The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4 are stylish compact SUVs that trade a little boxy practicality for the sleeker profile of a coupe. They each come with punchy turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, all-wheel drive, and near-seamless automatic transmissions.
For the 2024 model year, the GLC is fully updated, and an AMG version rejoins the lineup. The X4 carries on unchanged, though that doesn’t mean it’s falling behind the times. Like the GLC, the X4 sports a strong engine lineup, excellent onboard tech, and the latest driver aids.
How do they compare in a head-to-head comparison? To find out, let’s dive into some highlights of both the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is based on the GLC compact SUV. Because of its tapered tail, the GLC Coupe has a little less rear headroom and cargo space than its more traditionally shaped sibling. Yet, during our time with it, the GLC Coupe has proven to be an excellent compromise between form and function.
There is plenty of space for adults in the second row and cargo volume measures in at a reasonable 19.2 cubic feet behind the split-folding second row. The standard drivetrain consists of a 255-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder paired with a 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $58,150, including a $1,150 destination fee.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Highlights
Second-row accommodations: The GLC Coupe sacrifices about an inch of headroom due to its more swept-back silhouette. However, it holds an advantage over the X4 in terms of stretch-out space in its second row. In fact, the Coupe variant of the GLC has the same amount of rear legroom as the standard model.
All-wheel drive: This is standard on all versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, whereas the base drivetrain of the regular GLC is rear-wheel drive. The 4Matic system improves performance and all-season traction.
AMG GLC 43: After a one-year hiatus, the AMG GLC 43 returns to the lineup. Powered by a 416-hp turbo 4-cylinder, the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph takes less than five seconds.
Panoramic roof: This is another nice standard perk in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. It helps create a light and airy cabin environment.
Burmester audio: This 13-speaker, 710-watt surround-sound system routinely amazes us with its quality and clarity. Better still, it’s standard on every GLC Coupe.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GLC Coupe models near you.
2024 BMW X4
This second generation of X4 burst onto the scene for the 2019 model year. Like the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, the X4 shares the same platform with a more upright stablemate. In this case, it’s the X3, one of our favorite compact luxury SUVs. Serving as the entry-level drivetrain is a 248-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder coupled to an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
While it gives up a few horses to its Mercedes rival, we’ve found this engine to be energetic and plenty powerful for city and highway jaunts. Pricing starts at $55,995, including a $995 delivery charge.
BMW X4 Highlights
Sharp handling: Being a BMW product, a higher degree of suspension composure and handling precision should be expected. Thankfully, the X4 delivers on both counts. The steering inspires tons of confidence and encourages you to take the long and twisty route home.
Harman Kardon audio: Not to be outdone acoustically by the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, the X4 has an available 16-speaker/600-watt Harman Kardon sound system. It delivers stunning sound quality and neighbor-annoying volume levels.
M40i model: Stepping up to the M40i model means a turbocharged inline-6 resides under the hood. With 383 hp on tap, the sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.4 seconds. It also comes with a sport-tuned suspension and stronger brakes.
Mighty X4 M: When outfitted with the Competition package, the X4 M has a grand total of 503 hp at its disposal. This is one of those extremely rare SUVs in which grocery runs and hot laps at a local racetrack are perfectly in keeping with its nature.
Parking Assistance: This allows the X4 to take over when it’s time to squeeze into parallel parking spots. It also comes with a 360-degree parking camera, an invaluable tool when positioning a vehicle at low speed.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the X4 models near you.
Similarities
Big on style but not lacking in substance, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4 blend sought-after SUV attributes — like a higher ride height and all-wheel drive — into a sportier shape.
Conclusion
When the dust settles and test drives are complete, there is very little to separate these two fastback SUVs. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe holds a small advantage in terms of rear legroom and headroom. It also returns better fuel economy with its standard drivetrain.
Yet the BMW X4 counters with sharper handling and extra performance courtesy of the M40i and X4 M. Considering the fashion-forward image of coupe-shaped SUVs, we think these attributes give the X4 a narrow edge over the GLC Coupe.
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe | 2024 BMW X4 | |
| Starting Price | $58,150 | $55,995 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 248 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 24 city/30 highway/26 combined | 21 city/28 highway/24 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/A | N/A |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 113.7 inches | 112.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 187.6 inches | 187.6 inches |
| Width | 76.1 inches | 75.5 inches |
| Height | 63.5 inches | 63.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 39.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.9 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.8 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.2 inches | 35.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.3 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.5 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 19.2 cubic feet | 18.5 cubic feet |
