Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Volkswagen T-Cross C11

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

Volkswagen T-Cross

C11 · 2019 – 2026

The first-generation T-Cross (C11), on the MQB A0 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…

Volkswagen T-Cross

Pick the T-Cross for an agile urban SUV with a high seat, clever interior packaging and low running costs.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (115 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volkswagen T-Cross
Power	211 hp Winner	115 hp
Torque	350 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	222 km/h Winner	193 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,6 hp/t Winner	96,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	152 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,5 L/100km	5,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volkswagen T-Cross
Boot	550 L Winner	455 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.281 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,55 m
Length	4,66 m	4,14 m
Ground clearance	12,3 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.500 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volkswagen T-Cross
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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)

Volkswagen T-Cross

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

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

Volkswagen T-Cross

Sliding rear bench (385–455 l boot)
High seating position and good visibility
Facelift (2024+) brought LED lighting and a nicer cabin

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

Volkswagen T-Cross

Rear bench tight for three adults
Pre-facelift interior plainer

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.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Light, easy and built for town driving. The T-Cross steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and is easy to park and place in traffic. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its city role. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth once moving. Body control is fine for a small crossover. It prioritises space, visibility and ease of use over any driving involvement.