Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs Tesla Model Y

What's the difference?

VS
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$66,800 - $183,541

2025 price

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

$58,900 - $89,400

2026 price

Summary

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
2026 Tesla Model Y
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Not Applicable, 0.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

Electric
Fuel Efficiency
7.3L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

6
Dislikes
  • Misses V8 soundtrack
  • Big price rise over previous model
  • Smaller boot, no spare tyre

  • Ride might be too firm for some
  • Compromised vision from driver's seat
  • Lack of Apple CarPlay a turn-off
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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2026 Tesla Model Y Summary

This is the new Tesla Model Y L, of course, but before we even start I need to ask you a very important question.

How often, honestly, do you use all seven seats in your seven-seater? Or if you only have five seats, how often is there a human in every single one?

Rarely, if ever?

Yep, me too. So stick around, because this is, by far, the best family SUV seating layout. And one where there’ll finally be no fighting over who gets stuck with the dodgy seat.

And as a result, the six-seat Tesla Model Y L might just be among the best all-electric SUV offerings around.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2026 Tesla Model Y

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