Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric vs Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV6: Worth the Price?

Mercedes-Benz has launched the GLC Electric SUV in India, priced starting at ₹78.5 Lakh (ex-showroom), which places it in an interesting segment with no direct competition. In other countries it takes on the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60, both of which are expected to launch here soon, but for now Mercedes-Benz has an advantage. In fact, the company says over 1,000 buyers have already pre-ordered one, and its production capacity is fully booked till March next year. 

If you’re in the market for a high-end electric SUV right now, you have several choices clustered around the ₹50-65 lakh range, including the Kia EV6, Volvo EC40, Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1 LWB, Tesla Model Y, and BYD Sealion 7. There are also a few options priced at around ₹1.2-1.3 crore, such as the Volvo EX90, Porsche Macan Electric, and Kia EV9. This gives Mercedes-Benz quite a large, unaddressed market segment to exploit.

We’re comparing the newly launched GLC Electric SUV with some practical and more affordable alternatives, the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6. 

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric vs Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV6: Prices

All three cars here are premium SUVs, but their prices set them apart. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric is the most premium of the three, and offers a plush interior with plenty of creature comforts. 

The GLC Electric and the Kia EV6 are available only in one trim each in India, while Tesla offers a few options that will raise the price of the Model Y — including any paint colour other than the default Stealth Grey. There’s also the Model Y L, priced at ₹61,99,000 onwards (ex-showroom) if you want space for more people. 

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric vs Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV6: Features and Design

If you want bragging rights, the Mercedes-Benz comes out on top. In India, this car comes with the 31.9-inch MBUX Hyperscreen stretching across the dashboard. You can see a virtual transparent bonnet on the screen to help visualise the car’s path as you park or manoeuvre. There’s also an augmented reality view, internal video camera, personalised audio profiles, and loads of connected features. 

You can adjust the opacity of different parts of the panoramic glass sunroof at the touch of a button, and it has embedded lighting effects. The three-pointed star emblem on the front and the new grille are illuminated, and there’s interior ambient lighting with interactive visual effects too. There are also electrically adjustable massaging front seats with lumbar support, multiple ADAS features, automatic parking, dual wireless charging pads, and a centre airbag.

The Tesla Model Y is known best for its tech-forward features. The cabin features noise damping and frequency-dependent shock absorbers for a quiet ride, wraparound interior lighting, ADAS features, voice commands, an all-glass roof, and a HEPA air filter. Tesla does not yet offer its Full Self Driving capabilities in India and that will be a monthly subscription if or when it does launch here.

Kia’s facelifted EV6 has dual 12.3-inch screens forming a curved front display, zero-gravity ventilated front seats, an augmented reality HUD, V2L (Vehicle-to-load) capability to power other devices, ADAS, remote connectivity features, and an electric sunroof. 

Mercedes-Benz will have to fend off fresh competition next year with the launches of the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 in India, but until then, it occupies a niche of its own. However, considering it is sold out till at least March 2027, you might want to explore these alternatives!