Verdict
The RM79,088 gap is doing real work here. The BMW X1 is the sharper paper performer, matching the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 201 hp while hitting 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and 236 km/h flat out. The GLC answers with 320 Nm, all-wheel drive, a 23 hp mild-hybrid motor and far more room: 620 litres of boot space against 476 litres. For a Malaysian buyer, the X1 is easier to justify; the GLC is the larger, more kitted-out family SUV.
X1
Pick the BMW X1 if you want the lower price, slightly quicker acceleration and a space-saver spare tyre.
GLC
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you need the bigger boot, all-wheel drive and more comfort kit.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM250,800; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888
- Output: BMW X1 201 hp/300 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 201 hp/320 Nm plus a 23 hp motor
- Driveline and gearbox: BMW X1 front-wheel drive with a 7-speed dual-clutch; Mercedes-Benz GLC all-wheel drive with a 9-speed automatic
- Performance: BMW X1 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and 236 km/h; Mercedes-Benz GLC 7.8 seconds and 221 km/h
- Size and boot: BMW X1 4,500 mm long with 476 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLC 4,716 mm long with 620 litres
- Fuel tank: BMW X1 45 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLC 62 litres
X1
- RM79,088 cheaper to buy
- Quicker 0-100 km/h time and higher top speed
- Adaptive LED projector headlamps and a space-saver spare tyre
- Less torque: 300 Nm versus 320 Nm
- Smaller boot: 476 litres versus 620 litres
- Front-wheel drive versus all-wheel drive
GLC
- Larger boot and longer wheelbase
- All-wheel drive with extra torque from its mild-hybrid motor
- Powered boot, 360-degree camera and front seats with memory/heating
- RM79,088 higher price
- Slower to 100 km/h and lower top speed
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,800✓ | RM 329,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 320 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | 10 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 23 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 205 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 1 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Dual-clutch | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 7 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.6 seconds✓ | 7.8 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7.2 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 236 km/h✓ | 221 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 476 litres | 620 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 20" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, front-side, rear | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available on outer two rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 10.7" BMW Operating System 8 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | No | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 439✓ | RM 440 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
X1 vs GLC FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The BMW X1 is better for price and paper performance: same 201 hp, 7.6-second 0-100 km/h and RM79,088 less. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is better if you want more space, all-wheel drive and extra equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM79,088 more, at RM329,888 versus RM250,800 for the BMW X1.
Which SUV is more practical for family use?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is more practical on space, with a 620-litre boot and 2,888 mm wheelbase. The BMW X1 has 476 litres and a 2,692 mm wheelbase.