2021 BMW X5 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

What's the difference?

There is no doubt that BMW seriously stepped up its game with the fourth-generation X5, raising its levels of luxury and technology, all the way to that of the flagship 7 Series.

The X5’s mix of imposing looks and relatively well sorted dynamics is complemented by the xDrive30d’s brilliant engine and transmission.

It’s no surprise, then, that the X5 continues to be its best in xDrive30d form. There really is no need to consider any other variant.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 has your back if you’re looking for a thrilling performance SUV that moonlights as the daily family driver. It boasts a fairly practical cabin with good storage. Is it too expensive? Yep. Would I have one? Absolutely. It’s fun and full of features.

This rocked my kid's world – the lighting, the cool superhero vibes of the styling … the ‘tatatata’ chirps of the engine. It won him over completely.

Few SUVs are as imposing as the X5 xDrive30d. Simply put, it commands attention on the road, or even from across the road. Or a mile away.

The sense of commanding presence starts at the front, where the first signs of its sports body kit are. As impressive as the trio of large air intakes is, it’s the engorged version of BMW’s signature kidney grille that gets people talking. It’s simply appropriately sized for a vehicle this big, if you ask me.

The adaptive LED headlights integrate hexagon-style daytime running lights, which look the business, while the LED foglights below also help to light the way.

Around the side, the X5 xDrive30d is also pretty slick, with our test vehicle’s optional bi-colour 22-inch alloy wheels ($3900) filling its wheelarches nicely, with blue brake callipers tucked behind. The ‘air curtains’ also look sporty alongside the high-gloss Shadow Line trim.

At the rear, the X5’s three-dimensional LED tail-lights look superb, combining with the flat tailgate to deliver a strong impression. Then there’s the chunky bumper, with dual exhaust tailpipes and a diffuser insert. Not bad at all.

Step inside the X5 xDrive30d and you’d be excused for thinking that you’re in the wrong BMW. Yes, it could very well be a body-double for the 7 Series luxury sedan. In fact, in many ways, it’s just as luxurious as BMW's flagship model.

Granted our test vehicle had optional Walknappa leather upholstery covering its upper dashboard and door shoulders ($2100) , but even without that it is still a seriously premium affair.

Vernasca leather upholstery is the X5 xDrive30d’s standard choice for seats, armrests and door inserts, while soft-touch materials are pretty much found everywhere else. Yep, even on the door bins.

The ambience is further heightened by the Anthracite headliner and ambient lighting, which makes things feel even sportier.

Speaking of which, while it might be a large SUV, the X5 xDrive30d still has a genuinely sporty side, as exhibited by its chunky steering wheel, supportive front seats and grippy sports pedals. They all make it feel that bit more special.

The X5 also has cutting-edge technology, highlighted by the pair of sharp 12.3-inch displays; one being the central touchscreen, the other a digital instrument cluster.

Both are powered by the now-familiar BMW OS 7.0 multimedia system, which was a stark departure from its predecessor in terms of layout and functionality. But that’s no bad thing, as it still raises the stakes, especially with its always-on voice control.

Users will also be stoked by this set-up’s seamless support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the former connecting with ease upon re-entry, although it does consistently dropout if the iPhone involved is placed in the cubby directly beneath the dash...

That said, the instrument cluster is fully digital, having abandoned the physical rings of its forbear, but it looks dim and still lacks the breadth of functionality that some rivals offer.

And let’s not forget the brilliant windshield-projected head-up display, which is large and crisp, giving you few reasons to look away from the road ahead.

The GLC43 looks distinctly more aggressive than its GLC300 sibling.

The grille features vertical struts instead of the star motif and there’s a sporty spoiler lip at the rear that complements the quad exhausts.

The large headlights featuring Mercedes Digital Light LEDs dance when you first put them on and add a sporty dynamic to the styling, as does the 20-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is largely the same with a dashboard that is headlined by an 11.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The ambient lighting system transforms the space at night time and honestly, makes it look pretty flash compared to some of its rivals. I also love the big panoramic sunroof and cute circular air-vents found in the front – they add some interest to the cabin.

The optioned performance seats of our test model make this look the part of a performance SUV and there is AMG badging everywhere - just so you don’t forget what you're driving. This looks beautiful inside and out and it earns its luxury tag.

