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.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
2.2D 4WD ExecutiveDiesel8-Speed AutomaticDiscontinued model
ZAR 899,900last listed
Discontinued modelVerified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 147 kW🔧 440 Nm⛽ 13.8 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Hyundai Santa Fe: the short answer
GLC and Santa Fe are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Recorded price context
GLC:
current from
ZAR 1,047,850
·
Santa Fe:
last listed from
ZAR 899,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
GLC
Santa Fe
Maximum Power
GLC310 kW
Santa Fe147 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque
GLC500 Nm
Santa Fe440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Engine Size
GLC1991 cc
Santa Fe2199 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
GLC10.2 km/l
Santa Fe13.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
GLC187 mm
Santa Fe188 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
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Santa Fe
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
GLC
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Santa Fe
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Model Introduced Year
2026
2001
Generation
Current South African GLC generation represented by derivative GLC 43 4MATIC
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not confirmed
Body Style
Suv
SUV
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Production Status
Current South African retail range
discontinued
Segment
Premium SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1980 kg
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Length
4716 mm
4830 mm
Width
1890 mm
1900 mm
Height
1640 mm
1750 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
187 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
220 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
67 l
Boot/Cargo Space
620 l
703 l
Kerb Weight
1950 kg
1980 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity
600 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.9 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
960 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
960 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
900 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
900 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Engine
1991/L4
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
M139
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Diesel
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1991 cc
2199 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
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
147 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque
500 Nm
440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
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
AWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
205 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.8 sec
8.5 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
74.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
222.2 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
Santa Fe
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
HTRAC AWD
LSD Available
No
Yes
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Not Officially Disclosed
Differential Lock
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
9
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Selector
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Officially Disclosed
Low Range
0
Not Officially Disclosed
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
AWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
9
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Position
-
Front
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage
10.2 km/l
13.8 km/l
City Mileage
10.2 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
10.2 km/l
17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
67 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
10.2 km/l
13.8 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
67
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
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Officially Disclosed
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Officially Disclosed
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Officially Disclosed
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Front
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
64-Colour Ambient
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Not Officially Disclosed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Not Officially Disclosed
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Officially Disclosed
Seat Adjustment
-
Power 8-way
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
3rd Row Fold Flat
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
-
4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
-
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Manual
Cooled Seats
-
No
Fabric Seats
-
Yes
Front Headrest
-
Yes
Leather Seats
-
No
Memory Seats
-
No
Rear Headrest
-
Yes
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
Yes
All
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
No
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
Boot Opener
-
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Manual
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
20-inch alloy wheels
Steel
Tachometer
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Rim Size
20
20-inch Alloy
Sound System
13
8 Meridian Premium
Unlocking
KEYLESS-GO
Yes
Wireless Charger
Yes
15W Wireless
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
8 Meridian Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
USB-C ports
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
Not Officially Disclosed
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
Not Officially Disclosed
Navigation System
-
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
-
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
Yes
Audio Speakers
13
8 Meridian Premium
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
LED
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Not Officially Disclosed
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Not Officially Disclosed
Alloy Wheel Design
-
20-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
LED daytime running lights
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
LED daytime running lights
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
LED
Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Off-road mode
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
188 mm
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
20-inch alloy wheels
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
20
20-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Officially Disclosed
Wheel Type
-
20-inch Alloy
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
20-inch alloy wheels
Steel
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
20
20-inch Alloy
Wheels
-
20-inch Alloy
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
Independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Independent multi-link suspension
Multi-Link
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions
228 g/km
188 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
4
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
5 Years / 100000 km
4
Service Plan Distance
5 Years / 100000 km
4
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
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.
Private and family
Price Zar
1883775 ZAR
899900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Historical listed price
Starting Price
1711000
899900
Starting Price Zar
1711000
899900
Spec
GLC
Santa Fe
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5
Warranty Years
5 Years / 100000 km
5
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / 100000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This GLC and Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe 74.
Efficiency index: GLC 45 vs Santa Fe 55.
Safety-equipment index: GLC 99 vs Santa Fe 98.
Practicality index: GLC 73 vs Santa Fe 89.
Ownership-cover index: GLC not separately scored vs Santa Fe 65.
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 Santa Fe 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 3 points
GLC and Santa Fe are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
GLC +23
Efficiency
Santa Fe +10
Safety
GLC +1
Practicality
Santa Fe +16
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLC
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
45/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
73/100
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLC
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 78 pts for Santa Fe
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLC leads. However, Santa Fe 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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