Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Tesla Model Y
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC asks RM329,888 against the Tesla Model Y at RM195,450, so the RM134,438 gap is hard to ignore. The Tesla is quicker to 100 km/h, at 5.9 seconds versus 7.8 seconds, and it has the bigger boot, 854 litres against 620 litres. The GLC counters with all-wheel drive, a higher 221 km/h top speed and a petrol-hybrid layout with a 62-litre tank. For a Malaysian buyer, this is less about size class — both are five-seat compact executive SUVs — and more about drivetrain preference.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want a petrol-hybrid compact executive SUV with all-wheel drive, a higher 221 km/h top speed and conventional automatic transmission.
Pick the Tesla Model Y if you want the lower purchase price, 466 km EV range, quicker 5.9-second 0-100 km/h time and more luggage room.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888; Tesla Model Y RM195,450
- Drivetrain: Mercedes-Benz GLC petrol hybrid/REV with all-wheel drive; Tesla Model Y electric single motor with rear-wheel drive
- Acceleration: Mercedes-Benz GLC 0-100 km/h in 7.8 s; Tesla Model Y in 5.9 s
- Top speed: Mercedes-Benz GLC 221 km/h; Tesla Model Y 201 km/h
- Boot space: Mercedes-Benz GLC 620 L; Tesla Model Y 854 L
- Road tax: Mercedes-Benz GLC RM440/year; Tesla Model Y RM305/year
GLC
- All-wheel drive as standard
- Higher 221 km/h top speed
- 62-litre fuel tank suits petrol refuelling
- RM134,438 dearer to buy
- Slower 7.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- Smaller 620-litre boot
Model Y
- Much lower purchase price
- Quicker 5.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- Larger 854-litre boot
- Rear-wheel drive only
- Lower 201 km/h top speed
- Very wide at 2,129 mm
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 329,888 | RM 195,450✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Engine | 1,999 cc | Single motor |
| Power | 201 hp | — |
| Torque | 320 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.8 s | 5.9 s✓ |
| Top speed | 221 km/h✓ | 201 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | 1.0 kWh | — |
| EV range | — | 466 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,716 mm | 4,790 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 2,129 mm |
| Height | 1,640 mm | 1,624 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | 2,891 mm |
| Boot space | 620 L | 854 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 62 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 4 | 4 |
| Road tax / year | RM 440 | RM 305✓ |
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.
GLC vs Model Y FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC or Tesla Model Y better?
The Tesla Model Y is the stronger numbers car: it is cheaper, quicker and has more boot space. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the better fit if you specifically want all-wheel drive, petrol-hybrid refuelling and the higher top speed.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model Y is RM134,438 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a big gap, especially when the Tesla is also quicker to 100 km/h and has the larger boot.
Which one has more boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has more luggage room, with 854 litres versus the Mercedes-Benz GLC’s 620 litres. That is a 234-litre advantage for the Tesla.