A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: the short answer
7 Series and GLC are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
GLC starts ZAR 1,240,150 cheaper7 Series from ZAR 2,288,000 · GLC from ZAR 1,047,850
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
7 Series
GLC
Maximum Power
7 Series210 kW
GLC310 kW
Maximum Torque
7 Series650 Nm
GLC500 Nm
Engine Size
7 Series2993 cc
GLC1991 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
7 Series16.5 km/l
GLC10.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
7 Series140 mm
GLC187 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BMW 7 Series
740d xDrive Design Pure Excellence
Hagalu editorial rating
3.9/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
7 Series
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
GLC
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
7 Series
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
GLC
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Model Introduced Year
2022
2026
Generation
G70 four-door luxury sedan in petrol, diesel and plug-in-hybrid forms, distinct from the fully electric i7.
Current South African GLC generation represented by derivative GLC 43 4MATIC
Facelift History
Current G70-generation 7 Series as listed in BMW South Africa’s July 2026 range.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Suv
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
Premium Sedan
Premium SUV
Vehicle Type
Car
SUV
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Length
5391 mm
4716 mm
Width
1950 mm
1890 mm
Height
1544 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
3215 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
187 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
220 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
74 l
62 l
Boot/Cargo Space
540 l
620 l
Kerb Weight
2255 kg
1950 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2895 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
715 kg
600 kg
Towing Capacity
2.1 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.9 m
Front Headroom
993 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
952 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1041 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
887 mm
900 mm
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Engine
BMW 48V mild-hybrid turbocharged engine
1991/L4
Engine Code
B47
M139
Fuel Type
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2993 cc
1991 cc
Cylinders
6
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
9.0:1
Bore
82.0 mm
83.0 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
210 kW
310 kW
Maximum Torque
650 Nm
500 Nm
Combined Power
1 kW
310 kW
Combined Torque
1 Nm
500 Nm
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
1
1
Motor Location
Integrated transmission electric motor
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
5.8 sec
4.8 sec
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
4800 rpm
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
1 kWh
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
64.8 kWh
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
0
Battery Voltage
400 V
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
No
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Permanent AWD transfer system
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
8
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
Yes
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
8
9
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Claimed Mileage
16.5 km/l
10.2 km/l
City Mileage
13.5 km/l
10.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.5 km/l
10.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
74 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
1 l
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Real-world Mileage
16.5 km/l
10.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
74
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
360 km
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
0 km
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
AEB
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Cruise Control
Yes
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Parking Assist Professional
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Seat Material
BMW Individual leather 'Merino' - Black
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
Front and rear
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Front
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
Yes
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Automatic climate control
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Infotainment System
Yes
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
2
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
14.9
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
14.9
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
7 Series
GLC
LED Headlamps
Yes
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Yes
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Yes
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Off-road mode
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Yes
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Tyre Size
225/50 R18
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
20-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
18
20
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
7 Series
GLC
CO2 Emissions
162 g/km
228 g/km
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
2408000 ZAR
1883775 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
2408000
1711000
Starting Price Zar
2408000
1711000
Spec
7 Series
GLC
Warranty
Yes
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 7 Series and GLC comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: 7 Series 97 vs GLC 97.
Efficiency index: 7 Series 67 vs GLC 45.
Safety-equipment index: 7 Series 92 vs GLC 99.
Practicality index: 7 Series 58 vs GLC 73.
Ownership-cover index: 7 Series not separately scored vs GLC not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
7 Series and GLC image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
GLC leads by 1 points
7 Series and GLC are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLC
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
45/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
73/100
7 Series
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
67/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
58/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLC
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 80 pts for 7 Series
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLC leads. However, 7 Series may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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