A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volkswagen Polo-Vivo: the short answer
GLC has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Polo-Vivo.
Polo-Vivo starts ZAR 775,950 cheaperGLC from ZAR 1,047,850 · Polo-Vivo from ZAR 271,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Maximum Power
GLC310 kW
Polo-Vivo81 kW
Maximum Torque
GLC500 Nm
Polo-Vivo200 Nm
Engine Size
GLC1991 cc
Polo-Vivo1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
GLC10.2 km/l
Polo-Vivo22.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
GLC187 mm
Polo-Vivo143 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
GLC 43 4MATIC
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
GLC
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Polo-Vivo
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
GLC
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Polo-Vivo
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Model Introduced Year
2026
2010
Generation
Current South African GLC generation represented by derivative GLC 43 4MATIC
Long-running locally produced hatchback
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Periodic feature updates over years
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Suv
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Current South African retail range
published
Segment
Premium SUV
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Tare Mass Kg
-
1108 kg
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Length
4716 mm
3972 mm
Width
1890 mm
1682 mm
Height
1640 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
187 mm
143 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
220 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
620 l
280 l
Kerb Weight
1950 kg
1108 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
1570 kg
Payload Capacity
600 kg
-
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.9 m
-
Front Headroom
960 mm
-
Rear Headroom
960 mm
-
Front Legroom
900 mm
-
Rear Legroom
900 mm
-
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Engine
1991/L4
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
M139
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1991 cc
1000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
9.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
83.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
92.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
310 kW
81 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm
200 Nm
Combined Power
310 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
500 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
250 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
4.8 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
73.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
180.5 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
No
Not Applicable
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
4x2
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
9
6
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Manual
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Manual
Drivetrain
AWD
4x2
4WD Engagement
Yes
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Yes
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Manual
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
9
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Claimed Mileage
10.2 km/l
22.2 km/l
City Mileage
10.2 km/l
17.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
10.2 km/l
26.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
10.2 km/l
22.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
45
Combined Driving Range
0
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
Not Applicable
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Airbags
7
4
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
Traction Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Child-seat support
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not Available
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
TCS
Yes
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Cloth
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Simple dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment in higher trims
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Not Available
Power Windows
Yes
Not Available
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
4,5
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Mudflaps
-
Standard/available
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
polo-vivo
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not Available
Number of Speakers
13
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Not Applicable
USB Ports
USB-C ports
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
SYNC
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
MBUX multimedia system
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
6
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Not Available
Body Type
-
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
-
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
-
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Off-road mode
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
143 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
143 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
20-inch alloy wheels
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
20
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
CO2 Emissions
228 g/km
132 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
132
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
132
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
Not Available
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
South Africa market model
Price Zar
1883775 ZAR
363300 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Active local lineup
Starting Price
1711000
363300
Starting Price Zar
1711000
363300
Spec
GLC
Polo-Vivo
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This GLC and Polo-Vivo comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: GLC 97 vs Polo-Vivo 35.
Efficiency index: GLC 45 vs Polo-Vivo 80.
Safety-equipment index: GLC 99 vs Polo-Vivo 59.
Practicality index: GLC 73 vs Polo-Vivo 54.
Ownership-cover index: GLC not separately scored vs Polo-Vivo not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
GLC and Polo-Vivo image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
GLC leads by 26 points
GLC has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Polo-Vivo.
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLC
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
45/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
73/100
Polo-Vivo
Performance
35/100
Efficiency
80/100
Safety
59/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLC
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 55 pts for Polo-Vivo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLC leads. However, Polo-Vivo may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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