Compare the2025 Porsche MacanVS 2025 Mercedes AMG GLC

The Porsche Macan has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG GLC doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Macan’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG GLC.

Both the Macan and the AMG GLC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

The Macan’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG GLC’s (12 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Macan third among compact premium suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The AMG GLC isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in initial quality. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in long-term dependability. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 21 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The Macan has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG GLC 43’s standard fuel tank (19.8 vs. 16.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Macan has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance’s standard fuel tank (19.8 vs. 17.2 gallons).

The Macan offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The AMG GLC doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The Macan’s optional 295/35R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG GLC’s optional 38 series rear tires.

The Macan has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the AMG GLC; it requires you to depend on its optional run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Macan has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Macan’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The AMG GLC doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For better maneuverability, the Macan’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance’s (39.4 feet vs. 40.4 feet). The Macan’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the AMG GLC 43’s (39.4 feet vs. 40.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Macan has a 2.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance (8 vs. 5.7 inches), allowing the Macan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Macan’s minimum ground clearance is 2.7 inches higher than on the AMG GLC 43 (8.9 vs. 6.2 inches).

The Porsche Macan may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 750 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG GLC.

The front grille of the Macan uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The AMG GLC doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Macan’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the AMG GLC’s (4409 vs. 3500 pounds).

A Trailer Stability Management is standard on the Macan, using the Porsche Stability Management sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the AMG GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Porsche second in service department satisfaction. With a 36% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 17th.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Macan to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The AMG GLC doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche Macan, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Macan third among compact premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The AMG GLC isn’t in the top three.

The Macan was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2025 and 7 more times in the last 9 years. The AMG GLC has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.