VS
At a Glance
Power
310 engine kW
485 kW
Torque
500 Nm
850 Nm
Fuel
10.3 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
4.8 s
3.3 s
Engine
1991 cc
3996 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG GLC and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-AMG GLC delivers 310 engine kW while the Porsche Cayenne produces 485 kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 10.3 l/100km while the Cayenne uses 11.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 907 113 for the GLC and R4 606 000 for the Cayenne. 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.
Performance
Power Output
310 engine kW
485 kW
Torque
500 Nm
850 Nm
0-100 kph
4.8 s
3.3 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
305 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991 cc
3996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.3 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
234 g/km
271 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4749 mm
4932 mm
Width
1920-2076 mm
1995-2194 mm
Height
1635 mm
1648 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
—
173-223 mm
Kerb Weight
1900 DIN / 1975 EU Kg
2245 DIN / 2320 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
620-1680 l
538-576-1486 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
575 l
435 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
8 (opt 10)
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
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-AMG GLC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Cayenne
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
GLC
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-AMG GLC
Better fuel economy (10.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 907 113)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Less power than rival (310 engine kW vs 485 kW)
Porsche Cayenne
More powerful engine (485 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (11.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or Cayenne?
The GLC uses 10.3 l/100km and the Cayenne uses 11.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLC is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GLC or Cayenne?
The GLC produces 310 engine kW and 500 Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 485 kW and 850 Nm of torque. The Cayenne is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and Cayenne?
The GLC starts from R1 907 113 and the Cayenne from R4 606 000. The GLC is cheaper by R2 698 887 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or Cayenne?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the Cayenne can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC or the Cayenne?
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.