Mercedes-Benz GLC vs GWM Tank 500
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 GWM Tank 500 opens at $59,990. That makes the GWM Tank 500 the more affordable entry point by $29,910.
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 $65,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GWM Tank 500 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 85% for the GWM Tank 500.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLC packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the GWM Tank 500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the GWM Tank 500. The GWM Tank 500 counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 GWM Tank 500 responds with a Hybrid making 255kW and 648Nm, paired to a 9-speed auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is 0.3s 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, 362mm shorter than the GWM Tank 500 at 5,078mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 98L in the GWM Tank 500, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 502L advantage. The GWM Tank 500 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m 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 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs $2,423 (GWM Tank 500). The Mercedes-Benz GLC saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Tank 500 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLC will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a clear edge. The GWM Tank 500 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 GWM Tank 500?
The GWM Tank 500 is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by $29,910.
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 GWM Tank 500 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 GLC has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Tank 500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Tank 500 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Tank 500 makes the most power at 255kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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