Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV opens at $225,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $136,000.
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 $98,890 and $248,490 respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
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 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLC misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Burmester audio that the Mercedes-Benz GLC does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV responds with a Electric making 265kW and 568Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has the clear power advantage at 265kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4,716mm long on a 2,888mm wheelbase, 409mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV at 5,125mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 645L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV a 45L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg 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 12.4m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has a clear edge. 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 and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest at $89,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV by $136,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLC and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 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 EQS SUV has the largest boot at 645L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV makes the most power at 265kW. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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