Denza B8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the Denza B8 & Mercedes-Benz GLC
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Price Breakdown
The Denza B8 starts from $91,000 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $1,100.
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 $100,100 and $98,890 respectively.
The Denza B8 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 B8 by roughly $8,315 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Denza B8 and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B8 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 B8.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
Feature Showdown
The Denza B8 features a 17.3-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 B8 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 B8 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Denza B8 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Drivetrain
The Denza B8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 425kW, 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 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Denza B8 is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Denza B8 measures 5,195mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 479mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza B8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 147L in the Denza B8 and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 453L advantage. The Denza B8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Denza B8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $475/year for the Denza B8 and $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $1,663 annual difference in favour of the Denza B8.
Estimated annual total: $475 (Denza B8) vs $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Denza B8 saves you roughly $1,663 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Denza B8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza B8 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Denza B8 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Denza B8 will save you roughly $1,663 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a clear edge. The Denza B8 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Denza B8 and Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest at $89,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Denza B8 by $1,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Denza B8 uses the least fuel at 2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Denza B8 and Mercedes-Benz GLC all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The Denza B8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Denza B8 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Denza B8 makes the most power at 425kW. The Denza B8 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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