Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Renault Captur MK1

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

Renault Captur

MK1 · 2013 – 2019

The first Captur (MK1), on a modified B platform.

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 Captur

Pick the MK1 for an affordable, flexible early Captur with a clever sliding rear bench.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Renault Captur
Power	211 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	350 Nm Winner	135 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	12,7 s
Top speed	222 km/h Winner	171 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,6 hp/t Winner	83,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	152 g/km	105 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,5 L/100km	4,7 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Renault Captur
Boot	550 L Winner	377 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.235 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,61 m
Length	4,66 m	4,12 m
Ground clearance	12,3 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.500 kg Winner	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Renault Captur
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	B (modified)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
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 Captur

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC: jerky shifts at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

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 Captur

Flexible sliding rear bench
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

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 Captur

1.2 TCe carries chain risk
Boot and rear legroom smaller than MK2

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 Captur

Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than a conventional supermini, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent compact crossover of its era rather than a driver's car.