Mercedes GLC vs BMW X5 2026: Complete SUV Comparison
The BMW X5 is a full-size luxury SUV with 3-row seating and 335+ hp, while the Mercedes GLC is a compact luxury SUV with 2 rows and up to 302 hp. The X5 offers more space and power, whereas the GLC prioritizes agility and efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Compact luxury SUV with advanced tech and efficient engines, available with 2.0L turbo or AMG performance options.
Urban professionals, couples, small families, and buyers prioritizing efficiency and agility over space and power
BMW X5
Full-size luxury SUV with three-row seating, powerful engines, and comprehensive tech features, designed for families and luxury buyers.
Large families, luxury buyers needing three-row seating, off-road capability seekers, and those prioritizing power and space over fuel economy
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe BMW X5 is a full-size luxury SUV with 3-row seating and 335+ hp, while the Mercedes GLC is a compact luxury SUV with 2 rows and up to 302 hp. The X5 offers more space and power, whereas the GLC prioritizes agility and efficiency.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the BMW X5 if you need a spacious three-row SUV with powerful performance and don't mind premium pricing—it's ideal for large families and those prioritizing capability. Choose the Mercedes GLC if you prefer a nimble, efficient two-row SUV with lower costs and easier daily maneuverability in urban environments.
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Choose Mercedes-Benz GLC if
Urban professionals, couples, small families, and buyers prioritizing efficiency and agility over space and power
Choose BMW X5 if
Best pickLarge families, luxury buyers needing three-row seating, off-road capability seekers, and those prioritizing power and space over fuel economy
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Vehicle Class:✓ BMW X5 wins(Full-Size Luxury SUV vs Compact Luxury SUV)
- Seating Capacity:✓ BMW X5 wins(7 seats (3 rows) vs 5 seats (2 rows))
- Engine Power (Base Model):✓ BMW X5 wins(335 hp (xDrive40) vs 255 hp (GLC 300))
Key Facts & Figures
55 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLC | BMW X5 | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2026 Model Year)(USD) | $52,300 | — | — |
| Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 19.4 cu ft | — | — |
| Infotainment Display Size(inches) | 11.6 inches | 12.3-inch iDrive 8 touchscreen | |
| Curb Weight (Base Model)(lbs) | 4,410 lbs | — | — |
| Starting Price (2025)(USD) | $41,400 | — | — |
| Base Engine Horsepower(hp) | 255 hp (GLC 300) | — | — |
| Base Engine Torque(lb-ft) | 273 lb-ft | — | — |
| Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 25.3 cu ft | — | — |
| Standard Safety Features(count) | 10 systems | — | — |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating(stars) | 5 stars | — | — |
| Base Engine Power Output(hp) | 255 hp | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 21 MPG | 24 mpg (M60i) | |
| Starting MSRP(USD) | $47,650 | — | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cu ft) | 26.2 cu ft | — | — |
| Infotainment Touchscreen Size(inches) | 11.9 inches | — | — |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) | 6.1 seconds | 6.1 sec (M60i) | |
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | 3,500 lbs | — | — |
| Annual Fuel Cost Estimate(USD) | $1,550 | — | — |
| Engine Output (Base Model)(hp) | 255 hp | — | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)(mpg) | 24 mpg | — | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $43,650 | — | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Score (2026)(score out of 100) | 82/100 | — | — |
| Infotainment Screen Diagonal(inches) | 11.9 inches OLED | — | — |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats)(cubic feet) | 19.4 cu ft | — | — |
| Engine Displacement (Base)(liters) | 2.0L turbocharged | 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 | |
| Horsepower (Base Model)(hp) | 255 hp | 335 hp | |
| Torque (Base Model)(lb-ft) | 273 lb-ft | 331 lb-ft | |
| 0-60 Acceleration (Estimated Base)(seconds) | 6.8 seconds | 5.3 seconds | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base, 2WD)(mpg) | 24 mpg | 22 mpg | |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 5 seats | 7 seats | |
| Maximum Cargo Space(cu ft) | 60.3 cu ft | 86.7 cu ft | |
| Cargo Space Behind Rear Seats(cu ft) | 19.4 cu ft | 36.4 cu ft | |
