VS
At a Glance
Power
280kW@4000
162 kW
Torque
740Nm@2000
440 Nm
Fuel
7.7L/100km
5.1 l/100km
Towing
3500kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.3s
8.1 s
Engine
2993cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X6 delivers 280kW@4000 while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 162 kW. On fuel, the X6 returns 7.7L/100km while the GLC uses 5.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 097 118 for the X6 and R1 443 773 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.
Specification
BMW X6M50d Steptronic 2012 - From R1 097 118
Mercedes-Benz GLCCoupe 220d 4matic 2023 - From R1 443 773
Performance
Power Output
280kW@4000
162 kW
Torque
740Nm@2000
440 Nm
0-100 kph
5.3s
8.1 s
Top Speed
250km/h
225 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.7L/100km
5.1 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
85L
62 l
CO2 Emissions
204g/km
130 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4877mm
4764 mm
Width
1983-2195mm
1890-2075 mm
Height
1690mm
1605 mm
Wheelbase
2933mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
212mm
—
Kerb Weight
2085kg
1945 DIN / 2020 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
545 - 1490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
1450kg
530 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X6
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X6
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
X6
Practicality
X6
Pros & Cons
BMW X6
Lower starting price (R1 097 118)
Higher towing capacity (3500kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.7L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X6 or GLC?
The X6 uses 7.7L/100km and the GLC uses 5.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLC is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X6 or GLC?
The X6 produces 280kW@4000 and 740Nm@2000 of torque while the GLC delivers 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque. The X6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X6 and GLC?
The X6 starts from R1 097 118 and the GLC from R1 443 773. The X6 is cheaper by R346 655 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X6 or GLC?
The X6 has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and the GLC can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X6 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.