Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Renault Koleos KOL
Mercedes-Benz GLC
X253 · 2015 – 2022
The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.
Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Pick the GLC for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium mid-size SUV.
Renault Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Performance
M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs 1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
211 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
350 Nm
Winner
|
340 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
Winner
|
11,8 s
|
| Top speed |
222 km/h
Winner
|
194 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
121,6 hp/t
Winner
|
92,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
152 g/km
|
128 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
|
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
550 L
Winner
|
458 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.600 L
|
1.690 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,87 m
Winner
|
2,71 m
|
| Length |
4,66 m
|
4,67 m
|
| Ground clearance |
12,3 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,8 m
|
11,4 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.500 kg
Winner
|
2.000 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | 9-speed 9G-TRONIC | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 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)
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
Pros
- 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
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
Cons
- 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
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
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 Koleos
A relaxed family cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Comfortable and composed for a mid-size SUV, with a soft ride that prioritises long-distance refinement. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size but lacks strong feedback. Body control is adequate, though some examples feel soft over larger bumps. Diesels provide strong low-end torque for motorway use and overtaking. X-Tronic CVT automatics are smooth once under way but can feel sluggish or noisy under hard acceleration. AWD versions add traction in poor conditions but increase weight.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
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