| Overall Length(inches) | 186.4 inches | 196.9 inches | |
| Turning Radius(feet) | 35.4 feet | 38.2 feet | |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $43,450 | $60,650 | |
| Standard Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 12.3 inches | 12.3 inches | |
| 0-60 Acceleration (3.0L Base Engine)(seconds) | 5.8 seconds | 5.8 seconds | |
| Total Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 76.3 cu ft | 76.3 cu ft | |
| Infotainment System Response Time(milliseconds) | 0.8 seconds | 0.8 seconds | |
| Base Engine Displacement(Liters) | 3.0L Turbo | 3.0L Turbo | |
| Base Model Starting Price (2026)(USD) | $63,300 | $63,300 | |
| Horsepower (3.0L Base Engine)(HP) | 340 HP | 340 HP | |
| Panoramic Sunroof Size(square inches) | 59.3 sq in | 59.3 sq in | |
| Engine Displacement (Top Model)(liters) | 3.5L Twin-Turbo | 3.5L Twin-Turbo | |
| Maximum Horsepower(hp) | 523 hp (M60i) | 523 hp (M60i) | |
| Base MSRP(USD) | $64,450 | $64,450 | |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats)(cubic feet) | 28.8 cu ft | 28.8 cu ft | |
| Touchscreen Display Size(inches) | 12.3 inches (standard) | 12.3 inches (standard) | |
| Curb Weight(lbs) | 4,685 lbs (M60i) | 4,685 lbs (M60i) | |
| Maximum Engine Power(hp) | 523 hp (X5 M60i) | 523 hp (X5 M60i) | |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration (Base AWD)(seconds) | 5.5 seconds | 5.5 seconds | |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Base Model)(mpg) | 21 mpg combined | 21 mpg combined | |
| Cabin Noise at Highway Speed(dB) | 73 dB | 73 dB | |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $85,250 | $85,250 | |
| Standard Seating Capacity(passengers) | 5 passengers standard | 5 passengers standard |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- Compact Luxury SUVVehicle ClassFull-Size Luxury SUV(winner)
- 5 seats (2 rows)Seating Capacity7 seats (3 rows)(winner)
- 255 hp (GLC 300)Engine Power (Base Model)335 hp (xDrive40)(winner)
- 19.4 cu ftCargo Space (Behind Rear Seats)36.4 cu ft(winner)
- 24 mpg (GLC 300 2WD)(winner)EPA Fuel Economy (Combined, 2WD Base)22 mpg (xDrive40)
- 35.4 feet(winner)Turning Radius38.2 feet
- $43,450(winner)Starting MSRP (2026)$60,650
- Vehicle Class
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Compact Luxury SUV
BMW X5
Full-Size Luxury SUV(winner)
- Seating Capacity
Mercedes-Benz GLC
5 seats (2 rows)
BMW X5
7 seats (3 rows)(winner)
- Engine Power (Base Model)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
255 hp (GLC 300)
BMW X5
335 hp (xDrive40)(winner)
- Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
19.4 cu ft
BMW X5
36.4 cu ft(winner)
- EPA Fuel Economy (Combined, 2WD Base)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
24 mpg (GLC 300 2WD)(winner)
BMW X5
22 mpg (xDrive40)
- Turning Radius
Mercedes-Benz GLC
35.4 feet(winner)
BMW X5
38.2 feet
- Starting MSRP (2026)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
$43,450(winner)
BMW X5
$60,650
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Mercedes-Benz GLC | BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2026 Model Year)(USD) | $52,300 | — |
| Starting MSRP(USD) | $47,650 | — |
| Base Model Starting Price (2026)(USD) | $63,300 | — |
| Base MSRP(USD) | $64,450 | — |
| Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 19.4 cu ft | — |
| Infotainment Display Size(inches) | 11.6 inches | 12.3-inch iDrive 8 touchscreen(winner) |
| Infotainment Update Policy | Free unlimited OTA updates | — |
| Infotainment Touchscreen Size(inches) | 11.9 inches | — |
| Infotainment Screen Diagonal(inches) | 11.9 inches OLED | — |
| Standard Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 12.3 inches | 12.3 inches |
Show 2 more attributesInfotainment System Response Time(milliseconds) 0.8 seconds — Touchscreen Display Size(inches) 12.3 inches (standard) — | ||
| Powertrain Warranty(years) | 5 years/60,000 miles | — |
| Warranty Coverage (Basic)(years/miles) | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Curb Weight (Base Model)(lbs) | 4,410 lbs | — |
| Starting Price (2025)(USD) | $41,400 | — |
| Base Engine Horsepower(hp) | 255 hp (GLC 300) | — |
| Base Engine Torque(lb-ft) | 273 lb-ft | — |
| Base Engine Power Output(hp) | 255 hp | — |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) | 6.1 seconds | 6.1 sec (M60i) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | 3,500 lbs | — |
