VS
At a Glance
Power
225 kW
215 kW
Torque
494 Nm
550 Nm
Fuel
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Towing
1200 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
6.3 s
Engine
electric cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the BMW iX1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW iX1 delivers 225 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 215 kW. On fuel, the iX1 returns 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km while the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 210 000 for the iX1 and R1 431 756 for the GLC. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
225 kW
215 kW
Torque
494 Nm
550 Nm
0-100 kph
5.6 s
6.3 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
243 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
66.45 kWh l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
—
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4716 mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1890-2076 mm
Height
1616 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2010 DIN / 2085 EU Kg
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
490-1495 l
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
570 l
545 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW iX1
2 / 4 categories
Performance
iX1
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
iX1
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
BMW iX1
More powerful engine (225 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 210 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Less power than rival (215 kW vs 225 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the iX1 or GLC?
The iX1 uses 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km and the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the iX1 or GLC?
The iX1 produces 225 kW and 494 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The iX1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the iX1 and GLC?
The iX1 starts from R1 210 000 and the GLC from R1 431 756. The iX1 is cheaper by R221 756 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the iX1 or GLC?
The iX1 has a braked towing capacity of 1200 Kg and the GLC can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the iX1 or the GLC?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.