Measuring 4922mm long (with a 2975mm wheelbase), 2004mm wide and 1745mm, the X5 xDrive30d is a large SUV in every sense of the term, so it’s no surprise that it does practicality very well.

The boot’s cargo capacity is generous, at 650L, but it can be expanded to a very helpful 1870L with the 40/20/40 split-fold rear bench stowed – an action that can be taken via the boot’s manual-release latches.

The split power-operated tailgate ensures that access to the wide and flat rear storage area couldn’t be any easier. And there are four tie-down points and a 12V power outlet on hand.

There are plenty of genuine in-cabin storage options, too, with both the glovebox and central bin on the larger side, while the front door bins can carry a stunning four regular bottles. And don’t worry; their rear counterparts can take three apiece.

Better yet, two cupholders are located at the front of the centre console, while the second row’s fold-down armrest has a pair of pop-out cupholders as well as a shallow tray with a lid.

The latter joins the small driver's side cubby and the two trays at the rear of the centre console as the most random storage spaces on hand, while map pockets are attached to the front seat backrests, which integrate USB-C ports.

Speaking of the front seats, sitting behind them, it becomes apparent how much space there is inside the X5 xDrive30d, with oodles of legroom available behind our 184cm driving position. We also have about an inch of headroom, even with the panoramic sunroof fitted.

What’s really impressive is how well the second row accommodates three adults abreast. There’s enough room on offer that a fully grown trio could go on a long journey with few complaints, partly thanks to the almost non-existent transmission tunnel.

Child seats are also easy to fit, thanks to the three top-tether and two ISOFIX anchorage points, as well as the generous aperture of the rear doors.

Connectivity-wise, there’s a wireless smartphone charger, a USB-A port and a 12V power outlet ahead of the aforementioned front cupholders, while a USB-C port is found in the central bin. Rear occupants also get a 12V power outlet below their central air vents.

The cabin up front feels like a cockpit because the optioned performance seats absolutely lock you into place.

The adjustments are pretty good for the lumbar and under-thigh supports but the highlight are the kinetic stretching massage functions on both front seats, it really helps to alleviate fatigue on a longer journey. 

While I find the seats comfy, my husband didn’t! He said he needed more ‘space’ between the legs and with the bucket-style, he um … didn’t get that required space. Take from that what you will.

Getting in and out of the backseat is easy enough but the side steps are overkill and can dig into the calves.

The back seats are not super comfortable as they are on the harder side but the headroom and legroom are great for my 168cm height. The back row would still be most comfortable as a four-seater when filled with adults, though.

The individual storage is excellent up front with a decently sized glove box, middle console and a huge storage bin and drink bottle holder in each door.

The centre console features a good-sized cubby that includes a phone shelf and two retractable cupholders.

The storage and amenities in the rear are okay with directional air vents, reading lights and a fold-down armrest with two cup holders. You also get shallow storage bins in each door but this row misses out on charging options, which is a shame.

The other technology looks high-end and the graphics in both the 11.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster assert that the GLC43 is a luxury vehicle.

Both are easy to use, highly customisable and look fantastic. What a combo!

The augmented reality satellite navigation shows dynamic directions overlaid on a live video feed, so there's no excuse for getting lost while using it. There's also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as, a Mercedes Me Connect app, so you can access features on your car remotely.

Charging options are only found in the front row but you get a good selection with three USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad.

The GLC43 gets a large coloured head-up display, fingerprint scanner (that can lock a certain profile or features) and dual-zone climate control but it would have been nice to see climate control in the rear row as well.

The boot is pretty large for a medium SUV at 620L, and can comfortably fit shopping or luggage.

There’s a tyre mobility kit and extra underfloor storage, and the rear row has a 40/20/40 split fold, which opens up your storage options. You also get a powered tailgate in this model, which is always handy.

There are three GLC variants for both the SUV and Coupe and our model is the AMG GLC43 SUV.

It would be remiss to say it’s a ‘mid-spec’ model, even though that’s where it technically sits in the line-up. Think of the 43 as a top model with the warmed-up performance engine, compared to the GLC63 S E Performance flagship variant.