Show 13 more attributesEngine Output (Base Model)(hp) 255 hp — Engine Displacement (Base)(liters) 2.0L turbocharged 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 Horsepower (Base Model)(hp) 255 hp 335 hp Torque (Base Model)(lb-ft) 273 lb-ft 331 lb-ft 0-60 Acceleration (Estimated Base)(seconds) 6.8 seconds 5.3 seconds 0-60 Acceleration (3.0L Base Engine)(seconds) 5.8 seconds — Base Engine Displacement(Liters) 3.0L Turbo — Horsepower (3.0L Base Engine)(HP) 340 HP — Engine Displacement (Top Model)(liters) 3.5L Twin-Turbo — Maximum Horsepower(hp) 523 hp (M60i) — Curb Weight(lbs) 4,685 lbs (M60i) — Maximum Engine Power(hp) 523 hp (X5 M60i) — 0-60 mph Acceleration (Base AWD)(seconds) 5.5 seconds — | ||
| Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 25.3 cu ft | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cu ft) | 26.2 cu ft | — |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats)(cubic feet) | 19.4 cu ft | — |
| Total Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 76.3 cu ft | — |
| Standard Seating Capacity(passengers) | 5 passengers standard | — |
| Standard Safety Features(count) | 10 systems | — |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating(stars) | 5 stars | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 21 MPG | 24 mpg (M60i)(winner) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)(mpg) | 24 mpg | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base, 2WD)(mpg) | 24 mpg(winner) | 22 mpg |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Base Model)(mpg) | 21 mpg combined | — |
| Annual Fuel Cost Estimate(USD) | $1,550 | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $43,650 | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Score (2026)(score out of 100) | 82/100 | — |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 5 seats | 7 seats(winner) |
| Maximum Cargo Space(cu ft) | 60.3 cu ft | 86.7 cu ft(winner) |
| Cargo Space Behind Rear Seats(cu ft) | 19.4 cu ft | 36.4 cu ft(winner) |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats)(cubic feet) | 28.8 cu ft | — |
| Overall Length(inches) | 186.4 inches | 196.9 inches |
| Turning Radius(feet) | 35.4 feet(winner) | 38.2 feet |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $43,450(winner) | $60,650 |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $85,250 | — |
| Panoramic Sunroof Size(square inches) | 59.3 sq in | — |
| Cabin Noise at Highway Speed(dB) | 73 dB | — |
Show 2 more attributes
Show 13 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Pros
- Superior fuel economy at 24 mpg combined (vs 22 mpg X5)
- Tighter turning radius of 35.4 feet for easier urban navigation
- Starting price $17,200 lower at $43,450
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with MBUX infotainment system
- Available AMG GLC 63 with 503 hp for performance enthusiasts
Cons
- Only 5-seat capacity limits family hauling compared to X5's 7 seats
- 19.4 cu ft cargo space is 47% smaller than X5 behind rear seats
- Base engine produces 255 hp, significantly less than X5's 335 hp
BMW X5
Pros
- 7-seat capacity with standard third row for additional passengers
- 36.4 cu ft cargo space nearly 2x larger than GLC for hauling
- 335 hp base engine (xDrive40) delivers 31% more power than GLC 300
- xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with terrain response modes
- 12.3-inch curved display with BMW iDrive 8 infotainment system
Cons
- Starting MSRP of $60,650 costs $17,200 more than GLC
- Fuel economy at 22 mpg combined trails GLC by 2 mpg
- 38.2-foot turning radius makes parking and urban maneuvering less nimble
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The BMW X5 significantly outperforms the Mercedes GLC in cargo capacity. The X5 offers 86.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space compared to the GLC's 60.3 cubic feet. More importantly for practical use, behind the rear seats, the X5 provides 36.4 cubic feet versus the GLC's 19.4 cubic feet—nearly double the space. This makes the X5 better suited for families with significant hauling needs.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
- W
Mercedes-Benz GLC on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Compact luxury SUV with advanced tech and efficient engines, available with 2.0L turbo or AMG performance options.
- W
BMW X5 on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Full-size luxury SUV with three-row seating, powerful engines, and comprehensive tech features, designed for families and luxury buyers.
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