Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe at 5 stars (2022) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, against 6 on the Subaru Outback.

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 Subaru Outback.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, Burmester audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. 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 Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 137kW. 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 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe a 40L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Outback's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.9 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe costs about $2,195 a year (7.7 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $114 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe: more power (190kW against 137kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 530L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,195 a year against $2,309).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $111,400).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 72

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe ahead by 25 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 20 points), reliability (Subaru Outback ahead by 6 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe costs about $114 less (7.7 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions