Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Renault Captur MK2

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

Renault Captur

MK2 · 2019 – 2026

The second Captur (MK2), on the CMF-B platform with E-Tech hybrids.

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 MK2 for the roomier, modern Captur with E-Tech hybrids and the flexible rear bench.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Renault Captur
Power	211 hp Winner	100 hp
Torque	350 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	13,0 s
Top speed	222 km/h Winner	178 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,6 hp/t Winner	87,7 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	152 g/km	115 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,5 L/100km	5,0 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Renault Captur
Boot	550 L Winner	422 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.500 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,64 m
Length	4,66 m	4,24 m
Ground clearance	12,3 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.500 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Renault Captur
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	CMF-B
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145 · E-Tech PHEV 158
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	6-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
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 Captur

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

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

Bigger boot than the MK1
Modern E-Tech hybrids available
Keeps the clever sliding rear bench

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

PHEV pricier and heavier
Infotainment can be slow

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 firmer than the first-generation Captur, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions once warm. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy compact crossover rather than a driver's car.