VS
At a Glance
Power
390 kW
310 engine kW
Torque
750 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
11.9 l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.3 s
4.8 s
Engine
4395 cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-AMG GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X5 delivers 390 kW while the Mercedes-AMG GLC produces 310 engine kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 11.9 l/100km while the GLC uses 10.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 234 215 for the X5 and R1 907 113 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
390 kW
310 engine kW
Torque
750 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
4.3 s
4.8 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
11.9 l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
269 g/km
234 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4749 mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
1920-2076 mm
Height
1765 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2345 DIN / 2420 EU Kg
1900 DIN / 1975 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
720 l
575 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
✓ 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
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
GLC
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (11.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG GLC
Better fuel economy (10.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 907 113)
Less power than rival (310 engine kW vs 390 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or GLC?
The X5 uses 11.9 l/100km and the GLC uses 10.3 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 X5 or GLC?
The X5 produces 390 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 310 engine kW and 500 Nm of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and GLC?
The X5 starts from R2 234 215 and the GLC from R1 907 113. The GLC is cheaper by R327 102 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or GLC?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 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 X5 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.