Tesla Model Y vs Mercedes-AMG GLC43
What's the difference?

Tesla Model Y

$58,900 - $89,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-AMG GLC43

$98,868 - $153,888

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2026 Tesla Model Y

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

9.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Seriously practical
A seating layout that makes perfect sense
Long-distance driving range

Looks the part
Well specified
You'll dream about the engine burbling

Dislikes

Ride might be too firm for some
Compromised vision from driver's seat
Lack of Apple CarPlay a turn-off

Expensive compared to rivals
Back seat isn't as well equipped as it should be
Hard ride for a daily driver

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.

View full pricing & specs

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Summary

If you’re looking for a performance SUV, I want to introduce you to the recently launched Mercedes-AMG GLC43. The GLC43 has a new engine, new outputs and sees some major changes to its underpinnings and tech.

It competes against the BMW X3 M40i, Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan S; all exceptional sports performance SUVs with cult followings.

Fans will be enthralled by the GLC43's new engine but I'm testing this new variant to see if it has what it takes to woo families, as well.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Tesla Model Y 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43

Verdict

If you like the five-seat Model Y, then you'll like the six-seat L version even more. I think this the best example of Tesla's electric SUV to date, and the cabin layout just makes a lot of sense, and would suit plenty of families who don't need to squeeze someone into a compromised middle seat.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Verdict

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 has your back if you’re looking for a thrilling performance SUV that moonlights as the daily family driver. It boasts a fairly practical cabin with good storage. Is it too expensive? Yep. Would I have one? Absolutely. It’s fun and full of features.

This rocked my kid's world – the lighting, the cool superhero vibes of the styling … the ‘tatatata’ chirps of the engine. It won him over completely.

Tesla Model Y vs Mercedes-AMG GLC43 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Tesla Model Y vs Mercedes-AMG GLC43
What's the difference?