VS
At a Glance
Power
160kW@4000
215 kW
Torque
450Nm@1500
550 Nm
Fuel
6
5.5 l/100km
Towing
2000
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7
6.3 s
Engine
1995
1993 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 160kW@4000 while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 215 kW. On fuel, the X1 returns 6 while the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R523 065 for the X1 and R1 431 756 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
160kW@4000
215 kW
Torque
450Nm@1500
550 Nm
0-100 kph
7
6.3 s
Top Speed
228
243 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995
1993 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
63
62 l
CO2 Emissions
145
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4477
4716 mm
Width
-1798
1890-2076 mm
Height
1545
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2760
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
179
—
Kerb Weight
1670
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
1350
545 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
Optional
Bluetooth
Optional
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
X1
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Lower starting price (R523 065)
Higher fuel consumption (6)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or GLC?
The X1 uses 6 and the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLC 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 160kW@4000 and 450Nm@1500 of torque while the GLC delivers 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X1 and GLC?
The X1 starts from R523 065 and the GLC from R1 431 756. The X1 is cheaper by R908 691 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 2000 and the GLC can tow 2500 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.