Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs Tesla Model Y

What's the difference?

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

2026 price

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

$55,900 - $89,400

2025 price

Summary

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

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L
Fuel Type
-

Electric
Fuel Efficiency
-

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
-

5
Dislikes
  • Pricier than base-grade rivals
  • Costly servicing
  • Start/stop system can be annoying

  • Drive mode selector is silly
  • Warranty below average
  • Feels very heavy when pushed
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Summary

Mercedes-Benz has brought back the entry-grade GLC200 and it's now the most affordable way into the sleek, mid-size luxury SUV.

But ‘entry-level’ doesn’t always mean ‘everyday friendly,’ so we’ve been family-testing it to see if it delivers that signature Benz comfort, quality and class without the premium sting.

The question is, does it offer enough substance and style to take on its high-profile rivals, the Audi Q5 and BMW X3?

View full pricing & specs
2025 Tesla Model Y Summary

I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this is the car that could make or break Tesla in Australia and around the world. 

Crazy, right? That seemed impossible not so long ago, back when the brand appeared untouchable. But new competition, largely from China, plus the giant Musk-shaped elefant (it is German for elephant…) in the room, has seen sales and profit plummet.

Just last month, for example, the Tesla Model Y lost its best-seller crown in Australia to BYD, admittedly in the weeks before the new 'Juniper' version arrived.

The point is, a new version of its biggest seller is a Very Big Deal. But have they changed enough, and changed it well enough, to cut through the noise?

We put the cheapest variant, the Tesla Model Y RWD, to the test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2025 Tesla Model Y

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