Compared: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. 2023 Porsche Macan

Mercedes-Benz | Porsche

Article QuickTakes:

• Porsche Macan price higher than Mercedes GLC
• Cargo space a priority in the Mercedes
• Macan pays for speed with lower fuel economy

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2023 Porsche Macan are compact luxury SUVs with five seats. That's where the similarities end. The GLC takes a practical approach by emphasizing passenger room and cargo space. Meanwhile, the Macan is geared toward SUV fans who crave speed and razor-sharp handling.

Mercedes-Benz

Porsche Macan Comes at a Premium Compared With Mercedes GLC

For 2023, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class boasts a fresh redesign. It's longer and lower than the last generation, the cabin has been redesigned around the automaker's latest infotainment interface, and the only engine for now is a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder mild hybrid. Prices for the three GLC 300 Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trims range between $48,000 and $55,000. Rear-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission are standard, and all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option on all trims.

Porsche

Porsche's Macan lineup remains essentially unchanged for 2023, with prices remaining substantially higher than its Mercedes rival. The $63,000 base Macan is motivated by a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The new-this-year $68,000 Macan T trim adds an adaptive suspension and the Sport Chrono package. Unlike the GLC, all-wheel drive is standard on every Macan.

Mercedes has yet to release details of the expected AMG performance version of the new-generation GLC-Class. But Porsche still offers a twin-turbo V6 in the sporty Macan S, starting at $74,000, and the top-of-the-range $88,000 Macan GTS.

Mercedes-Benz

Stow More Cargo in the GLC, Go Faster in the Macan

The new GLC-Class's roughly 2.4-inch length increase benefits cargo space behind its split-folding rear seats. There is now 22 cu-ft of capacity, 2.5 cu-ft more than before. If cargo capacity is a significant consideration, the GLC is the clear winner. The Macan's 17.2-cu-ft trunk is on the small side among compact luxury SUVs.

Inside, the GLC has the latest MBUX infotainment interface including a 12.3-inch digital gauge display paired with an 11.9-inch touchscreen. Wireless AppleCarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, as are voice and gesture commands. Optional is augmented-reality navigation, which broadcasts turn-by-turn instructions onto the windshield via the available head-up display. The Macan's 10.9-inch touchscreen is unavailable with Android Auto or augmented-reality navigation, and the Porsche lacks a full digital instrument cluster.

Porsche

Where the Macan fights back is with its range of sporty options, highlighted by the twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 375 horsepower in the Macan S and 434 horses in the Macan GTS. The base four-cylinder Macan can also be optioned with go-fast hardware, such as the Sport Chrono package, which includes performance-themed drive modes to sharpen engine response and firm up the suspension. It also adds launch control to provide even quicker acceleration.

Mercedes-Benz

With Speed Comes Lower Mileage in the Porsche Macan

Currently, there are no official fuel economy figures for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 with its new hybrid system. The last 2022 four-cylinder model returned an EPA estimate of 24 mpg in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Porsche

Even at its most frugal, the Macan is one of the thirstiest compact luxury SUVs. The four-cylinder versions deliver only 21 mpg, according to the EPA, and the V6 models sip at a rate of 19 mpg.