VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
230 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
1700 Kg
2400 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.0 s
7.8 s
Engine
1499 cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X1 delivers 115 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 150 engine kW. On fuel, the X1 returns 6.5 l/100km while the GLC uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R858 899 for the X1 and R1 135 189 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
115 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
230 Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
9.0 s
7.8 s
Top Speed
215 Km/h
221 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
9
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
167 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4716 mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1890-2076 mm
Height
1642 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
205 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1500 DIN / 1575 EU Kg
1835 DIN / 1910 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
540-1600 l
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1700 Kg
2400 Kg
Load Capacity
575 l
600 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
X1
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R858 899)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 150 engine kW)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
More powerful engine (150 engine kW)
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or GLC?
The X1 uses 6.5 l/100km and the GLC uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X1 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X1 or GLC?
The X1 produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and GLC?
The X1 starts from R858 899 and the GLC from R1 135 189. The X1 is cheaper by R276 290 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or GLC?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of 1700 Kg and the GLC can tow 2400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 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.