Compare the2024 Mercedes GLCVS 2024 BMW X5

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 X5 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 X5 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 X5 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

Both the GLC and the X5 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 X5 is not a “Top Safety Pick” 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.

On the EPA test cycle the GLC gets better mileage than the X5 running its gasoline engine:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes GLC higher (7 out of 10) than the BMW X5 (5 to 7). This means the GLC produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the X5 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 X5.

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 X5 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The GLC 300 4MATIC handles at .88 G’s, while the X5 M60i xDrive pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the GLC’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the X5 M60i xDrive’s (38.7 feet vs. 39.4 feet). The GLC’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the X5’s (38.7 feet vs. 41.3 feet).

The Mercedes GLC may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 1300 pounds less than the BMW X5.

The GLC is 8.5 inches shorter than the X5, making the GLC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The GLC has .6 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front legroom and .3 inches more rear headroom than the X5.

The GLC’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The X5’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the GLC, using 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. A trailer sway program costs extra on the X5.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The GLC’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the X5’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Marginal.”

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 X5 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Motor Trend selected the GLC as their 2017 Sport Utility of the Year. The X5 has never been chosen.