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Mercedes GLC vs VW Tiguan comparison

Compare performance (680 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (50,300 £ vs 33,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLC or VW Tiguan?

Mercedes GLC vs VW Tiguan: Key differences

Mercedes GLC

4.4 (11 Reviews)
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  • considerably more power
  • clearly more electric range
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
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VW Tiguan

4.1 (9 Reviews)
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  • significantly cheaper
  • a bit more efficient
  • markedly lighter
  • very slightly more trunk space
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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

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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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.

VW Tiguan is significantly cheaper – starting at 33,600 £ , while the Mercedes GLC costs 50,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 16,749 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Tiguan uses 1.4 L/100km and is a bit more efficient than the Mercedes GLC with 1.6 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes GLC offers clearly more range – reaching up to 714 km, about 588 km more than the VW Tiguan.

Tiguan

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLC offers considerably more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 408 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the VW Tiguan takes 5.9 s. That’s about 2.4 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the VW Tiguan is very slightly faster – reaching 215 km/h, while the Mercedes GLC tops out at 210 km/h. The difference is around 5 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLC delivers considerably more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 620 Nm more.

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Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Tiguan is markedly lighter – 1,599 kg compared to 1,985 kg. The difference is around 386 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Tiguan offers very slightly more boot space – 652 L compared to 620 L. That’s a difference of about 32 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLC offers somewhat more capacity – up to 1,740 L, about 254 L more than the VW Tiguan.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLC carries only slightly more – 575 kg compared to 533 kg. That’s a difference of about 42 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLC is decisively ahead 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
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Mercedes GLC

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 186 - 680 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.6 - 9.7 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 12 - 714 km
Mercedes GLC
VW Tiguan

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLC

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.

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VW Tiguan

The VW Tiguan is a calm, family‑first compact SUV that impresses with cavernous rear room, a versatile boot and sofa‑like seats that make motorway miles feel effortless, while its revamped infotainment is quicker and cleaner than before. It does demand a healthy budget and some compromises — the cabin leans heavily on touch controls for climate and the limited rear child‑seat anchoring and wide mirrors can frustrate buyers who prize simplicity or maximal flexibility.

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Mercedes GLC
VW Tiguan

Costs and Consumption

Price
50,300 - 111,000 £
Price
33,600 - 54,600 £
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
12 - 714 km
Electric Range
118 - 126 km
Battery Capacity
94 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
co2
0 - 221 g/km
co2
32 - 190 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
45 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,985 - 2,535 kg
Curb weight
1,599 - 1,879 kg
Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
Trunk capacity
490 - 652 L
Length
4,845 mm
Length
4,539 mm
Width
1,890 - 1,913 mm
Width
1,842 - 1,859 mm
Height
1,644 mm
Height
1,658 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,740 L
Max trunk capacity
1,486 L
Payload
475 - 575 kg
Payload
460 - 533 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, 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
Front-Wheel Drive, All-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
210 km/h
Max Speed
210 - 215 km/h
Torque
380 - 1,020 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
1,991 - 2,989 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, E, F, G, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B, G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
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.