Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe vs Polestar 3

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe starts from $111,400 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $116,700. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe the more affordable entry point by $5,300.

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 $122,540 and $128,370 respectively.

The Polestar 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Polestar 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and 90% for the Polestar 3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 10 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Polestar 3, against 7 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and 9 in the Polestar 3.

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

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the Polestar 3. The Polestar 3 counters with ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.

The Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The Polestar 3 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 190kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 3 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Boot space is 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Polestar 3 a 27L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3). Both match on warranty length.