Compare the2026 BMW X5 MVS 2026 Mercedes AMG GLC

The BMW X5 M has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG GLC doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the BMW X5 M achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mercedes AMG GLC has not been tested.

The X5 M’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG GLC.

Both the X5 M and the AMG GLC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The BMW X5 M has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2026 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test, and a “Good” score in the revised vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The AMG GLC is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2026.

The X5 M’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG GLC’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 M for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. With 14 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mercedes.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 14 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The X5 M’s 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid produces 201 more horsepower (617 vs. 416) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 369) than the AMG GLC 43’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

The X5 M has 5.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG GLC 43’s standard fuel tank (21.9 vs. 16.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The X5 M has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance’s standard fuel tank (21.9 vs. 17.2 gallons).

For better stopping power the X5 M’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG GLC:

For better traction, the X5 M has larger tires than the AMG GLC (F:295/35R21 & R:315/30R22 vs. F:265/45R20 & R:295/40R20).

The X5 M Competition’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG GLC’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires. The X5 M Competition’s optional 295/35R21 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the AMG GLC’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 M Competition has standard 21-inch wheels. Smaller 20-inch wheels are standard on the AMG GLC. The X5 M Competition’s optional 22-inch rear wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the AMG GLC.

The X5 M has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the AMG GLC; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the AMG GLC don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The front and rear suspension of the X5 M uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the AMG GLC, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The X5 M has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The X5 M’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The AMG GLC doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X5 M’s wheelbase is 3.3 inches longer than on the AMG GLC (117 inches vs. 113.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the X5 M is 1.7 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the AMG GLC.

The X5 M’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.8% to 49.2%) than the AMG GLC’s (53% to 47%). This gives the X5 M more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the X5 M has a 2.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance (8.4 vs. 5.7 inches), allowing the X5 M to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X5 M’s minimum ground clearance is 2.2 inches higher than on the AMG GLC 43 (8.4 vs. 6.2 inches).

The X5 M has 2.7 inches more front shoulder room and 1.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the AMG GLC.

The X5 M has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the AMG GLC with its rear seat up (33.9 vs. 21.9 cubic feet). The X5 M has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the AMG GLC with its rear seat folded (72.3 vs. 59.3 cubic feet).

The X5 M’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The AMG GLC’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

A Trailer Stabilization Control is standard on the X5 M, using the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the AMG GLC.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X5 M to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The AMG GLC doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X5 M offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the AMG GLC.

Compared to traditional radio, the BMW X5 M’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the AMG GLC.

The X5 M’s Parking Assistant Professional can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The AMG GLC’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

The BMW X5 outsold the Mercedes GLC by 6% during 2025.