The luxury compact coupe SUV segment might sound rather niche, but it’s actually pretty well filled-out. Two of the biggest competitors in this space are the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and 2019 BMW X4, both of which bring sleek styling and the best luxury bits that either brand can muster. But the question is this - which is better?

The Three-Pointed Star, Or The Kidney Grille?

Standout features include a lower, more aggressive roofline, plus LED lighting front to back and oodles of polished trim. Inside, the GLC Coupe comes with twin digital gauges for infotainment and driver information, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. There’s also a number of high-tech augmented reality features and advanced voice control, plus safety and convenience features like Active Brake Assist and Active Steering. Leatherette upholstery keeps it comfortable.

As for motivation, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 225 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 14 ponies over the current model. Properly applied, it’s enough to send the GLC Coupe to 60 mph in about 6 seconds.

Updates for the 2019 model year include reshaped headlight and taillight housings, a few nips and tucks to the body panels, plus a wider track and a longer wheelbase. The bigger bodt translates into more space inside, complemented by the latest BMW safety and autonomous features, as well as an optional heads-up display.

When it comes to the powertrain, BMW is offering two engine choices, starting with a turbo four-cylinder making 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Above the ‘four is a turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder making 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, which is good enough to propel the X4 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

Both the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and the 2019 BMW X4 are huge players in the luxury compact coupe SUV segment - but which is better?

BMW X4 xDrive30i

BMW X4 M40i

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

Engine

2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder

3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder

2.0-liter four-cylinder

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5,200–6,500 rpm

355 hp @ 5,500–6,500 rpm

225 hp

Torque

258 lb-ft @ 1,450–4,800 rpm

365 lb-ft @ 1,520–4,800 rpm

273 lb-ft

0 to 60 mph

6.0 seconds

4.6 seconds

6.0 seconds

Top Speed

130 mph

130 mph

130 mph


Further Reading

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Unveiled

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW X4.