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2025 Nissan Sentra Review2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Porsche Macan
The Macan and GLC represent some of the best aspects of luxury compact SUVs. We compare interior quality, ride handling, and more in our review.
Luxe Crossovers Go Head-to-Head
Automakers seem to have an endless appetite for building compact crossovers, and within that segment are the two SUVs represented in this 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Porsche Macan comparison. Both forces to be reckoned with when it comes to performance and luxury, the GLC and Macan, offer a range of styles from mild to wild.
The Mercedes is part of the German automaker’s bloated crossover lineup, slotting above the GLA and GLB, but below the GLE, GLS, and G-Wagen, not to mention all the coupe variants. It’s been on sale in second-gen form since 2023 and bolsters its lineup for 2025 with the return of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model in the 350e, plus an outrageously potent AMG variant making 752 horsepower.
Over at Porsche, the Macan enters its tenth year of first-gen production, a relatively unheard-of production lifetime in the auto industry these days. But it continues to earn critical praise for its ability to deliver Porsche’s fabled sports car handling on stilts. Changes are zilch for 2025 and the Macan is no cheap date, but it remains a compelling crossover-on-speed.
Specs
Mercedes sells the 2025 GLC with four flavors of 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinders. In the 300, it makes 255 hp, can be set up with rear- or all-wheel drive (AWD), and earns up to 29 mpg combined making it one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs on the market. The 350e tacks on a PHEV system makes 313 hp, earns 25 mpg combined and can be driven on electricity alone for 54 miles. Like the AMG models, the GLC 350e comes standard with AWD.
Next up is the AMG GLC 43 and its heavily modified engine that ups the juice to 369 hp and drops the combined fuel economy to 21 mpg. Finally, we have the bonkers AMG GLC 63 S E Performance. It adds a PHEV system, but not in the name of efficiency. Instead, this highly-strung little SUV delivers 752 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque. Like the rest of the GLC series, it comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission and somehow manages a 20 mpg combined rating.
Porsche brings two powertrains to the 2025 Macan table. Base and T models get a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 good for 261 hp and 21 mpg combined from the lineup-standard AWD and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. In S guise, a 2.9L turbocharged V6 making 375 hp is fitted and with it, a combined fuel economy figure of 19 mpg. The top dog Macan GTS ups the ante on the V6 to 434 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque while matching the S on fuel efficiency.
Driving and Performance
Across the board in this 2025 Mercedes GLC vs. Porsche Macan matchup, performance is impressive. The slowest Mercedes does the 0-60 run in 6 seconds flat, while the GLC 63 requires just 3.5 seconds. In the Macan, this all-important metric also starts at 6 seconds and drops as low as 4.3 in the GTS, which is one reason it’s on our list of practice and fun-to-drive cars.
The GLC in AMG spec features adjustable dampers and rear-wheel steering, with active roll stabilization reserved for the 63 variant. Like the GLC, the Macan rides on a fully independent suspension and offers chassis upgrades in the form of adaptive dampers on the T model, big brakes on the S, and air suspension on the range-topping GTS. Tow ratings between these two crossovers are similar, with a max capacity of 3,500 pounds in the Benz and 4,400 in the Porsche.
Comfort and Interior
Both of these SUVs seat up to 5, but the Mercedes has more space inside than the Porsche with its rakish rear roofline. There are 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 56 with those seats folded down in the GLC. With the Macan, those figures come in at 17 and 53, respectively. The Mercedes also edges out the Porsche with 37 inches of rear legroom versus 36.
Depending on the model, upholstery ranges from faux leather to real Nappa hides with dashes of Alcantara thrown in. Both Mercedes and Porsche are renowned for their ability to craft a finely tailored cabin and this reputation stays intact with the GLC and Macan. Both come standard with automatic climate control and heated front seats, and both offer similar upgrades like ventilated front seats, heated rears, and a panoramic moonroof.
However, on the infotainment front, the newer Benz steps ahead with its fully digital instrument panel, 11.9” central touchscreen, wireless Apple and Android smartphone mirroring, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless phone charging pad all standard. The Macan isn’t too far off in the size department with its 10.9” screen, but Android Auto is unavailable and the charging pad does not come standard.
Trims and Features
The 2025 Mercedes GLC 300 starts at $49,250 and comes with 18” wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a self-parking system. GLC 350e models start at $59,900 and add the PHEV powertrain along with options that include adaptive headlights, a Burmester audio system, navigation with augmented reality, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view monitor.
The Mercedes AMG GLC 43 comes in at $67,100, for which you get 20” wheels on summer tires, brushed stainless-steel interior trim, a panoramic moonroof, and optional dynamic engine mounts. The fire-breathing 63-series AMG GLC is loaded with all the best performance content, including AMG Track apps and the option for carbon-ceramic brakes.
Porsches are known for being expensive and the 2025 Macan is no different, with a $63,100 starting price. This gets you 19” wheels, adaptive LED headlights, a power liftgate, a 10-speaker audio system, forward collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. The $68,700 Macan T comes with 20” rims, adaptive dampers, partial leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel.
In the S trim line, $76,200 brings the more potent turbocharged V6, a blend of leather and suede seating, as well as options like a Burmester surround sound audio system, and surround view monitor, and adaptive seats. For $91,000, the Macan GTS offers 21” wheels, special front sport seats, and the Power Steering Plus system.
The Verdict
Before we get to a final verdict for this 2025 Mercedes GLC vs. Porsche Macan comparison, a note on safety and warranties. Neither of these crossovers has been crash-tested by the NHTSA, and the IIHS has only tested the Benz. But in that test, it earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award. A 4-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty term is common across the GLC and Macan, but Porsche also includes 1 year of complimentary maintenance.
As for which crossover is the best choice unless you absolutely must have a Porsche badge, the Mercedes is the better overall choice. Handling prowess is often cited as the reason for buying the Macan, but on paper, the GLC is the winner. Its base price is nearly $14,000 below the Porsche, the cabin is more spacious, its infotainment system is more robust, and the entry-level model offers almost identical performance to the base Macan.
Only the Benz offers a PHEV model and with it, usable electric driving range, and if speed and power are your thing, there’s no contest. The 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance makes, um, 318 more horsepower and 266 more lb-ft of torque than the 2025 Macan GTS. That, all by itself is nutty. The fact that the Benz is also $5,000 cheaper than the Porsche is downright crazy. Plus, you could go the used route for even more savings. Porsche makes a great SUV in the Macan, but we’d choose the Mercedes GLC in this matchup.
In the S trim line, $76,200 brings the more potent turbocharged V6, a blend of leather and suede seating, as well as options like a Burmester surround sound audio system, and surround view monitor, and adaptive seats. For $91,000, the Macan GTS offers 21” wheels, special front sport seats, and the Power Steering Plus system.
