Denza B5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Denza B5 starts from $74,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Denza B5 the more affordable entry point by $14,910.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $82,489 and $98,890 respectively.

The Denza B5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLC, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Denza B5 by roughly $8,410 in fuel alone.

Both the Denza B5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B5 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLC packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Denza B5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Denza B5 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Denza B5 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Devialet audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Denza B5 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers synthetic leather.

The Denza B5 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 400kW and 760Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The Denza B5 has the clear power advantage at 400kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Denza B5 is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Denza B5 measures 4,888mm long on a 2,800mm wheelbase, 172mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 470L in the Denza B5 and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 130L advantage.

For towing, the Denza B5 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $456/year for the Denza B5 and $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $1,682 annual difference in favour of the Denza B5.

Estimated annual total: $456 (Denza B5) vs $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Denza B5 saves you roughly $1,682 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Denza B5 has longer coverage.