X1 F48 vs GLC X253: which is better?
BMW X1 F48 (2015–2022) vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 (2015–2022): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW X1 F48
Mercedes-Benz GLC X253Specifications
| BMW X1 F48 | Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2015–2022 | 2015–2022 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 Turbo (xDrive20i) | 2.0 Turbo (GLC250) |
| Power, up to | 192 hp | 211 hp |
| Torque, up to | 280 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 439 mm | 4 656 mm |
| Width | 1 821 mm | 1 890 mm |
| Height | 1 598 mm | 1 639 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 670 mm | 2 873 mm |
| Fuel tank | 61 L | 66 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW X1 F48
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW B46/B48/B58: oil and coolant leaks at high mileage
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (BMW B46/B48/B58): oil and coolant leaks at high mileage; water pump failures occur.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Mercedes-Benz GLC X253
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M274/M264 (2.0): timing chain stretch and tensioner
- Gearbox Mercedes 9G-Tronic: jerky shifts when worn, software updates
Engine (Mercedes M274/M264 (2.0)): timing chain stretch and tensioner; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Mercedes 9G-Tronic): jerks when worn, software updates.
Which one to choose
- GLC X253 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: X1 F48 or GLC X253?
X1 F48: up to 192 hp, GLC X253: up to 211 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: X1 F48 — about 16 475 ₸, GLC X253 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.