Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs LDV D90
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$63,419 - $183,541

2025 price

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LDV D90

$14,800 - $26,880

2020 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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Mercedes-Benz C200

Mercedes-Benz C300

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

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Summary

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

2020 LDV D90

By Stephen Ottley

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

9.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

More power and torque
More fuel efficient
Stylish cabin

Makes more sense as a diesel
People-mover practicality
Affordable

Dislikes

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

Terrible software
Cheap interior
A bit unwieldy to drive

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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2020 LDV D90 Summary

It’s pretty hard to miss the LDV D90.

Mainly because it is gigantic; it's one of the biggest SUVs you can buy. In fact, I’d say what’s drawn you to this review is maybe you’ve seen one of these behemoths trucking past, and you’re wondering what the LDV badge is all about and how this relatively unknown SUV stands up against popular rivals and other notable newcomers.

To get one confusing thing out of the way, LDV once stood for Leyland DAF Vans, a now-defunct British company which has been brought back to life by none other than China’s SAIC Motor – yes, the same one which also resurrected MG.

So, is this MG big brother worth looking into? We took the recently released diesel version of the D90 on test for a week to seek some answers…

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2020 LDV D90

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.

Verdict

Looking for a cheap, powerful diesel SUV with huge cabin space and a humane third row for adults? The D90 is a really sound offering, especially considering the price of entry for this top-spec diesel which should resonate with Aussies a bit better than the petrol version.

It has plenty of issues that could be ironed out, but they’re all so small and not sale-breaking it’s almost annoying how much better the D90 could be with just a little work. Rivals should be looking over their shoulder for what comes next.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs LDV D90 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs LDV D90
What's the difference?