X2 vs GLB
The X2 and the GLB are two different answers to the same subcompact luxury suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X2 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.5
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range5.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The X2 has 20 hp more power
The GLB comes close with 221 hp; the X2 does slightly better with 241 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The X2 has 37 lb-ft more torque
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 295 lb-ft for the X2, 258 lb-ft for the GLB. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
X2 leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the X2. The X2 scores with 20 hp more power. The X2’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the X2.
Total system output
X2: 241 hp GLB: 221 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
X2: 295 lb-ft GLB: 258 lb-ft The X2’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Neither the X2 nor the GLB has a real advantage in the fuel economy & range category. Treat fuel economy & range as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the space & practicality section; the two are too close to separate. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X2 | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 241 hp (winner) | 221 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | FWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X2 | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X2 | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X2 | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X2 | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X2 if…
- you want more power (241 hp vs 221 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other BMW products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X2 or the GLB?
On the specs compared here, the X2 makes more sense for most buyers; the GLB doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The X2 from BMW and the GLB from Mercedes-Benz go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. What tips it for me is that the X2 has 20 hp more power.
I think of the X2 as the one for engine & performance and the GLB as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the X2.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.