Cadillac Vistiq vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
What's the difference?

Cadillac Vistiq

$116,000 - $116,000

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$66,800 - $183,541

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz Esprinter

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Volvo Ex90

Zeekr 009

Summary

2026 Cadillac Vistiq

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

By Jack Quick

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

7.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

—

Likes

Appealing price tag
Fantastic access to third row
Ridiculously quick

More power and torque
More fuel efficient
Stylish cabin

Dislikes

Over-sensitive driver attention monitor
Mediocre fast-charging rate
Limited dealer network

Misses V8 soundtrack
Big price rise over previous model
Smaller boot, no spare tyre

2026 Cadillac Vistiq Summary

Cadillac launched in Australia last year as an all-electric brand and its first offering was the Lyriq large SUV. It now has a follow up in the form of the Vistiq which has a similarly confusing name but is even larger.

With three rows of seating and an electric powertrain, it’s a key rival to the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90.

We’ve already had a spin of the Vistiq over in the USA but this is our first time on Australia soil, so let’s see how it stacks up.

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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Summary

Let’s make one thing clear from the very beginning - this new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance is technically superior to the model it replaces. Whether it’s actually better or not, is the real question at the heart of the matter.

Why? Because, like the C63 sedan stablemate, AMG has opted to replace the previous model’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. It was a move brought about in part because of increasingly stricter emissions standards in Europe, but also ties-in with the German firm’s success in modern Formula One racing.

While the new hybrid system offers more power, more torque and better fuel economy, as the lukewarm response to the C63 has demonstrated, the hard reality for AMG is that its buyers associate it with V8 and even V12 engines. That emotional pull is hard to replace with logic, even if the new model offers technical superiority.

But how does the new powertrain suit the GLC63 - is it just technically better or is it holistically improved?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cadillac Vistiq 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Verdict

The Vistiq is a properly luxurious car that cleverly undercuts all the premium players. It has a flashy exterior with a generously equipped and spacious interior. Plus, it’s got enough oomph to move a small mountain.

Cadillac seems to be onto a winner with this car, especially at this price point. However, it will be interesting to see whether buyers of big SUVs like this are willing to make the jump to electric. The upper large SUV segment has been dominated by the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol for decades now and I don’t see this changing anytime soon.

Verdict

Like I said right from the start, this new, hybrid version of the AMG GLC63 is technically superior to the model it replaces in every meaningful way. It is faster, more powerful and more fuel efficient and therefore a better performance SUV than the model it replaces.

Is it a better model than the one it replaces? Ultimately that will come down to how much stock you put into the soundtrack and your feelings on an AMG not powered by a V8 engine.

Because if you can see past that, then the AMG GLC63 is an absolutely fantastic performance SUV. Not only does the new powertrain make it faster in a straight line, but the chassis is very well-balanced, making for an engaging driving experience.

For those who can look past the smaller engine they will be rewarded with an incredibly fast and rewarding-to-drive member of the AMG family.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Cadillac Vistiq vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cadillac Vistiq vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
What's the difference?