VS
At a Glance
Power
300 kW
500 kW
Torque
700 Nm
1020 Nm
Fuel
17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.
Towing
2500 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.1 s
3.5 s
Engine
electric cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the BMW iX and the Mercedes-AMG GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW iX delivers 300 kW while the Mercedes-AMG GLC produces 500 kW. On fuel, the iX returns 17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km while the GLC uses 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 249 000 for the iX and R2 723 594 for the GLC. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
300 kW
500 kW
Torque
700 Nm
1020 Nm
0-100 kph
5.1 s
3.5 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
275 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.
Fuel Tank Capacity
94.3 kWh l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
—
170 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4965 mm
4749 mm
Width
1970-2230 mm
1920-2076 mm
Height
1695 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
3000 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
202 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2450 DIN / 2525 EU Kg
2235 DIN / 2310 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1750 l
470-1530 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
650 l
575 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW iX
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
iX
Practicality
iX
Pros & Cons
BMW iX
Lower starting price (R2 249 000)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Less power than rival (300 kW vs 500 kW)
Mercedes-AMG GLC
More powerful engine (500 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.5 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the iX or GLC?
The iX uses 17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km and the GLC uses 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the iX or GLC?
The iX produces 300 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the iX and GLC?
The iX starts from R2 249 000 and the GLC from R2 723 594. The iX is cheaper by R474 594 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the iX or GLC?
The iX has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the GLC can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the iX or the GLC?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.