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Mercedes GLC vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (472 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (50,300 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLC or Subaru Forester?

Mercedes GLC vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Mercedes GLC

4.4 (13 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly more trunk space
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Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
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  • clearly cheaper
  • moderately lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

GLC

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Subaru Forester is clearly cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLC costs 50,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,193 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLC uses 1.6 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 6.5 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLC offers significantly more power – delivering 472 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 336 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.2 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLC delivers considerably more torque with 750 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 568 Nm more.

GLC

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is moderately lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 1,985 kg. The difference is around 292 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLC offers slightly more boot space – 620 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 112 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLC carries somewhat more – 575 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 83 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLC holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £50,300
GLC

Mercedes GLC

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 186 - 472 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.6 - 9.4 L/100km
  • Electric Range 122 - 128 km
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Frequently compared as well

Mercedes GLC
Volvo EX60
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The Mercedes GLC and the Volvo EX60 take different approaches to the premium compact SUV segment: the GLC leans on refined ride, traditional luxury and a choice of petrol, mild-hybrid or plug-in options, while the EX60 emphasizes all-electric power, minimalist Scandinavian design and advanced …
Audi Q6 e-tron
Mercedes GLC
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Mercedes GLC
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLC

The Mercedes GLC blends quiet refinement with premium materials to create a comfortable, modern cabin that feels more upscale than its size might suggest. It delivers composed handling and confident on-road manners while offering practical versatility and a strong suite of driver assistance and infotainment features.

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Reviews Mercedes GLC

4.4 (13 Reviews)
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Zede
10 May 2026, 20:12:35

Too expensive! To justify it with technology that's equal or inferior.

Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Marek
2 Jan 2026, 18:32:30

There’s something about a Mercedes — you have to take it for a spin to feel it and understand why it’s special.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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Mercedes GLC
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The Mercedes GLC is a compact luxury SUV prized for refined comfort, premium interiors and familiar petrol and mild‑hybrid drivetrains; the XPeng G9 is a fully electric, tech‑centric SUV that emphasizes long range, advanced driver assistance and extensive in‑car connectivity. Compare classic …
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Mercedes GLC
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Mercedes GLC
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
50,300 - 82,100 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
122 - 128 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
41 - 214 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,985 - 2,400 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,890 - 1,920 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 575 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
186 - 472 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
380 - 750 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
137 - 347 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Subaru
Is the Mercedes GLC offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.