Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe vs Polestar 3
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.
Data checked: specs 2 Jul 2026, price 1 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$111,400RRP
- no option data for this car
$116,700RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe's standard kit: $116,700 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
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.
Safety Rundown
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.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006414 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the steering coupling bolts may not meet specifications and could become loose.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-005747 · published 8 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel delivery unit may fail causing the fuel pump to switch off.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 21 more on the model page.
Polestar 3
- REC-006379 · published 16 Jul 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may enter the bumper wiring harness causing corrosion.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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.
How long to charge
92kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 310kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 310kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
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 — features our data doesn't list for 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.
Drivetrain
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 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Polestar 3 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
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.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Polestar 3: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 72, but the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is $5,300 cheaper
The Polestar 3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 72), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (Polestar 3 ahead by 8), fuel economy (Polestar 3 ahead by 3), value (Polestar 3 ahead by 3). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Polestar 3?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is the cheapest at $111,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 3 by $5,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe uses the least fuel at 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Polestar 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Polestar 3 has the largest boot at 597L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 3 makes the most power at 245kW. The Polestar 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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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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