2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Buick Enclave
Comparison Overview
Picking between the sharp, efficient 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the larger, more powerful 2026 Buick Enclave often comes down to size versus sophistication. If you are struggling to decide between compact luxury handling and three-row-adjacent space, look closely at the data. The GLC-Class starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $49,250 compared to the Enclave's $46,200, but the Mercedes claws back ground with efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG versus the Buick's 23 MPG, largely due to its need for premium fuel. However, the Enclave brings substantially more grunt to the table, offering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the GLC's 255 hp. While the Enclave is considerably larger at 207.6 inches long, the GLC offers a marginally more efficient use of its footprint with 21.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Buick's 22.9 cu ft. These core differences—power, efficiency, and size—will dictate the best fit for your daily drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Mercedes GLC-Class wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 27 MPG combined versus the Enclave's 23 MPG.
2026 Buick Enclave
The 2026 Buick Enclave offers significantly larger dimensions (207.6 inches long) and slightly more cargo space (22.9 cu ft) making it better suited for family duties.
2026 Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave excites driving enthusiasts more with its higher output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave provides substantially more horsepower and size for $3,050 less, making it the better value proposition.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...
- You prioritize lower running costs, benefiting from 27 MPG combined efficiency.
- You prefer the required use of premium unleaded fuel is worth the higher luxury refinement.
- Your typical drive involves tight city maneuvering where the GLC's smaller 185.7-inch length is advantageous.
Choose the Buick Enclave if...
- You need serious acceleration, taking advantage of the 328 hp engine.
- You want maximum utility, leveraging the 207.6-inch length and standard regular unleaded fuel.
- You want the lowest initial purchase price at $46,200.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | Buick Enclave |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.7" | 207.6" |
| Width | 74.4" | 79.6" |
| Height | 64.6" | 71.0" |
| Wheelbase | 113.7" | 120.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 417.6/556.8 mi. | 388.0/523.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 19.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.9 in | 30.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 5 | 12 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.3 in. | 42.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 62.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 58.7 in. |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 62.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 58.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 20 in. |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2026 Buick Enclave.
Does the Mercedes GLC-Class require more expensive fuel than the Buick Enclave?
Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Buick Enclave runs on regular unleaded, impacting long-term operational costs.
Which crossover is physically larger and offers more space?
The 2026 Buick Enclave is substantially larger, measuring 207.6 inches in length compared to the GLC's 185.7 inches, and it offers slightly more cargo capacity at 22.9 cu ft versus 21.9 cu ft.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Buick Enclave than the 2025 GLC-Class?
The Enclave packs a significant power advantage, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, which is 73 more horsepower than the GLC's 255 hp.
Is the efficiency difference significant between the two vehicles?
There is a notable 4 MPG combined difference in favor of the Mercedes, achieving 27 MPG versus the Enclave's 23 MPG, which matters on long trips.
What is the price difference when comparing the base MSRPs?
The 2026 Buick Enclave has a lower starting MSRP of $46,200, positioning it $3,050 cheaper than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class at $49,250.
Do the drive types differ between these two crossovers?
Yes, the standard configuration for the Mercedes GLC-Class is rear-wheel drive, while the 2026 Buick Enclave comes standard with front-wheel drive.
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