2025 BMW X5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

$66,300 · Crossover

$59,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 BMW X5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe often boils down to prioritizing sheer power versus daily efficiency and cost savings. The X5 commands attention with its robust 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, making it the definitive performance choice, albeit at a cost: a $66,300 MSRP compared to the GLC Coupe's $59,650 starting price—a difference of $6,650. While both require premium fuel, the GLC Coupe edges out the larger X5 in efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined versus the X5's 25 MPG combined, and also offers superior highway mileage at 31 MPG versus 27 MPG. The X5 is substantially larger in every dimension, measuring 194.3 inches long and 78.9 inches wide, offering significantly more practicality with 33.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLC Coupe’s tighter 19.2 cu ft. For those needing raw muscle and space, the X5 is the clear pick, but the GLC Coupe delivers a more affordable entry point with better fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The GLC Coupe wins for daily commuting due to its slightly better combined MPG of 26 and smaller overall footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW X5

The X5 is the superior family choice, offering 33.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X5

With 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, the BMW X5 provides substantially more performance than the 255 hp Mercedes-Benz.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The GLC Coupe offers a compelling package starting at $59,650, significantly undercutting the X5’s $66,300 MSRP.

Choose the BMW X5 if...

You prioritize raw performance, benefiting from the X5's 375 horsepower.
Maximum utility is essential, given the X5’s segment-leading 33.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the larger presence provided by the X5’s 194.3-inch length and 78.9-inch width.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if...

You need to keep the initial purchase price down, saving $6,650 compared to the X5.
Fuel efficiency for highway driving is a concern, as the GLC Coupe achieves 31 MPG highway.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability is a must-have feature, which the GLC provides standard.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Length	194.3"	187.6"
Width	78.9"	74.4"
Height	69.1"	63.5"
Wheelbase	117.1"	113.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5200 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/27 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	503.7/591.3 mi.	400.2/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.9 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.8 in.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	39.8 in.	40.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	57.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 9.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	275/45R	235/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X5 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Is the BMW X5 significantly larger than the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe?

Yes, the X5 is notably bigger; it measures 194.3 inches long and 78.9 inches wide, while the GLC Coupe is 187.6 inches long and 74.4 inches wide, translating directly to a much larger interior and cargo area.

Which vehicle saves me money on fuel overall?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is slightly more economical, achieving a combined 26 MPG compared to the 2025 BMW X5's 25 MPG combined. The GLC also gets better highway mileage at 31 MPG.

What is the horsepower difference between these two crossovers?

The BMW X5 is significantly more powerful, boasting 375 hp, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe delivers 255 hp, creating a substantial 120 hp gap in performance.

Do these vehicles use the same type of fuel?

Both the 2025 BMW X5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.

If I haul a lot of gear, which one should I pick?

For cargo hauling, the X5 is the clear winner with 33.9 cubic feet available, whereas the GLC Coupe only offers 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.