The GLC43 is priced from $136,400 before on roads and that positions it as the most expensive compared to its rivals. And it’s $1930 dearer than the outgoing model it replaces.

In comparison, the least expensive rival is the Porsche Macan S at $117,500 MSRP, (although the petrol Macan is about to sell out ahead of the launch of the EV) then the Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI Quattro MHEV at $119,700 MSRP, and the BMW X3 M40i for $126,800.

Our test model has been fitted with the Performance Ergonomic Package for $5307.50 and adds power front passenger seat with memory function, black Nappa leather, memory package, multicontour front seats, AMG Performance seats , heated front seats, automatic front passenger airbag deactivation, AMG 'Track Pace', and an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre.

Our test model also has the optional AMG carbon-fibre trims for $1306.80, bringing the total before-on-roads price to $143,014. 

Standard luxury and practical features include keyless entry, push-button start, panoramic sunroof, Burmester surround sound system, powered tailgate, tyre mobility kit, and new suspension with adaptive adjustable dampening.

Standard technology features include 'Digital Light' for headlights, 64-way coloured ambient lighting, 11.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, augmented reality satellite navigation, fingerprint scanner, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth and a 5G module for the Mercedes Me Connect app.

As its name suggests, the X5 xDrive30d is motivated by the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine used in other BMW models, and that’s a very good thing, because it’s one of my favourites.

In this form, it produces 195kW of power at 4000rpm and a very useful 620Nm of torque from 2000-2500rpm – perfect outputs for a large SUV.

Meanwhile, an eight-speed ZF torque-converter automatic transmission (with paddle-shifters) – another favourite – and BMW’s fully variable xDrive system are responsible for sending drive to all four wheels.

As a result, the 2110kg X5 xDrive30d can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in a hot-hatch-like 6.5 seconds, on the way to its top speed of 230km/h.

The 43 gains the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the AMG A45 hot hatch, which replaces the 3.0L turbo V6 from the previous model.

What makes this one interesting is that it’s been designed with Formula 1 tech and its performance is boosted by an electric turbocharger. Which means you have instant power delivery.

The new engine produces a power output of 310kW and 500Nm of torque. So, a little more power (23kW) but a little less torque (20Nm) than the previous model. The GLC43 is an AWD and has a nine-speed auto transmission which is mostly smooth.

The new GLC43 features a true AMG engine and that means it was hand-built by a master engine builder. Every AMG engine features a plaque with the builder's signature, which is very cool.

The X5 xDrive30d’s fuel consumption on the combined cycle test (ADR 81/02) is 7.2L/100km, while its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are 189g/km. Both claims are strong for a large SUV.

In the real world, we averaged 7.9L/100km over 270km of driving that was slightly skewed towards highways over city roads, which is a very solid result for a vehicle of this size.

For reference, the X5 xDrive30d has a large, 80-litre fuel tank.

You might be surprised given its outputs, but the new GLC43 is fairly frugal when it comes to consumption.

The official combined fuel-cycle consumption figure is 9.9L/100km and my real-world usage came out at 8.8L.

I have put the GLC43 through its paces too – mountain roads, urban and long trips … and have not been shy using it’s power.

That's excellent usage for such a powerful SUV but expect higher in an urban setting.

Based on the official combined fuel cycle and 62L fuel tank, expect a theoretical driving range of 626km.

Mercedes recommends a minimum 98-octane unleaded petrol to be used.

When it comes to ride and handling, it would be easy to argue that the X5 xDrive30d’s combination is class-leading.

While its suspension (double-wishbone front and multi-link rear axles with adaptive dampers) has a sports tune, it stills rides comfortably, wafting over uneven surfaces with ease and quickly regaining composure over bumps. It all feels suitably luxurious.

However, the optional bi-colour 22-inch alloy wheels ($3900) fitted to our test vehicle often catch sharper edges and spoil the ride over poorer surfaces, so you should probably stick to the standard 20-inch rims.

Handling-wise, the X5 xDrive30d does naturally lean into corners during spirited driving when in its Comfort drive mode.

That being said, overall body control is relatively strong for a large SUV, and the Sport drive mode does go some way towards tightening things up, but the fact is, it’s always going to be hard to defy physics.

