There aren’t many options if you’re looking for a high-performance, sport-focused SUV. Fortunately, two of Germany’s best manufacturers have just the cars; the BMW X6 and the Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe.
This is a section of the car market where you’ll have to pay serious money, so if you’re looking at either of these cars, it’s vital to know how they compare. In this article, I’ll talk you through their performance, how practical they are, and more. And I’ll give you my thoughts on what I would choose between the BMW X6 vs. the Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe.
The X6 vs. the GLC Coupe
We’ll compare the BMW X6 and Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe across several categories to find out where each car is best:
– Practicality
– Performance / Engines
– Driving experience
– Quality / Technology
– Value For Money
Across each category, I’ll talk you through each model’s good and bad points, and finally, what my opinion is. At the end of the article, you’ll have all the info you need to decide which model is right for you.
Let’s start!
Practicality
So how do these cars compare both in road presence and interior space? Below you can find a comparison of the significant stats between the X6 and the GLC coupe:
| BMW X6 40i | Mercedes GLC Coupe 300 4MATIC | |
| Wheelbase (in) | 117.1 | 113.1 |
| Total Length (in) | 194.8 | 186.3 |
| Height (in) | 66.8 | 63 |
| Width (in) | 87.1 | 82.5 |
| Weight (lb) | 4,855 | 3,968 |
| Interior Headroom (in) | 39.3 | 38.9 |
| Front Legroom (in) | 40.4 | 40.8 |
| Rear Legroom (in) | 35.7 | 37.2 |
| Cargo Volume (cubic ft) | 27.4 | 17.6 |
I’ve chosen the entry-level models for each car to compare – the only difference on the higher-spec version is both models get heavier (with extra features), but the space stays the same.
The most noticeable practical difference between the two has to be cargo space. I was expecting this (the standard GLC model is a lot more practical than the coupe), but I didn’t expect such a huge difference here. For most owners, though, these cars are more about performance and driving comfort than transporting a lot in the trunk.
Aside from the GLC’s lack of rear storage, most of you will spot another difference: weight. And at nearly 1,000lbs heavier, the BMW X6 will need some power to redeem itself here. That weight difference doesn’t translate to more interior space either, with front and rear legroom both better in the GLC.
I’ll admit, if you’re looking for a luxury SUV with a lot of practicality, you’re not selecting either. But the X6 and GCL coupe are still large vehicles and should comfortably carry five people, so it’s good to know both are surprisingly good on their interior dimensions. Overall, I would have to pick the X6 here just for that cargo space benefit.
Performance / Engines:
Next, we’ll look at something these cars are focused on – performance. In the previous section, we saw that practicality was ok, but it wasn’t the focus of these cars. So how do they compare when we look at their speed and power?
BMW X6
First up, the BMW X6 is available in three versions; standard, M-lite, and the full M model:
| Power (bhp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 (s) | MPG (Highway / Urban) | |
| BMW X6 40i | 335 | 331 | 5.3 | 25 / 21 |
| BMW X6 M50i | 523 | 553 | 4.1 | 22 / 16 |
| BMW X6 M | 600 | 553 | 3.8 | 18 / 13 |
Even at the entry-level with the X6 40i, you get over 300 bhp and a 0-60 time that will beat most sedans. Move up to the ‘performance’ models, and you are in sportscar territory with those numbers, especially in the X6 M.
The performance comes from a couple of engines that BMW share across most of their performance vehicles. In the X6 40i, you get a 3-liter, 6-cylinder option. In the X6 M50i and the X6 M, BMW uses their 4.4-liter V8 engine that is shared with the M5 and M8 models.
The fuel economy is unlikely to be a focus for most owners, but it’s still essential. You won’t be surprised the MPG figures for the X6 are on the low side, with the best economy coming in at a combined 23 MPG, and the V8 models drink fuel at an incredible rate. Then again, for 600 bhp, I doubt any X6 M owners will complain.
