VS
At a Glance
Power
162 kW
257kW@6800
Torque
440 Nm
440Nm@3500
Fuel
5.2 l/100km
13.8
Towing
2500 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
7.5
Engine
1993 cc
4163
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers 162 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG produces 257kW@6800. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.2 l/100km while the TOUAREG uses 13.8 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 278 902 for the GLC and R706 855 for the TOUAREG. 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
162 kW
257kW@6800
Torque
440 Nm
440Nm@3500
0-100 kph
8.0 s
7.5
Top Speed
219 Km/h
234
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1993 cc
4163
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.2 l/100km
13.8
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
19.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
10.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
100
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
329
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4754
Width
1890-2076 mm
1928
Height
1640 mm
1726
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2855
Ground Clearance
—
237
Kerb Weight
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
2257
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
620-1680 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
550 l
1570
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
TOUAREG
Practicality
TOUAREG
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
Lower starting price (R706 855)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.5s)
Higher fuel consumption (13.8)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or TOUAREG?
The GLC uses 5.2 l/100km and the TOUAREG uses 13.8 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 TOUAREG?
The GLC produces 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the TOUAREG delivers 257kW@6800 and 440Nm@3500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the GLC and TOUAREG?
The GLC starts from R1 278 902 and the TOUAREG from R706 855. The TOUAREG is cheaper by R572 047 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or TOUAREG?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the TOUAREG can tow 3500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC or the TOUAREG?
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.