VS
At a Glance
Power
205 kW
162 kW
Torque
315 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km
5.2 l/100km
Towing
—
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.6 s
8.0 s
Engine
1498 cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the BYD Atto 8 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BYD Atto 8 delivers 205 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 162 kW. On fuel, the Atto 8 returns 2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km while the GLC uses 5.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 059 900 for the Atto 8 and R1 194 201 for the GLC. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BYD Atto 8Premium 2026 - From R1 059 900
Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4matic Avantgarde 2026 - From R1 194 201
Performance
Power Output
205 kW
162 kW
Torque
315 Nm
440 Nm
0-100 kph
8.6 s
8.0 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
219 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
9
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km
5.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 19.0 kWh l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
56 when hybrid battery charged g/km
130 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5040 mm
4716 mm
Width
1996 mm
1890-2076 mm
Height
1760 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2950 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
184 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2315 Kg
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
270 / 960 / 1960 l
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
550 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
20000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Atto 8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Atto 8
Fuel Economy
Atto 8
Value
Atto 8
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
BYD Atto 8
More powerful engine (205 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 059 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (5.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (162 kW vs 205 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Atto 8 or GLC?
The Atto 8 uses 2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km and the GLC uses 5.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Atto 8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Atto 8 or GLC?
The Atto 8 produces 205 kW and 315 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque. The Atto 8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Atto 8 and GLC?
The Atto 8 starts from R1 059 900 and the GLC from R1 194 201. The Atto 8 is cheaper by R134 301 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Atto 8 or GLC?
The Atto 8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the GLC can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Atto 8 or the GLC?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.