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Mercedes-Benz GLC250
Compact luxury crossover with 211 hp turbo power and 4MATIC AWD.
Highest ratedBest value
Subaru ForesterMercedes-Benz GLC250
Mandai score
7/10
8/10
Typical price
KSh 4,200,000
KSh 4,800,000
Years
2018-2023
2017-2023
Body type
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Doors
5
5
Most popular trim
Forester Touring / Sport / Premium / e-Boxer Advance
GLC250 4MATIC AMG Line
Fuel and running cost
Trim
Subaru Forester 2.5L / 1.8T / 2.0L e-Boxer
Fuel consumption
17.0 km/L5.9 L/100km combined · about 1071 km a tank
13.5 km/L7.4 L/100km combined · about 891 km a tank
Running cost
KSh 1,335 / 100 kmKSh 13 a km · KSh 13,351 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,681 / 100 kmKSh 17 a km · KSh 16,812 for 1,000 km · petrol
Dimensions
Length
4,625 mm
4,656 mm
Width
1,815 mm
1,890 mm
Height
1,730 mm
1,644 mm
Wheelbase
2,670 mm
2,873 mm
Ground clearance
220 mm
180 mm
Boot space
520 L (1,775 L folded)
550 L (1,600 L with seats folded)
Kerb weight
1,570 kg
1,735 kg
Seats
5
5
Specifications
Engine
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 1.8L CB18 DIT Turbo
2.0L M274 Turbocharged Inline-4
Power
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 177 hp (1.8T)
211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 300 Nm (1.8T)
350 Nm @ 1,200–4,000 rpm
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
4MATIC Permanent AWD
0–100 km/h
8.2 sec
7.3 sec
Top speed
204 km/h
222 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
14.2 km/L (2.5L) / 15.2 km/L (1.8T) / 17.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
13.5 km/L
City
11.8 km/L (2.5L) / 12.5 km/L (1.8T) / 15.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
11.0 km/L
Highway
16.8 km/L (2.5L) / 18.0 km/L (1.8T) / 18.5 km/L (e-Boxer)
16.0 km/L
Tank size
63 L
66 L
CO₂ emissions
152 g/km
152 g/km
At a glance
Model
Subaru Forester (SK Series)
Mercedes-Benz GLC250 4MATIC (X253 Series)
Production years
2018–2023
2017–2023
Body type
SUV / Crossovers
5-Door Executive Compact SUV
Seating capacity
5
5
Fuel types
Petrol, e-Boxer Hybrid
Petrol (Turbocharged Direct Injection)
Engine sizes
1,795 cc (1.8T CB18) / 1,995 cc (2.0L e-Boxer) / 2,498 cc (2.5L FB25)
1,991 cc
Transmission
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive
Ground clearance
220 mm
180 mm
Source market
Japan / UK (RHD)
Japan (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- 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.
- 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.
What’s not so good
- Lineartronic CVT response: CVT engine revs during heavy highway mountain passes.
- EyeSight windshield camera care: Requires specialized recalibration if windscreen is replaced.
- 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.