In the ever-growing Sports Activity Coupe sector, there are plenty of excellent models out now. Two of our favorites come from BMW and Mercedes Benz, and they are the latest X4 and GLC Coupe models. Both cars promise a winning combination of styling, performance, and practicality, but do they live up to these claims?
To find out we’ve looked at both models side by side, to compare their practicality, performance, driving experience, quality and value for money. These are two closely matched vehicles, but if you want to find out which model is best, we have everything covered below.
The X4 vs. the GLC Coupe
We’ll compare the BMW X4 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 our 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 X4 and the GLC coupe:
| BMW X4 30i | MB GLC Coupe 300 4MATIC | |
| Wheelbase (in) | 112.8 | 113.1 |
| Total Length (in) | 187.6 | 186.3 |
| Height (in) | 63.8 | 63 |
| Width (in) | 84.2 | 82.5 |
| Weight (lb) | 4,178 | 3,968 |
| Interior Headroom (in) | 40.3 | 38.9 |
| Front Legroom (in) | 40.7 | 40.8 |
| Rear Legroom (in) | 35.5 | 37.2 |
| Cargo Volume (cubic ft) | 18.5 | 17.6 |
We’ve used the entry-level models for each car here as the comparison. Dimensions are the same on the more expensive models, but weight does increase on both cars.
Comparing the X4 and GLC Coupe, the stats are incredibly close in most areas. For example, the wheelbase and height are within 1 inch, and the BMW is less than 2 inches wider. Weight is a difference though, and the X4 is almost 200 lbs heavier than the GLC.
The BMW is the winner in headroom, but it’s identical in the front passenger legroom. Rear passengers will prefer the GLC with its extra legroom, but both are acceptable here. Finally, the rear storage in the X4 is slightly better, although both models are poor in cargo volume compared to ‘standard’ SUV models.
Overall, these vehicles aren’t built for practicality. BMW and Mercedes have designed these Sport Activity Coupes to be alternatives to more practical models like the X3 and GLB, and that’s fine. In terms of practicality, I can’t choose a favorite here though, as the stats are too close.
Performance / Engines
Next up we’ll compare the performance of the X4 and GLC. As we saw in the previous section, these cars aren’t focused on practicality, but how do they compare on power and fuel efficiency?
BMW X4
| Power (BHP) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 (s) | MPG (Highway / Urban) | |
| BMW X4 30i | 248 | 258 | 6.0 | 29 / 23 |
| BMW X4 M40i | 382 | 369 | 4.4 | 27 / 21 |
| BMW X4 M | 473 | 457 | 3.9 | 19 / 14 |
BMW has always been strong in its engine selection, and it shows here. The entry-level X4 30i comes with almost 250 bhp, which for most owners will be plenty, and a 0-60 time of 6 seconds flat. For a mid-size SUV that’s not going to disappoint anyone, but if you’re after even more performance, BMW have you covered.
The X4 M40i and X4 M versions both come with a straight-six turbocharged engine, putting out 382 and 473 bhp respectively. The X4 40i stats alone are impressive, with a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, which would give previous generation M4s a worry.
The full-blooded X4 M takes things up a level though; with 473 bhp and a 0-60 time under 4 seconds, this is an incredible machine. Combine that with the fact that BMW regularly understates its true performance figures, and this car has earned its M badge.
With all this power comes a sacrifice on fuel economy though. The X4 30i isn’t too bad, with 29 mpg on the highway, but all models suffer on their urban figures. With all that power it’s not surprising to see the X4 M averaging just 14 mpg for urban driving, so prepare for plenty of fuel stops.
Mercedes GLC Coupe
| 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 |
The GLC Coupe just comes with two variants of engine. The entry-level 300 is close in stats to the X4 30i, with similar power and only slightly down on performance. Mercedes’ non-AMG models have never been as strong on their engines as their Munich rivals, but the GLC 300 will be enough for most owners.
The AMG 43 version is also close to its main rival, the X4 M40i. Once again though, BMW has bragging rights on the claimed performance figures, with a better 0-60 time, even with less power and torque. It’s worth pointing out that Mercedes don’t include a full AMG 53 or 63 model in their GLC lineup, so there’s no comparison to the X4 M.
Fuel economy is acceptable here, although urban driving in the GLC Coupe will be thirsty. Like in the practicality section, this won’t be a major issue with most drivers, but if you’re after a more efficient model., the X4 30i beats anything from Mercedes.
Driving Experience
Although these cars are mid-size SUVs, the X4 and GLC Coupe are focused on driving experience over practicality. You won’t be able to keep up with a Porsche on country roads, but BMW and Mercedes have designed these models to bring some fun to driving.
We’ll also look at how they cope with off-road driving and, finally, what the X4 and GLC are like as daily drivers.
BMW X4
Every BMW model, no matter its size, will be judged on whether it can put a smile on your face. The X4 isn’t going on any all-time lists for the greatest BMW models, but it handles surprisingly well for a car this size. The car is lower and wider than most rival SUVs, and this makes the difference in high-speed corners.
The size of the X4 and the seating position means you’re not at risk of mistaking this for an M4, but it still feels sporty enough, particularly in the X4 M. The exhaust sound (even if the speakers slightly exaggerate it) is incredible, and with multiple driving modes on every model, the X4 is adaptable to whatever style of driving you feel like.
The X4 hasn’t been designed as an off-road specialist, with low ground clearance and no low-range options. We’ve had the opportunity to test its sister model, the BMW X3 off-road, and judging by that performance, the X4 should be able to handle itself across ‘mild’ off-road terrain.
The majority of X4 owners will be using their car as daily drivers, and for that purpose, it’s a great machine. Compared to the GLC, it doesn’t feel quite as smooth, but it’s an easy car to handle, considering the size. One issue on the X4 that has plagued most modern BMWs are the standard run flat tires. Comfort and ride quality takes a hit on these, so consider swapping to some better tires quickly.