Meanwhile, the X5 xDrive30d’s electric power steering is not only speed-sensitive, but its weight is adjustable via the aforementioned drive modes.

In Comfort, this set up is well-weighted, with just the right amount of heft, however, change it to Sport and it becomes heavier, which might not be to everyone’s taste. Either way, it’s relatively direct and offers solid levels of feedback.

That said, the X5 xDrive30d’s sheer size is reflected by its 12.6m turning circle, which makes low-speed manoeuvres in tight spaces more challenging. The optional rear-wheel steering ($2250) can help with that, although it wasn’t fitted to our test vehicle.

In terms of straight-line performance, the X5 xDrive30d has a thick wad of maximum torque available early in the rev range, which means its engine’s pulling power is effortless all the way through to the mid-range, even if it can be a little spiky initially.

While peak power is relatively strong, you rarely need to approach the top end to make use of it, because this engine is all about those Newton-metres of torque.

Acceleration is therefore spritely, with the X5 hunkering down and charging off the line with intent when full throttle is applied.

A lot of this is performance is thanks to the transmission’s intuitive calibration and general responsiveness to spontaneous inputs.

Gear changes are quick and smooth, although on occasion they can be a little jerky when decelerating from low speeds to a standstill.

The five drive modes – Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Adaptive and Individual – allow the driver to alter engine and transmission settings while on the move, with Sport adding a noticeable edge, but Comfort is what you'll be using 99 per cent of the time.

The transmission’s Sport mode can be summoned at any time, with a flick of the gear selector leading to higher shift points that are complementary to spirited driving.

After driving the GLC43, it proves why its considered a performance SUV – the new engine and that Formula One tech creates a fun on-road experience. 

Power delivery is quick and stable – you never feel overwhelmed by what the car is doing but you do get excited.

It has a dedicated 'Track Pace' feature for when you take it to a race track. I mean … is that needed for a family car? Probably not but it’s cool nonetheless.

This new model sees a redesigned adaptive suspension and rear axle steering. The suspension is firm and it hits the road with a definitive thump. I like the feedback when I’m pushing it around bends but for the daily school run, it’s a pretty hard ride.

The rear axle steering is fantastic when you hit big mountain hair-pin turns or need to manoeuvre precisely in your lane. It’s extremely agile on the road, when it needs to be. 

It’s a bummer that the cabin is loud with road noise and while you can do long journeys, just know it’s not a comfort tourer. You drive this for the fun factor.

All of the pillars are quite wide, which I found impeded my vision on bends but on the straights it was fine. I just did more of a weave and bob to check all of the blind spots this week.

Because of the electric turbocharger, power stays high but revs low at lower speeds. This can make parking can feel a little bunny-hoppy at times until you get used to how to accelerate at low speeds. Once you do, it’s a breeze to park and the 360-degree camera is top-notch.

The GLC43 has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2022.

It scored very highly on both its adult and child protection scores at 92 per cent each and features 10 airbags, including side-chest airbags for the second row. It’s usual to see these only in the front, so that’s great for a family car. 

Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, driver attention warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping/departure alert, traffic sign recognition, HUD, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree view camera system, as well as, front and rear parking sensors.

The safe exit feature is cool because the lights flash red on the door you’re trying to open and you get a sound alert if an obstacle is detected.

The GLC43 has ISOFIX mounts on the rear outboard seats plus three top tethers but you’d be doing well to fit three seats, two will fit best.

The GLC43 has AEB with car, pedestrian, cyclist and junction turning assist function operational from 7.0 - 80km/h, or up to 250km/h for a car.

As with all BMW models, the X5 xDrive30d comes with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is two years behind the premium standard set by Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Genesis. It also gets three years of roadside assistance. 

The X5 xDrive30d’s service intervals are every 12 months of 15,000km, whichever comes first. Five-year/80,000km capped-price servicing plans start from $2250, or an average of $450 per visit, which is more than reasonable.

The GLC comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which is a normal term for the class.

You can pre-purchase either a three-, four- or five-year servicing plan, priced at $4420 for three years, $5520 for four and $6245 for five years. 

Services on the five-year plan cost an average of $1249 per service which is very expensive for the class.

Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or an extra-long 25,000km, whichever occurs first.