Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Volkswagen Tiguan AD1

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

Volkswagen Tiguan

AD1 · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Tiguan (AD1), on the MQB 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 Tiguan

Pick the Tiguan for a roomy, practical family SUV with strong towing and a wide engine range.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	211 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	350 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	9,2 s
Top speed	222 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,6 hp/t Winner	102,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	152 g/km	139 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,5 L/100km	6,1 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	550 L	615 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L	1.655 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,66 m	4,49 m
Ground clearance	12,3 cm	19,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,5 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.500 kg Winner	2.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	MQB (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 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d-TEMP
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 Tiguan

Water pump/thermostat module on EA211
Haldex 4MOTION service (fluid/clutch)
Software/infotainment glitches pre-facelift

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 Tiguan

Very roomy boot (615–1,655 l) with sliding rear bench
Allspace variant with 7 seats (option)
Towing up to 2,500 kg on 4MOTION diesels

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 Tiguan

Pre-facelift interior looks more dated
1.4 TSI (early) less smooth than the later 1.5 TSI

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 Tiguan

Comfortable, easy to drive and predictably competent. The Tiguan II rides with good isolation over broken surfaces, stays quiet at a cruise, and steers lightly and accurately without much feedback. Front-drive versions are easy and economical; 4MOTION adds useful traction in poor weather and on loose surfaces. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance choice, and the 2.0 TSI is brisk if unremarkable. The DSG is smooth in traffic. Body control is fine for a family SUV, but the Tiguan is set up for comfort and space, not cornering entertainment.