Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic vs Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range: First Match

Mercedes GLC EQ vs. Tesla Model Y: Mercedes now has a rival for the world’s best-selling electric car. First static comparison between Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic and Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range.

Launched in January 2020, the Tesla Model Y received a facelift at the beginning of 2025, known as the Juniper project.

With no strong competitors for several years, the Tesla Model Y became the world’s best-selling electric car in 2022, 2023, and 2024 — and in 2023 it was even the best-selling car in the world overall, regardless of powertrain. In 2023 over 1.2 million units were sold, and in 2024 over 1 million.

Now, however, the Tesla Model Y Juniper faces the German premium competition: Audi Q6 e-tron, Porsche Macan, BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC EQ — all with similar performance but much higher prices.

Will the German brands manage to dethrone the Tesla Model Y? In this article we made a comparison between the new Mercedes GLC EQ — currently available only as the Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic version with two motors producing a total of 489 PS and a 94 kWh net battery — and the Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range with two motors producing 514 PS and a 78.4 kWh net battery.

The Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range costs €52,990, while the Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic starts at €71,281. So, a difference of almost €20,000. Is it worth paying the extra amount?

Dimensions and size

The two models have very similar dimensions. At 4,845 mm long, 1,913 mm wide, and 1,644 mm tall, the Mercedes GLC EV is 55 mm longer, 7 mm narrower and 20 mm taller than the Tesla Model Y. Although it’s only 55 mm longer overall, the Mercedes GLC EV has a 2,972 mm wheelbase — 82 mm longer than the Model Y. During the first static test at the Munich motor show, the Mercedes felt slightly more spacious in the back, although the seat cushion is shorter than Tesla’s.

Mercedes offers a 40/20/40 split rear bench, while Tesla’s is 40/60. However, Tesla provides electric actuation for the rear backrest — they can be lowered or raised electrically from the seat base or from the trunk.

Although the Mercedes is slightly longer, its trunk is much smaller than Tesla’s, which also has a huge storage compartment under the trunk floor. The Mercedes trunk volume ranges from 570 to 1,740 liters compared to Tesla’s 822–2,138 liters.

In addition, the Tesla Model Y has a 116-liter frunk compared to 100 liters in the Mercedes, and the Model Y adds another convenient feature: the frunk has a drainage outlet.

On the other hand, the Mercedes can tow a 2,400-kg trailer, whereas the Tesla can tow up to 1,600 kg.

Powertrain and battery

The Mercedes GLC EQ is built on the new dedicated electric MB.EA platform with 800-V technology, while Tesla uses a 345-V system.

Both models have two motors: a permanent-magnet synchronous rear motor and a front asynchronous motor that activates only when needed. Mercedes couples the rear motor to a 2-speed gearbox with 11:1 in first gear and 5:1 in second, whereas the Model Y has a single-speed rear transmission.

Both use NMC lithium-ion batteries, but with completely different architectures. Tesla uses cylindrical cells arranged in a cell-to-pack structure — a more modern solution with superior cooling. The Mercedes GLC EV uses prismatic cells grouped into modules.

Even though Tesla’s battery design enables better cooling, the Model Y does not charge faster because Tesla relies on a lower-voltage system of only 345 V. Thus Tesla charges at a maximum of 250 kW, while Mercedes reaches up to 330 kW.

On AC charging, Tesla is limited to 11 kW, while Mercedes also offers optional 22 kW charging (€654.50).

The Mercedes CLA has a major problem with older 400-V stations, being unable to charge at them. By contrast, the Mercedes GLC EQ offers an optional adapter for 400-V charging (€654.50).

With its larger battery, the Mercedes GLC EQ claims a WLTP range of 673 km, while Tesla announces 600 km. Both display very similar WLTP consumption figures: 15.9 kWh/100 km for Tesla and 16 kWh/100 km for Mercedes.

With 489 PS, the Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h, while the Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range needs 4.8 seconds and reaches 201 km/h.

There is also an optional upgrade for Tesla allowing 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Surprisingly, although the Tesla Model Y is much lighter than the Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic (2,072 kg vs. 2,535 kg) and has 25 PS more, it is not quicker.

Suspension

Mercedes continues to focus on comfort, promising exceptional ride quality. The MB.EA platform includes a new 4-link front multilink suspension and a 5-link rear multilink, with both motors mounted on aluminum subframes elastically attached to the body. The standard suspension uses steel springs; air suspension and rear-wheel steering are optional as part of the Agility & Comfort package (€2,844.10).

Tesla uses double-wishbone front suspension and a rear multilink setup but lacks adaptive or air suspension as well as rear-wheel steering. Consequently, its turning circle of 12.13 meters is almost 1 meter larger than that of the Mercedes GLC EQ, which is 11.2 meters.

Ergonomics and interior design

There are also major differences in dashboard design.

Mercedes comes standard with the Superscreen dashboard grouping three displays under one glass panel: a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch touchscreen for the multimedia system, and a 14-inch passenger display (available from the Advanced Plus trim upwards).

The optional Hyperscreen consists of a single continuous display 99.3 cm (39.1 inch) wide spanning the entire dashboard.

Mercedes is using its own new MB.OS software for the first time, but integrates Google Maps navigation and AI support from Google, ChatGPT, and Microsoft, and offers over 40 external apps, including Spotify and Disney.

The Tesla Model Y retains its radical solution of concentrating nearly all controls on the 15.4-inch touchscreen. Only the turn-signal stalk remains, while the gear selector is also operated via the touchscreen. There is no instrument cluster; speed is shown on the central screen, and the mirrors and steering wheel are adjusted from that same display.

Prices

The Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic starts at €71,281, but with the air suspension and rear-wheel steering package (€2,844.10), the Hyperscreen (€1,487.50), the Premium with Digital Extra package (€7,497) including Digital Light, the Burmester audio system, Sky Control panoramic roof and illuminated grille, the AMG package with 20-inch wheels (€3,451), metallic paint (€963.90), natural leather upholstery (€2,189.60), and the extended driver assistance package (€1,785), the Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic easily reaches €90,000.

By comparison, the Tesla Model Y is far better equipped as standard and far cheaper, starting at €52,990. The 19-inch alloy wheels are standard; 20-inch wheels cost €2,200 extra. The new metallic paints cost €1,300 (Stealth Grey) or €2,600 (Ultra Red). The base Autopilot is standard, and the mid-level version costs €3,800. Thus the final price is around €60,000 — €30,000 less than the Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic.

The Mercedes GLC EV will be built at the Bremen plant, and later in Kecskemét (Hungary) and Beijing (China). Its motors are manufactured in Sebeș, Romania, at the Mercedes Star Assembly subsidiary. The Tesla Model Y is produced in Shanghai, China, in Grünheide, Germany, and in Fremont, California.