercedes GLC achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The X4 has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

There are over 10 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the GLC’s warranty.

The GLC’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 7 more horsepower (255 vs. 248) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 258) than the X4 xDrive30i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the GLC gets better mileage than the X4:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes GLC higher (7 out of 10) than the BMW X4 (5 to 7). This means the GLC produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the X4 every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the X4.

For better stopping power the GLC’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the X4:

For better traction, the GLC’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X4 (F:255/45R20 & R:285/40R20 vs. F:245/45R20 & R:275/40R20).

The GLC’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The X4 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the GLC’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the X4’s (38.7 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The GLC has 1 inch more front headroom, 2.2 inches more rear headroom, 1.9 inches more rear legroom and .6 inches more rear shoulder room than the X4.

The GLC has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the X4 with its rear seat up (21.9 vs. 18.5 cubic feet). The GLC has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the X4 with its rear seat folded (56.3 vs. 50.5 cubic feet).

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the GLC uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The X4 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the X4, the GLC has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLC’s standard easy entry and exit feature raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The X4 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GLC’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Comfort Go standard on the X4 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the GLC has a standard rear wiper. The X4 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLC to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The X4 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLC has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the X4.

The GLC offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The X4 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLC is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The X4 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Motor Trend selected the GLC as their 2017 Sport Utility of the Year. The X4 has never been chosen.

The Mercedes GLC outsold the BMW X4 by over four to one during 2023.