VS
At a Glance
Power
280 kW
310 engine kW
Torque
520 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
9.3 l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
4.8 s
Engine
2998 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 280 kW while the Mercedes-AMG GLC produces 310 engine kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 9.3 l/100km while the GLC uses 10.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 915 476 for the X5 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
280 kW
310 engine kW
Torque
520 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
4.8 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
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
9.3 l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
211 g/km
234 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4792 mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
1920-2076 mm
Height
1765 mm
1603 mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2165 DIN / 2240 EU Kg
1920 DIN / 1995 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
545-1490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
720 l
540 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
Optional
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
BMW X5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
X5
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (9.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 915 476)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Less power than rival (280 kW vs 310 engine kW)
Mercedes-AMG GLC
More powerful engine (310 engine kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or GLC?
The X5 uses 9.3 l/100km and the GLC uses 10.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X5 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 280 kW and 520 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 310 engine kW and 500 Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and GLC?
The X5 starts from R1 915 476 and the GLC from R1 942 639. The X5 is cheaper by R27 163 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.