Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is the more technically ambitious choice: its plug-in hybrid system adds a 127 hp, 440 Nm motor, a 31.2 kWh battery and 131 km of EV range, while 0-100 km/h takes 6.3 seconds against the Subaru Outback’s 9.6 seconds. It also carries 545 litres in the boot. The Outback fights back with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty, a space-saver spare and a longer 4,870 mm body. For Malaysian buyers able to charge regularly, the GLC Coupe’s RM440 annual road tax is also far below the Outback’s RM878.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if you can use its 131 km EV range, want 6.3-second acceleration and value its 545-litre boot, 360-degree camera and Digital Light headlamps.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you want to spend far less, prefer a wagon body, need a space-saver spare and want five years of warranty cover.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe RM425,888; Subaru Outback RM279,000.
- Performance: GLC Coupe 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and 246 km/h; Outback 9.6 seconds and 206 km/h.
- Electrification: GLC Coupe has one 127 hp/440 Nm motor, 31.2 kWh battery and 131 km EV range; Outback has no motor, battery or EV range.
- Road tax: GLC Coupe RM440 per year; Outback RM878 per year.
- Cargo: GLC Coupe boot 545 litres; Outback boot 522 litres.
- Warranty: GLC Coupe four years with unlimited mileage; Outback five years/100,000 km.
GLC Coupe
- 131 km EV range from a 31.2 kWh battery
- 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 246 km/h top speed
- 545-litre boot, 360-degree camera and 15-speaker Burmester audio
- Costs RM146,888 more than the Outback
- No spare tyre; the Outback has a space-saver
- Four-year warranty versus five years for the Outback
Outback
- RM146,888 lower purchase price
- Five-year/100,000 km warranty
- Space-saver spare tyre and front foglamps
- 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time versus the GLC Coupe’s 6.3 seconds
- No plug-in hybrid motor, battery or EV range
- 522-litre boot is 23 litres smaller than the GLC Coupe’s
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM425,888 | RM279,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Wagon |
| Segment | Compact Executive | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440✓ | RM878 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Plug-in Hybrid Assist | Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp✓ | 185 hp |
| Torque | 320 Nm✓ | 245 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Bore | 83 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 12 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 127 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 440 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 31.2 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 131 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 9G-Tronic | Lineartronic CVT |
| Gears | 9 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.3 seconds✓ | 9.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 246 km/h✓ | 206 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,763 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,699 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | 1,945 kg | 1,756 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 545 litres✓ | 522 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 285/40R20 | 225.60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Bridgestone Alenza H/L33 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 20" AMG Multi-spoke Light-alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" AMG Multi-spoke Light-alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector with Matrix High Beam (Digital Light with Projection Function) | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | Yes | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Manual Rear Door Window Shades | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 15-speaker Burmester Sound System | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation and PIN Code Access |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Hands-free Access | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used GLC Coupe & Outback for sale
GLC Coupe vs Outback FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe or Subaru Outback better?
The GLC Coupe is better for plug-in hybrid driving, outright performance and a slightly larger boot. The Outback is the better buy if lower entry cost, a longer warranty and a space-saver spare matter more than 131 km of EV range.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe costs RM425,888 and the Subaru Outback costs RM279,000, so the gap is RM146,888.
Which has lower annual road tax?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has lower annual road tax at RM440, compared with RM878 for the Subaru Outback. That is a RM438 annual difference in the GLC Coupe’s favour.