X4 vs GLC
Put the X4 next to the GLC and you have BMW and Mercedes-Benz going after exactly the same compact luxury suv crowd. Across 4 compared areas, the GLC takes 2. The widest gap shows up under fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance GLC wins
- Fuel Economy & Range GLC wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range5.0
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
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
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The GLC has better fuel economy
A narrow win for the GLC. With 27 mpg to 24 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The GLC has better highway fuel economy
On fuel economy (highway), the GLC posts 32 mpg against 27 mpg for the X4, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
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The GLC has 37 lb-ft more torque
Close, but not identical: the GLC lists 295 lb-ft and the X4 lists 258 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The GLC has better city fuel economy
The gap on fuel economy (city) is slim (24 mpg against 21 mpg), yet it tips toward the GLC. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the GLC has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
GLC leads
The X4 keeps it close on engine & performance, yet the GLC holds a small lead. The GLC comes with 37 lb-ft more torque. The GLC’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the GLC is the stronger car.
Torque
X4: 258 lb-ft GLC: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
GLC leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the GLC isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The GLC answers with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. On fuel economy & range alone, the GLC gets the nod.
Fuel economy (combined)
X4: 24 mpg GLC: 27 mpg The GLC uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
X4: 27 mpg GLC: 32 mpg The GLC uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the X4 and the GLC land in almost the same place. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the X4 and the GLC each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X4 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 248 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X4 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 27 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 32 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X4 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X4 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X4 | GLC |
|---|---|---|
| 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 GLC if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (27 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (32 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you mostly drive in town (24 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X4 or the GLC?
On the specs compared here, the GLC makes more sense for most buyers; the X4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The X4 from BMW and the GLC from Mercedes-Benz go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. The GLC wins me over with better fuel economy. Add 37 lb-ft more torque to the list, and the GLC looks even better.
The X4 is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture tops your list; the GLC is for you if engine & performance does.
My pick: the GLC.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.