Mercedes GLC Coupe
For driving enjoyment, the GLC Coupe is the runner-up here, but it’s still an SUV you can have fun with. Like the X4 this has a wider and lower stance than most SUVs, but the BMW performance engineering isn’t here. Part of the issue is probably the lack of a full AMG version of the GLC Coupe, so we’re left with models that prioritize comfort over performance.
This doesn’t mean the GLC Coupe can’t be enjoyable. The sport suspension combined with AMG dynamic select allows you to configure the stiffness and ride height on your GLC Coupe. Combined with Mercedes’ other tech, including cornering assists, you can afford to push your GLC on the right road.
Like the X4, the GLC Coupe is not an off-road specialist. The GLC Coupe suffers from the same ride height problems as the BMW, and although it’s all-wheel drive, I wouldn’t risk any serious adventures in this. The low-profile tires are also unsuitable for almost every off-road surface, so don’t expect to be exploring the wilderness in your GLC Coupe.
Where the GLC shines is in the city and on the highway. Ride quality is excellent, and road noise is barely noticeable, even at higher speeds. The suspension goes a long way to making the GLC a comfortable place to be in the city, and for daily driving, we’d choose this over the X4.
Quality / Technology
With the X4 and GLC Coupe both starting at over $50,000, you expect these cars to come with plenty of technology and passenger comforts. With heavy reputations to live up to, particularly with Mercedes and their track record for excellent interiors, do the X4 and GLC Coupe deliver?
BMW X4
BMW has designed some excellent interiors recently, and they have closed the gap between Audi and Mercedes. The X4 is a prime example of this, with a driver-focused, intuitive layout. The driver’s display isn’t as good as the options you get in an Audi, and the lines for speed and rpm take some getting used to, but it’s still a clear and well-presented layout.
You can say the same for the central infotainment screen. One of the best parts of recent BMW designs has been the combination of touchscreen and physical buttons – compared to the likes of Mercedes with its full-screen approach, we still prefer some physical buttons to use.
Material quality is excellent here. You have a variety of trims for the X4, including wood and aluminum, and the rest of the cabin is mostly soft-touch plastics, adding a premium feel. The materials don’t feel as high quality as in the Mercedes though, but BMW hasn’t cut corners here.
Technology is plentiful too in the X4. In traditional BMW style, there is an abundance of options, with our picks being the heated seats, Heads-Up-Display, and upgraded Harman Kardon Soundsystem. As always, there are plenty of options packs to choose from to suit the needs of any driver, at a cost.
Mercedes GLC Coupe
Mercedes have always been one of the kings of interior quality and design, and although the GLC Coupe isn’t their best work, it’s still fantastic. Like the BMW, the drivers’ screen is a digital display, but Mercedes has kept it more traditional, which we love.
The central infotainment screen doesn’t hit the heights of its big brother, the GLE, but it still covers everything you need. There are still a few physical buttons on the GLC Coupe, but Mercedes are clearly focused on a screen-only design, so enjoy these while you can.
The quality and choice of interior materials are second to none here. With ten choices of seat material and a variety of wood and aluminum finishes, you can get your GLC Coupe looking exactly how you want. Plastic quality is equal to the X4 here, too, with no hard plastics on any visible surface.
Tech in the Mercedes rivals the X4 too. The standout feature has to be the ambient lighting, which you get at no extra cost with every GLC Coupe model. Like the BMW, we’d go for the heads-up display and upgraded sound system, although they don’t quite match the quality in the X4.
Value For Money
We’ve examined the practicality, performance, and equipment in the X4 and the GLC Coupe, but any comparison is incomplete without the costs. If you’re considering owning either of these, what kind of value for money are you getting?
| Starting MSRP | With Full Options | |
| BMW X4 M40i | $62,400 | $75,195 |
| BMW X4 M | $73,600 | $88,100 |
| Mercedes GLC Coupe 300 4MATIC | $52,500 | $73,215 |
| Mercedes GLC Coupe AMG 43 | $66,500 | $89,060 |
If you’re looking at the entry-level models, we can’t look past the X4 30i here. Fully loaded with options, it’s $10,000 cheaper than the GLC Coupe 300 and has slightly better performance and practicality. Realistically, most owners would probably be happy with a handful of the options, putting your X4 price around the $55,000 mark.
At the mid-tier range, the X4 40i and GLC AMG 43 are both great choices, with a couple of options thrown in if you have a budget of around $70,000. We’d just favor the Mercedes here; the interior quality and tech improvements beat the performance boost of the BMW.
Finally, if you’re looking at $80,000 and above, we would always go with the X4 M against a fully loaded GLC AMG 43. The BMWs performance is outstanding for a car like this, and for under $90,000, you’ll struggle to find many better-performance SUVs.
Summary
These cars are so similar in style, performance, quality, and price that it’s difficult to separate them. Where each car holds a slight advantage, though, is:
- Practicality – we honestly can’t pick a winner here
- Performance – across the range, the BMW X4 takes this one
- Driving Experience – if you want fun, choose the X4, if you want comfort, go with the GLC Coupe
- Interior quality and tech are too close, but we’d lean toward the Mercedes here
Overall if you’re after a coupe-style SUV, both the X4 and GLC Coupe will meet your expectations. The decision you have to make involves how you’ll want to spend your time in each vehicle, and if performance beats comfort.
If you’d like to find out more about the latest models from BMW and Mercedes, check out the articles below:
Comparing The BMW X6 vs The Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe
Which Mercedes Benz Models Have Heads-Up Display?
Which BMW Models Have Ventilated Seats?
Comparing The Audi Q3 vs The BMW X3
