Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Volkswagen T-Roc A11

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

Volkswagen T-Roc

A11 · 2017 – 2025

The first-generation T-Roc (A11), on the MQB A1 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-Roc

Pick the T-Roc for a bold crossover look with an elevated seat and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volkswagen T-Roc
Power	211 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	350 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	222 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,6 hp/t Winner	118,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	152 g/km	128 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,5 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volkswagen T-Roc
Boot	550 L Winner	445 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.290 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,59 m
Length	4,66 m	4,23 m
Ground clearance	12,3 cm	16,1 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.500 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volkswagen T-Roc
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	MQB A1 (transverse)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 1.6/2.0 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-Roc

Electronic parking-brake and software recalls (pre-facelift)
Infotainment glitches on early cars
Cabriolet: roof mechanism/water ingress at high mileage

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-Roc

Customisable design with optional contrasting roof
Facelift (2022) brought modernised lights and interior
Strong driver-assistance suite (IQ.DRIVE)

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-Roc

Pre-facelift interior (2017–2021) looks simpler
Cabriolet: smaller boot and higher weight

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-Roc

Easy, comfortable and a little more involving than most crossovers. The T-Roc steers accurately with decent weighting, rides well enough, and handles tidily for a car of its height, with the 2.0 TSI R version adding genuine pace. Front-drive is the default; 4MOTION adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the distance choice, and the 1.0 TSI is adequate for town work. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light. It is a well-rounded compact crossover that feels closer to a Golf than its tall body suggests.