VS
At a Glance
Power
400 kW
310 engine kW
Torque
765 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.6 s
4.8 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 400 kW while the Mercedes-AMG GLC produces 310 engine kW. On fuel, the iX returns 17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km while the GLC uses 10.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 689 000 for the iX and R1 942 639 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
400 kW
310 engine kW
Torque
765 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6 s
4.8 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
250 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
17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
108.0 kWh l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
—
234 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4965 mm
4792 mm
Width
1970-2230 mm
1920-2076 mm
Height
1695 mm
1603 mm
Wheelbase
3000 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
202 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2505 DIN / 2580 EU Kg
1920 DIN / 1995 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1750 l
545-1490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
640 l
540 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
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
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
iX
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
GLC
Practicality
iX
Pros & Cons
BMW iX
More powerful engine (400 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG GLC
Lower starting price (R1 942 639)
Less power than rival (310 engine kW vs 400 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the iX or GLC?
The iX uses 17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km and the GLC uses 10.3 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 400 kW and 765 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 310 engine kW and 500 Nm of torque. The iX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the iX and GLC?
The iX starts from R2 689 000 and the GLC from R1 942 639. The GLC is cheaper by R746 361 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.