Car Buyer's Guide

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe: C253 vs C254

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C253

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C253

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C254

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C254

GLC350e 4Matic Coupe

Verdict

The RM26,000 step from the RM399,888 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C253 to the RM425,888 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C254 brings a 31.2-kWh plug-in-hybrid battery, 131 km EV range and 11-kW AC charging, while also cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 6.5 to 6.3 seconds. The C254 is 31 mm longer, has a 15 mm longer wheelbase and adds 45 litres of boot space. Its Digital Light headlamps, 11.9-inch MBUX screen, 15-speaker Burmester audio and adaptive cruise control make the newer car the stronger daily proposition. But the C253 is 160 kg lighter and retains heated, ventilated memory front seats plus auto parking.

C253

Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C253 if you want the RM26,000 saving, a 1,785-kg kerb weight, heated and ventilated memory front seats, and auto parking.

C254

Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C254 if you can charge at home or work and want 131 km of EV range, a 545-litre boot, newer cabin tech and a four-year warranty.

Key differences

  • Price: C253 RM399,888; C254 RM425,888.
  • Powertrain: C253 1,991 cc turbo petrol with 241 hp and 370 Nm; C254 1,999 cc plug-in hybrid with a 201-hp/320-Nm engine plus a 127-hp/440-Nm motor.
  • Performance: C253 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and 236 km/h; C254 6.3 seconds and 246 km/h.
  • Electric driving: C253 has no motor or battery; C254 has one motor, a 31.2-kWh battery, 131 km EV range and 11-kW AC charging.
  • Size and luggage: C253 is 4,732 mm long with a 2,873 mm wheelbase and 500-litre boot; C254 is 4,763 mm, 2,888 mm and 545 litres.
  • Warranty: C253 gets two years manufacturer warranty plus two years extended coverage; C254 gets a four-year manufacturer warranty.

C253

  • RM26,000 lower purchase price
  • 160 kg lighter at 1,785 kg
  • Heated, ventilated memory front seats and auto parking
  • 500-litre boot trails the C254's 545 litres
  • No plug-in-hybrid motor, 31.2-kWh battery or 131 km EV range
  • Two-year manufacturer warranty versus four years

C254

  • 131 km EV range from a 31.2-kWh battery
  • 11.9-inch MBUX screen, 15-speaker Burmester audio and adaptive cruise control
  • 545-litre boot and four-year manufacturer warranty
  • RM26,000 more expensive
  • 160 kg heavier at 1,945 kg
  • Front seats are not specified with the C253's memory, heating or ventilation; it also lacks auto parking
Price & overview
PriceRM399,888✓RM425,888
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentCompact ExecutiveCompact Executive
AssemblyCKDCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM436✓RM440
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Plug-in Hybrid Assist
Capacity1,991 cc1,999 cc
Horsepower241 hp at 5,500 rpm✓201 hp at 5,800 rpm
Torque370 Nm at 1,200 rpm✓320 Nm at 1,600 rpm
Cylinder ArrangementInline 4Inline 4
FuelPetrolPetrol Plug-in Hybrid
Bore × Stroke83 mm × 92 mm83 mm × 92.4 mm
Compression Ratio9.810
Number of Motors—1
Motor Horsepower—127 hp✓
Motor Torque—440 Nm✓
Battery Capacity—31.2 kWh
EV Range—131 km✓
Charging Rate (AC)—11 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionConventional AutomaticConventional Automatic
Transmission Name9G-TRONIC9G-Tronic
Gears99
Transmission ManufacturerMercedes-Benz (Daimler AG)Mercedes-Benz
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h6.5 seconds6.3 seconds✓
Rated Economy7.5 L/100 km—
Top Speed236 km/h246 km/h✓
Co2169 g/km—
Dimensions
Length4,732 mm4,763 mm
Width1,890 mm1,890 mm
Height1,602 mm1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,873 mm2,888 mm
Weight1,785 kg1,945 kg
Fuel Tank66 litres62 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space500 litres545 litres✓
Front Tyre255/45R20255/45R20
Rear Tyre285/40R20285/40R20
Spare Tyre—Tyre Repair Kit
Factory TyresMichelin Latitude Sport 3 Run FlatsContinental EcoContact 6 Q
Chassis
AssemblyMalaysia (CKD)Germany (CBU)
Front SuspensionMulti-LinkMulti-link
Rear SuspensionMulti-LinkMulti-link
Front Wheels20" Alloy20" AMG Multi-spoke Light-alloy
Rear Wheels20" Alloy20" AMG Multi-spoke Light-alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Chassis NotesAMG Sport Suspension (15 mm lower)—
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP5 stars — Based on the Mercedes-Benz GLC—
Safety
Airbags7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Airbag Disable Function✓✓
Child Safety LockManual for rear doorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓✓
ISOFIXAvailable on two outer rear passenger seatsAvailable for 2 Outer Rear Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes, Collision Prevention Assist PlusYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning✓✓
Seatbelt ReminderFor All SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsAdaptive LED ProjectorsAdaptive LED Projector with Matrix High Beam (Digital Light with Projection Function)
TaillampsLED CombinationFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsPower Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Heated, VentilatedDriver and Passenger Powered Seats
Rear Seats40:20:40 Split-folding40:20:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conSingle-zone Automatic Climate ControlRear AC Vents
SunroofFront, Tilt and SlideYes
Power Sockets2 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot1 Front
Interior LightingMap Lights and Ambient Lights (3 colours)Map Lights & Ambient Lighting
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun ShadeManual rear door window shadesManual Rear Door Window Shades
AudioAudio 20, 7.0-inch display11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 15-speaker Burmester Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop✓✓
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓✓
Cruise ControlPassive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control
Paddle Shift✓✓
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Electric Steering Adjustment✓✓
Boot OperationPowered boot, contactless openingPowered Boot with Hands-free Access
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors6 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with Surround View CameraYes, 360-degree View Monitor
Auto ParkingYes—
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓✓
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterElectroluminescent AnalogueFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimited—
Warranty Manufacturer2 years4 years✓
Warranty Extended2 years—

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

C253 vs C254 FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C253 or Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C254 better?

The C254 is better for most buyers because it is quicker, roomier, has 131 km EV range, adaptive cruise control and a four-year warranty. Choose the C253 if heated and ventilated memory seats, auto parking and lower purchase cost matter more.

What is the price difference?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C254 costs RM26,000 more than the C253. That gap buys plug-in-hybrid ability, a larger 545-litre boot, a 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen, Burmester audio and adaptive cruise control.

Can the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe C254 be driven on electric power?

Yes. The C254 has one 127-hp, 440-Nm electric motor, a 31.2-kWh battery, 131 km stated EV range and 11-kW AC charging. The C253 is a petrol-only model with no electric motor or battery.

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