Mercedes GLC Coupe
The GLC Coupe comes in two variants; the entry-level 300 and the AMG 43 version:
| Power (bhp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 (s) | MPG (Highway / Urban) | |
| Mercedes GLC Coupe 300 4MATIC | 255 | 273 | 6.2 | 27 / 21 |
| Mercedes GLC Coupe AMG 43 | 385 | 385 | 4.7 | 24 / 16 |
At the entry-level, the GLC 300 coupe is slightly down on power against the X6 40i, but its 255 bhp will be sufficient for most owners. Upgrade to the AMG 43 model gets you a respectable 385 bhp and underneath the 6 seconds 0-60 barrier, but it also fails to match the performance of BMW. For an AMG-badged car, it’s disappointing to see Mercedes tone down the performance.
The 300 version comes with a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine. Moving up to the AMG 43 spec gets you a 3.0 liter, 6 cylinder engine. Both engines are good choices; they feel underwhelming in comparison. It’s not all about the power and performance, though – how do they compare to the efficiency stats from BMW?
The fuel economy in the CLS coupe is nothing exceptional, but it matches the X6 nicely. The entry-level 300 spec has a combined MPG of 24, and the V6 engine in the AMG 43 still gets you 20 mpg. It’s worth pointing out that the CLS Coupe is 900lbs lighter, so the economy should be a win for the Mercedes, but a win is a win.
Driving experience:
Both the X6 and the CLS Coupe are marketed on their ‘athletic’ quality, especially for a large, luxury SUV. You won’t be taking either of these cars onto many racetracks, but they hold up well against their rivals when it comes to the performance driving experience.
Being SUVs, you would also expect some off-road capabilities, and depending on the spec, both cars hold up surprisingly well on difficult terrain. Finally, for day-to-day driving, we’ll run through what these cars are like to live with.
BMW X6
First, the X6 is a lot of fun when you put your foot down. Even the base X6 40i comes with a selection of driving modes, and putting the car into Sport or Sport+ makes a considerable difference to the handling. All models come with xDrive, so the all-wheel-drive system helps with the performance and keeping the power down, particularly in the more powerful versions.
The X6 comes with several off-road driving modes depending on the surface you’re taking on. I haven’t experienced driving an X6 offroad, but based on other BMW models, I would guess that it’s possibly a mixed result. This is mainly down to tire choice, and the X6 only comes with run-flat options, starting at 20-inch wheels. The tire choice includes all-season tires, but anyone with offroading experience will tell you these don’t tend to cut it on difficult surfaces.
For everyday driving, on the highway or in the city, the X6 is up there with the best in its class. The ride quality is a little harsh (another issue with the run-flat-only options), but you’ll barely notice bumps in the road. The ride selection options also allow you to soften the suspension, making things even smoother if you’re planning a long-distance highway trip.
Mercedes GLC
The GLC Coupe is set up to be a sportier alternative to most of the Mercedes SUV range. The vehicle’s stance is lower and wider to make you more connected with the road, and it almost works. We’ve covered the lack of straight-line speed against the X6, and although the Mercedes holds up better in the corners, it feels like something is missing something. It’s a shame there is no full G63 AMG version available in the US to give the X6 M some competition.
I would be surprised if anyone took their X6 off-road, and I’d be utterly shocked if they decided to try it in the GLC Coupe. Overall this isn’t a car designed for any off-road capability – the standard GLC model ticks that box. If you did feel the need, it does have all-wheel drive, but the low ride height is risky. Tire selection and wheel size aren’t much better than on the X6.
For highway and city driving, the GLC coupe is as comfortable and enjoyable to drive as you’d expect from a Mercedes Benz. Ok, it’s no S-Class, but the ride quality is very good, and it’s a pleasant place to be for long-distance driving. As a daily driver, on ride quality, it’s a difficult choice between this and the X6, at least before you start adding options.
Quality / Technology
Between the big German manufacturers, technology and build quality are where they stake their reputation above all else. Fortunately, the good news is that both the X6 and the GLC Coupe are packed with tech, and the build quality in both is excellent. But which is the better place to be?
