Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Polestar 4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Level: here's what splits them
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 9 Nov 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Mercedes-Benz GLC
6 of 27 standard · no option data · 21 no dataFrom
$89,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- Petrol
- Power
- 150kW
- Economy
- 7.5 L/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2022
- Boot (seats up)
- 600L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Polestar 4
25 of 27 standard · no option data · 2 no dataFrom
$78,500
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric Motor
- Power
- 200kW
- Energy use
- 16.8 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2025
- Boot (seats up)
- 526L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
$89,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$78,500RRP
- no option data for this car
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.
Price and cost per week
Mercedes-Benz GLC GLC200 4MATIC
$89,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 24 June 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $393 a week in repayments ($89,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Polestar 4 Long Range Single Motor
$78,500
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 24 June 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $340 a week in repayments ($78,500 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Polestar 4 starts $11,400 lower on RRP.
The Polestar 4 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Mercedes-Benz GLC does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$340/wk(≈$1,473/mo)
Estimate on the Polestar 4 at $78,500 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Polestar 4Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 5 stars (2022) and the Polestar 4 at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). 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 and 92% for the Polestar 4, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Polestar 4, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 7 in the Polestar 4.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 0 of 10 key systems on the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 9 on the Polestar 4.
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.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- 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-006318 · published 28 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the high-voltage starter generator may experience an intermittent overload, which could deactivate functions of the system.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- 26 more on the model page.
Polestar 4
None open on our record
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 a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
How long to charge
100kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 200kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 200kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Polestar 4. The Polestar 4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Polestar 4 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
The Polestar 4 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Polestar 4 is 1.1s 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, 124mm shorter than the Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 526L in the Polestar 4, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 74L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg 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 Polestar 4's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 11.6 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 costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and electricity for the Polestar 4 about $806 a year (16.8 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC) and 5 years / Unlimited (Polestar 4).
Where each one leads
The Mercedes-Benz GLC: the bigger boot with the seats up (600L against 526L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,500kg).
The Polestar 4: the lower starting price ($78,500 against $89,900) and more power (200kW against 150kW).
The Verdict
Level: here's what splits them
The Mercedes-Benz GLC (62) and Polestar 4 (75) are too close to call on the figures we hold. What splits them: value (Polestar 4 ahead by 15 points), performance (Polestar 4 ahead by 8 points). Boot space with the seats up: 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, 526L in the Polestar 4.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$340/wk(≈$1,473/mo)
Estimate on the Polestar 4 at $78,500 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Polestar 4Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Polestar 4?
The Polestar 4 is the cheapest at $78,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by $11,400.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz GLC holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2022) and Polestar 4 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. 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 with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 4 makes the most power at 200kW. The Polestar 4 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.1s.
Track the Mercedes-Benz GLC & Polestar 4
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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