Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Renault Austral AUS

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

Renault Austral

AUS · 2022 – 2026

The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Pick the GLC for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The GLC 220 d (diesel) or GLC 250 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Austral

Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech Full Hybrid 200.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Renault Austral
Power	211 hp Winner	200 hp
Torque	350 Nm	—
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	8,4 s
Top speed	222 km/h Winner	175 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,6 hp/t	128,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	152 g/km	108 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,5 L/100km	4,7 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Renault Austral
Boot	550 L Winner	430 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.525 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,66 m	4,51 m
Ground clearance	12,3 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.500 kg Winner	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Renault Austral
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	CMF-CD3
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	E-Tech automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Hybrid
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Early OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx watch-points
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
COMAND/MBUX software glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Renault Austral

Infotainment software needs updates
Electrical gremlins on early cars
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

Pros

Mercedes-Benz GLC

550 L boot growing to ~1,600 L — roomy for a mid-size SUV
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLC 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm)
MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
GLC 350 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 560 Nm, company-car friendly

Renault Austral

Modern interior with a big screen
Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)

Cons

Mercedes-Benz GLC

OM651/OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV (GLC 350 e) shrinks boot space (395 L)
Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance

Renault Austral

No diesel offered
Infotainment takes getting used to

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Comfortable, quiet and more car-like than its height suggests. The GLC steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well on the standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. 4MATIC is standard on most versions and adds sure-footed traction without altering the relaxed character. The M274/M264 petrols are smooth and willing, the OM654 diesel is the economical distance choice, and the 300 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a well-rounded, easy-to-live-with compact SUV that does everything competently.

Renault Austral

A refined long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, helped by optional rear-axle steering (4Control) that tightens the turning circle in town. Steering is light but accurate enough for daily use, with Sport mode adding more weight. The ride is firmer than many rivals, especially on larger wheels, and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps, though body control is reasonable. The E-Tech full hybrid feels responsive in mixed driving and can cover short distances on electric power alone, while the 1.3 mild hybrid is adequate once moving. Low-speed transmission behaviour can show hesitation or judder on early hybrid examples.