BMW X6
BMW interiors have recently been a bit of a mixed bag, especially compared to some of the latest Audi offerings. The X6 feels caught between two generations with some of the interior design choices and won’t suit everyone. I’ve mentioned this in previous BMW reviews, but their decision to keep physical buttons in the cabin (instead of full touchscreens) is a move I respect. Some of you might disagree, but I’m still a supporter of that design style.
Material quality is excellent as you’d expect, even on the base model. As with most BMWs, the design options are extensive, and there’s a generous amount of soft materials and real metal if you choose. No surface feels cheap, and the seats are fantastic, especially in the X6 M.
For interior and exterior technology, you have everything you need. All the usual tech is here to assist with driving and parking (at a cost, of course), and there are many performance options too. For a complete list of the options, check out my thoughts here
Mercedes GLC
The GLC Coupe interior is carried over from the standard GLC, and that’s a good thing. The cabin design from Mercedes recently has been almost perfect, and although the GLC Coupe doesn’t hit the heights of some models, it’s a great place to be. I’m not a huge fan of their touch screens, but the steering wheel controls make everything simple once you learn the functions. Like the BMW this layout won’t be to everyone’s tastes though.
It’s close but I think material quality in the GLC Coupe beats the X6. You get real wood as standard and can upgrade to aluminum, and there’s no hard plastic in sight. The seats are a slight letdown in the AMG 43 version, but apart from that, it’s a comfortable cabin to be in for long-distance trips.
The technology available in the GLC coupe, both standard and optional, is almost excessive. For me, one of the standouts is the ambient lighting, which is standard on both models. Apart from that, the usual options for driving and entertainment upgrades are all here. Other highlights for me are the upgraded Soundsystem and the Heads-Up-Display. For a full list of options I’d select on a new Mercedes check out my thoughts here
Value For Money
We’ve examined the practicality, performance, and equipment in the X6 and the GLC Coupe, but any comparison is incomplete without the costs. If you’re looking at owning either of these, what kind of value for money are you getting?
| Starting MSRP | With Full Options | |
| BMW X6 40i | $67,350 | $82,550 |
| BMW X6 M50i | $86,250 | $101,230 |
| BMW X6 M | $109,600 | $127,550 |
| Mercedes GLC Coupe 300 4MATIC | $52,500 | $73,215 |
| Mercedes GLC Coupe AMG 43 | $66,500 | $89,060 |
If you’re looking towards the entry-level options between these two cars, I think there is a strong case to look at the GLC 300 model. You’ll need to spend on some options to get the most out of it, but even at $60,000, it’s great value compared to the X6 40i. For any owners who want a lot of performance, around $70,000 will give you access to the X6 40i or the CLG AMG 43 models, with some spare change for options.
Between $80,000 and $90,000 opens up a lot of choices. Personally, I can’t look past the X6 M50i here, although you’ll need to go over budget for a full-spec model. That being said, when you look at the full X6 M cost, I think the M50i version is a great choice. Alternatively, a fully upgraded AMG 43 is another good pick here if you prefer the GLC design.
Over $100,000, I honestly don’t think the X6 M is worth it at those prices. It’s an amazing piece of engineering and a surprisingly easy car to live with, but I would look for preowned options if I was set on getting an X6 M.
Summary
The BMW X6 and the Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe both have a lot to offer buyers, although there are some downsides to both models. In this comparison, we’ve seen that:
- For practicality, the X6 cargo space gives it a huge advantage over the GLC Coupe
- Performance in the X6 overall is better, but the GLC AMG version has plenty of power
- The driving experience in both cars is solid; there isn’t a lot to split them
- The interior quality and technology in the GLC slightly edge out the BMW for me
Overall, I don’t think you would be disappointed with either model, although I hope Mercedes change their mind and release the full AMG G63 version to give us a true comparison against the X6 M. Until that happens if you’d like to compare other cars or find out more, check the links below:
