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Mercedes-Benz GLC250
Compact luxury crossover with 211 hp turbo power and 4MATIC AWD.
Highest ratedBest value
Mercedes-Benz GLC250Subaru Forester
Mandai score
8/10
7/10
Typical price
KSh 4,800,000
KSh 4,200,000
Years
2017-2023
2018-2023
Body type
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Fuel
Petrol
Petrol, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic, CVT
Doors
5
5
Most popular trim
GLC250 4MATIC AMG Line
Forester Touring / Sport / Premium / e-Boxer Advance
Fuel and running cost
Trim
Subaru Forester 2.5L / 1.8T / 2.0L e-Boxer
Fuel consumption
13.5 km/L7.4 L/100km combined · about 891 km a tank
17.0 km/L5.9 L/100km combined · about 1071 km a tank
Running cost
KSh 1,681 / 100 kmKSh 17 a km · KSh 16,812 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,335 / 100 kmKSh 13 a km · KSh 13,351 for 1,000 km · petrol
Dimensions
Length
4,656 mm
4,625 mm
Width
1,890 mm
1,815 mm
Height
1,644 mm
1,730 mm
Wheelbase
2,873 mm
2,670 mm
Ground clearance
180 mm
220 mm
Boot space
550 L (1,600 L with seats folded)
520 L (1,775 L folded)
Kerb weight
1,735 kg
1,570 kg
Seats
5
5
Specifications
Engine
2.0L M274 Turbocharged Inline-4
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 1.8L CB18 DIT Turbo
Power
211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 177 hp (1.8T)
Torque
350 Nm @ 1,200–4,000 rpm
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 300 Nm (1.8T)
Drivetrain
4MATIC Permanent AWD
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
0–100 km/h
7.3 sec
8.2 sec
Top speed
222 km/h
204 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
13.5 km/L
14.2 km/L (2.5L) / 15.2 km/L (1.8T) / 17.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
City
11.0 km/L
11.8 km/L (2.5L) / 12.5 km/L (1.8T) / 15.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
Highway
16.0 km/L
16.8 km/L (2.5L) / 18.0 km/L (1.8T) / 18.5 km/L (e-Boxer)
Tank size
66 L
63 L
CO₂ emissions
152 g/km
152 g/km
At a glance
Model
Mercedes-Benz GLC250 4MATIC (X253 Series)
Subaru Forester (SK Series)
Production years
2017–2023
2018–2023
Body type
5-Door Executive Compact SUV
SUV / Crossovers
Seating capacity
5
5
Fuel types
Petrol (Turbocharged Direct Injection)
Petrol, e-Boxer Hybrid
Engine sizes
1,991 cc
1,795 cc (1.8T CB18) / 1,995 cc (2.0L e-Boxer) / 2,498 cc (2.5L FB25)
Transmission
9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
Drivetrain
4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
Ground clearance
180 mm
220 mm
Source market
Japan (RHD)
Japan / UK (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: 2.0L engine qualifies for 25% excise tax bracket, saving huge customs duties.
- Refined 9G-TRONIC transmission: 9 gear ratios deliver smooth acceleration and quiet 1,400 rpm highway cruising.
- Prestige cabin craftsmanship: Artico leather upholstery, Burmester surround audio, and MBUX infotainment.
- Class-leading 220 mm ground clearance: Conquers deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and rough upcountry tracks.
- Symmetrical AWD with Dual X-Mode: Exceptional mud, snow, and deep gravel traction.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: All 1.8T, 2.0L, and 2.5L engines qualify for 25% excise tax rate.
What’s not so good
- Firmer ride on 19/20-inch AMG rims: AMG Line low-profile tires transmit road firmness over unpaved estate roads.
- Specialized Mercedes maintenance: Demands MB 229.5 spec synthetic oil and specialized Star Diagnostic scanners.
- Lineartronic CVT response: CVT engine revs during heavy highway mountain passes.
- EyeSight windshield camera care: Requires specialized recalibration if windscreen is replaced.