@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VS

Mercedes GLC vs VW Tiguan – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Mercedes GLC or VW Tiguan?

GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

A Battle of the Titans: Mercedes GLC vs. VW Tiguan

When it comes to the world of SUVs, two heavyweights stand out: the Mercedes GLC and the VW Tiguan. Both models bring a unique blend of luxury, performance, and innovation to the table, making them highly sought after by automotive enthusiasts and families alike. In this article, we will dive into both vehicles’ technical specifications and innovative features to see how they compare head-to-head.

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Design and Dimensions

The Mercedes GLC offers a refined exterior with a sleek profile, measuring between 4716 and 4792 mm in length, 1890 mm in width, and a height range of 1603-1647 mm. This design is complemented by a spacious trunk capacity of up to 620 liters, making it ideal for long journeys and family outings.

In contrast, the VW Tiguan stretches 4539 mm in length and features a width of 1842-1859 mm, with a height of 1658-1656 mm. The Tiguan boasts an impressive trunk capacity of 652 liters, offering excellent utility along with its stylish looks. Both vehicles have five doors and comfortably seat five passengers.

GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Engine Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Mercedes GLC presents a variety of engine choices, including petrol MHEV, diesel MHEV, and plug-in hybrid options. Power offerings range from 186 HP to a staggering 680 HP for the high-performance variants, demonstrating the GLC’s versatility. Its consumption ratings vary from a remarkable 0.4 L/100km for hybrids to around 10.3 L/km for the more powerful variants.

The VW Tiguan, meanwhile, is offered with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, generating between 130 HP and 272 HP. With a fuel consumption rating as low as 5.3 L/100km, the Tiguan is a paragon of fuel efficiency, especially in its MHEV configurations.

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Acceleration and Handling

Acceleration is a crucial aspect for performance-minded drivers. The GLC excels here with several variants achieving 0-100 km/h times as low as 4.7 seconds, making it an exhilarating option for those who crave speed. The advanced all-wheel-drive system ensures exceptional handling and stability, especially in challenging conditions.

The Tiguan presents respectable performance, with its quickest model achieving the same 0-100 km/h benchmark in just 5.9 seconds. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the Tiguan delivers commendable handling, supported by a well-tuned suspension system.

GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Technological Innovations

Mercedes-Benz does not shy away from innovation in the GLC. Featuring the latest MBUX infotainment system, the GLC offers advanced voice control, a high-resolution display, and seamless smartphone integration. The range of driver assistance features enhances safety and convenience, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.

The VW Tiguan also impresses with technology, offering the Discover Media or Discover Pro systems, providing intuitive navigation, good smartphone integration, and a user-friendly interface. Its safety features include a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, making it a reliable choice for tech-savvy drivers.

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Environmental Impact

As automotive manufacturers focus on sustainability, both the GLC and Tiguan offer hybrid options that significantly reduce carbon emissions. The GLC achieves CO2 emissions as low as 10 g/km for its plug-in hybrid variant, while the Tiguan offers a best-in-class rating of just 8 g/km.

GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Conclusion: Which SUV Will You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between the Mercedes GLC and VW Tiguan boils down to personal preference and specific needs. The GLC leans towards luxury and high performance, ideal for buyers who value a refined driving experience. In contrast, the Tiguan stands out with its practicality, efficiency, and technology-rich features. Both SUVs are remarkable in their own right, offering modern drivers exceptional capabilities and innovations.

Whether you prioritize performance, luxury, or utility, both the Mercedes GLC and VW Tiguan provide strong contenders in the competitive SUV landscape. The decision comes down to what aligns best with your lifestyle and driving expectations.

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

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Tiguan has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 32800 £, while the Mercedes GLC costs 50300 £. That’s a price difference of around 17542 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Tiguan manages with 1.40 L and is therefore slightly more efficient than the Mercedes GLC with 1.60 L. The difference is about 0.20 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Mercedes GLC performs decisively better – achieving up to 714 km, about 588 km more than the VW Tiguan.

GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 has a clearly edge – offering 680 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 408 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the VW Tiguan takes 5.90 s. That’s about 2.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLC performs slightly better – reaching 275 km/h, while the VW Tiguan tops out at 242 km/h. The difference is around 33 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLC pulls convincingly stronger with 1020 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 620 Nm difference.

