2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of the familiar and the new. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions expected in the 2024 model year. The changes in the GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights. Despite the redesign, the GLC maintained its classic and timeless appeal, which had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The interior saw a more significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The materials and construction quality remained excellent, with a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to its rivals.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, retained its well-aged styling, though the M Sport treatment was not universally liked. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine. The xDrive50e PHEV model, in particular, received significant upgrades, including a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery pack. The interior was modernized with the BMW Curved Display, reducing physical switchgear and introducing new transmission controls. Despite these updates, the X5 retained a connection to its past through the quality of materials and construction.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was limited to the GLC 300 trim, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older engine, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with a sportier ride.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid system with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, producing 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, just shy of the X5 M60i's performance. The PHEV offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and an overall fuel economy of 33.7 mpg during testing. The adaptive damping air suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the X5 excelled in handling, especially in Sport mode. The PHEV's electric motor produced 194 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, and the vehicle's weight was well-managed, offering a smooth and engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine leather. The interior provided sufficient storage space, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC's front seats accommodated taller passengers, while the rear seats offered adequate space for average adults, with slightly limited headroom. The standard GLC had a cargo capacity of 21.9 cubic feet, smaller than its rivals, but the rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered seating for five and a cargo area of 33.1 cubic feet, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The X5 featured standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, with optional 20-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating and ventilation. The Climate Comfort Package added four-zone climate control and other comfort features. Rear passengers enjoyed supportive seats and a panoramic sunroof, though the optional third-row seat was no longer available.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions. The available head-up display and augmented video navigation provided useful information, but the reduction in physical controls was less favorable.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The GLC's safety systems were reliable, with smooth and trustworthy adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 BMW X5 added the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, which worked well in certain conditions but could be unpredictable in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, though occasional errant braking occurred. The X5 received high ratings from IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. NHTSA gave the X5 an overall rating of four stars.