VS
At a Glance
Power
359 kW
215 kW
Torque
675 Nm
550 Nm
Fuel
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 co
5.5 l/100km
Towing
—
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
6.4 s
Engine
1498 cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the BYD Atto 8 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Atto 8 delivers 359 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 215 kW. On fuel, the Atto 8 returns 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 combined l/100km while the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 259 900 for the Atto 8 and R1 504 130 for the GLC. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
359 kW
215 kW
Torque
675 Nm
550 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
6.4 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
249 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 co
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 35.6 kWh l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
42 when hybrid battery charged g/km
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5040 mm
4764 mm
Width
1996 mm
1890-2075 mm
Height
1760 mm
1605 mm
Wheelbase
2950 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
184 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2580 Kg
1970 DIN / 2045 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
270 / 960 / 1960 l
545 - 1490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
525 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
20000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Atto 8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Atto 8
Fuel Economy
Atto 8
Value
Atto 8
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
BYD Atto 8
More powerful engine (359 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 259 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (5.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (215 kW vs 359 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Atto 8 or GLC?
The Atto 8 uses 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 combined l/100km and the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Atto 8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Atto 8 or GLC?
The Atto 8 produces 359 kW and 675 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The Atto 8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Atto 8 and GLC?
The Atto 8 starts from R1 259 900 and the GLC from R1 504 130. The Atto 8 is cheaper by R244 230 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Atto 8 or GLC?
The Atto 8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the GLC can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Atto 8 or the GLC?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.