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Tiguan is to a small extent lighter – 1599 kg compared to 1910 kg. The difference is around 311 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Tiguan offers hardly perceptible more room – 652 L compared to 620 L. That’s a difference of about 32 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLC performs minimal better – up to 1740 L, which is about 90 L more than the VW Tiguan.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes GLC a bit takes the win – 600 kg compared to 533 kg. That’s a difference of about 67 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes GLC shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £50,300
GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes GLC

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 186 - 680 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.6 - 9.9 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.9 - 16.6 kWh
  • Electric Range : 12 - 714 km
details

Mercedes GLC

4 (2)
rate

The Mercedes GLC blends plush cabin comfort and composed road manners into an SUV that feels more grown-up than it looks. It won’t shout for attention, but will quietly please buyers who want refinement, usable space and a touch of luxury without the drama.

details
22C0270_060 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
22C0270_055 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
22C0270_051 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
22C0270_046 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
22C0270_031 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

VW Tiguan

3.3 (3)
rate

The VW Tiguan blends sensible family practicality with a dash of German polish, delivering a calm, reassuring ride and a cabin that never feels like an afterthought. For buyers who want an SUV that’s easy to live with yet still nicely dressed, the Tiguan is the grown‑up choice that keeps a cheeky wink in reserve.

details
DB2020AU01005_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2020AU01010_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2020AU01013_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2020AU01015_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2020AU01016_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2020AU01055_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Top Car Comparisons

@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Tiguan
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Tayron
VS
In the realm of compact SUVs, the VW Tiguan and VW Tayron present distinct choices for consumers seeking versatility and style. While the Tiguan is renowned for its spacious interior and family-friendly features, the Tayron offers a sportier design and a more dynamic driving experience. Ultimately, …
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Tiguan
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Touran
VS
In the competitive crossover segment, the VW Tiguan and VW Touran both offer distinct advantages for families seeking versatility and comfort. While the Tiguan impresses with its sleek design and sporty driving dynamics, the Touran stands out for its spacious interior and practical seating …
Mercedes GLC
VW Tiguan
GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption
Price
50300 - 126600 £
Price
32800 - 51900 £
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.9 L
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.4 L
Consumption kWh/100km
14.9 - 16.6 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
12 - 714 km
Electric Range
118 - 126 km
Battery Capacity
94 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
0 - 225 g/km
co2
32 - 190 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 - 65 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 58 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1910 - 2535 kg
Curb weight
1599 - 1890 kg
Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
Trunk capacity
490 - 652 L
Length
4716 - 4845 mm
Length
4539 mm
Width
1890 - 1913 mm
Width
1842 - 1859 mm
Height
1603 - 1647 mm
Height
1656 - 1658 mm
Max trunk capacity
1335 - 1740 L
Max trunk capacity
1486 - 1650 L
Payload
475 - 600 kg
Payload
460 - 533 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
186 - 680 HP
Power HP
130 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 10.6 s
Max Speed
208 - 275 km/h
Max Speed
198 - 242 km/h
Torque
320 - 1020 Nm
Torque
220 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
137 - 500 kW
Power kW
96 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1991 - 2989 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025 - 2026
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, G, B, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D, E, F, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW

Similar Comparisons

@ Renault Group Media
Renault Rafale
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Tiguan
VS
In the battle of the compact SUVs, the Renault Rafale and Volkswagen Tiguan each showcase their unique strengths. While the Rafale impresses with its bold styling and advanced technology features, the Tiguan offers a more established reputation for reliability and a spacious interior. Ultimately, …
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Mercedes GLC
@ XPeng Motors
XPeng G9
VS
The Mercedes GLC and XPeng G9 compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
@ Renault Group Media
Renault Austral
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Tiguan
VS
In comparing the Renault Austral and the VW Tiguan, both vehicles stand out in the competitive compact SUV segment. The Austral offers stylish design and a tech-savvy interior, appealing to those seeking modern aesthetics and connectivity. Meanwhile, the Tiguan excels with its spacious cabin and …
@ Volvo Cars
Volvo XC60
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Tiguan
VS
In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Volvo XC60 and VW Tiguan stand out with their unique offerings. The XC60 boasts cutting-edge safety features and a luxurious interior, making it a favorite for those prioritizing comfort and security. Meanwhile, the Tiguan impresses with its spaciousness …
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW T-Roc
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Tiguan
VS
In the competitive compact SUV segment, the VW T-Roc and VW Tiguan stand out, each offering a distinct blend of style and versatility. The T-Roc appeals to younger buyers seeking a sporty, agile ride with its dynamic design and customizable options, while the Tiguan caters to families needing more …
@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
Dacia Duster
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Tiguan
VS
In the competitive compact SUV market, the Dacia Duster stands out as a budget-friendly alternative to the more premium Volkswagen Tiguan. While the Tiguan boasts advanced technology and a refined interior, the Duster offers practicality and impressive off-road capabilities at a fraction of the …
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Mercedes GLC
@ Volvo Cars
Volvo XC60
VS
When it comes to luxury compact SUVs, the Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60 both offer a blend of performance, style, and cutting-edge technology. The Mercedes GLC stands out with its elegant interior and advanced infotainment system, perfect for those who value luxury and connectivity. Alternatively, …
@ Peugeot / Stellantis Media
Peugeot 3008
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Tiguan
VS
Unsure whether the Peugeot 3008 or the VW Tiguan is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
What drive types are available for the Mercedes GLC?

The Mercedes GLC is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.