BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
Figures updated
The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC are two of the UK's most popular large SUVs. We compare the G05 (2018–) X5 and the X254 (2022–) GLC on price, size, boot space, performance, safety and running costs, plus how reliable each has been across 161,967 real MOT tests.
The short answer
Pick the BMW X5 for the bigger boot, the better MOT record and more performance, or the Mercedes-Benz GLC for the lower price and lower fuel costs.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest to buy new: from £54,970, £22,040 less than the BMW X5.
- The BMW X5 has the biggest boot: 650 litres, 30 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
- The BMW X5 has the better MOT record. Like for like on age and mileage, the Mercedes-Benz GLC fails its MOT about 9% more often.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest to fuel: comparing petrol versions, about £416 a year less than the BMW X5 at 7,500 miles a year.
| Figure | BMW X5G05 (2018–), 5-door SUV | Mercedes-Benz GLCX254 (2022–), 5-door SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Price and practicality | ||
| Price newUK list prices, across the range | £77,010 to £84,875July 2026 price list | £54,970 to £77,475September 2026 price list (best) |
| Body | 5-door SUV | 5-door SUV |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| BootSeats up / folded | 650 litres / 1,870 (best) | 620 litres / 1,680 |
| Length | 4,935mm | 4,721mm |
| WidthWithout mirrors | 2,004mm | 1,918mm |
| Height | 1,765mm | 1,631mm |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 298–490 PS (best) | 197–269 PS |
| 0–62mph | 4.8–6.1 sec (best) | 6.2–8.0 sec |
| Safety | ||
| Euro NCAP ratingTests get tougher each year | ★★★★★ (2018) | ★★★★★ (2022) |
| Economy and emissions | ||
| Fuel types | Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid | Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid |
| Official economyVersions of this generation | 21.8–53.3 mpg | 22.2–56.5 mpg |
| CO2 | 20–289 g/km | 41–287 g/km |
| Running costs at 7,500 miles a year | ||
| Petrol or hybrid171.7p a litre, today's UK average | £2,470 (23.7 mpg) | £2,054 (28.5 mpg) (best) |
| Diesel198.4p a litre | £1,869 (36.2 mpg) | £1,221 (55.4 mpg) (best) |
| Cheapest version to fuelWhichever fuel costs least | £1,869 (diesel) | £1,221 (diesel) |
| Car tax a yearCars registered from April 2017 | £200£640 in years 2–6 for versions listed over £40,000 | £200£640 in years 2–6 for versions listed over £40,000 |
| Reliability from real MOT tests | ||
| Reliability score | 151Well above average (best) | 139Well above average |
| Failed MOT first time (ages 3–20) | 20.5% | 13.1% (best) |
| Failed at 3 years old | 14.5% | 9.2% (best) |
| Failed at 5 years old | 13.2% | 12.4% (best) |
| Failed at 10 years old | 16.1% | – |
| Most common MOT fault | Condition (2.9% of tests) | Ball joint (2.7% of tests) |
| Fails more than average on | Nothing stands out | Nothing stands out |
| MOT tests analysed | 86,138 | 75,829 |
| About the cars | ||
| Type | Large SUV | Large SUV |
| Owners' average miles a year | 9,700 | 9,400 |
| On sale | 2018 on | 2022 on |
Green marks the better figure where the difference is more than 3%. Reliability figures cover every version of each model tested in the year. Running costs use the typical official economy of recent versions (WLTP where available); real-world economy is usually a little worse for every car.
More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
›Is the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC more reliable?
The BMW X5. Like for like on age and mileage, the Mercedes-Benz GLC fails its MOT about 9% more often (reliability scores 151 and 139, where 100 is average). 20.5% of BMW X5s and 13.1% of Mercedes-Benz GLCs failed first time in 2024.
›Which is bigger, the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The BMW X5 is 214mm longer (4,935mm against 4,721mm). The BMW X5 has the bigger boot: 650 litres against 620.
›Which is cheaper to buy, the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC: new prices start at £54,970, £22,040 less than the BMW X5 (from £77,010). These are manufacturer list prices; dealers and brokers often sell for less.
›Which is cheaper to run, the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Comparing petrol versions, the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs about £416 a year less to fuel at 7,500 miles (£2,054 against £2,470), using typical official economy and current UK average fuel prices.
›Which is safer, the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Euro NCAP gave the BMW X5 5 stars (2018) and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 5 stars (2022). Euro NCAP makes its tests tougher every few years, so ratings from different years aren't directly comparable.
›Should I buy the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Pick the BMW X5 for the bigger boot, the better MOT record and more performance, or the Mercedes-Benz GLC for the lower price and lower fuel costs. The comparison above sets out price, space, performance, safety, running costs and reliability side by side.
Sources: manufacturers' UK specifications and price lists and Euro NCAP (listed on each model's page); DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024 (Open Government Licence v3.0); Vehicle Certification Agency car fuel data, © Crown copyright, VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy; fuel prices from the GOV.UK Fuel Finder scheme. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited under each picture.