VS
At a Glance
Power
500 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
1020 Nm
730 Nm
Fuel
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.
13.7 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.5 s
4.9 s
Engine
1991 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG GLC and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-AMG GLC delivers 500 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 380 engine kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km while the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 896 143 for the GLC and R2 972 800 for the GLS. 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
500 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
1020 Nm
730 Nm
0-100 kph
3.5 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
275 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991 cc
3982 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
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.
13.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
170 combined g/km
310 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4792 mm
5207 mm
Width
1920-2076 mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1603 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
3135 mm
Kerb Weight
2235 DIN / 2310 EU Kg
2640 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
390-1335 l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
550 l
660 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
9
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-AMG GLC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
GLC
Practicality
GLS
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-AMG GLC
More powerful engine (500 kW)
Better fuel economy (11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 896 143)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.5 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (13.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (380 engine kW vs 500 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or GLS?
The GLC uses 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km and the GLS uses 13.7 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 GLS?
The GLC produces 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 380 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and GLS?
The GLC starts from R2 896 143 and the GLS from R2 972 800. The GLC is cheaper by R76 657 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or GLS?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the GLS can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC or the GLS?
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.