Compare the2022 Mercedes AMG GLCVS 2022 Porsche Cayenne

The AMG GLC’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Cayenne doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The AMG GLC has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Cayenne’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the AMG GLC has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the Cayenne.

The AMG GLC’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the AMG GLC and the Cayenne have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are almost 2 times as many Mercedes dealers as there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the AMG GLC’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the AMG GLC’s reliability 20 points higher than the Cayenne.

The AMG GLC’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 50 more horsepower (385 vs. 335) and 52 lbs.-ft. more torque (384 vs. 332) than the Cayenne’s standard 3.0 turbo V6.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes AMG GLC higher (5 out of 10) than the Porsche Cayenne (3 to 5). This means the AMG GLC produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Cayenne every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes AMG GLC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Cayenne.

In an emergency stopping situation, many drivers don’t press the brakes with enough force to stop the vehicle in the shortest distance. The AMG GLC has a standard brake assist system to detect emergency braking situations (by how hard and how quickly the brake pedal is pressed) and then automatically apply maximum braking immediately in order to help prevent a collision. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a brake assist feature.

The AMG GLC stops shorter than the Cayenne:

For better traction and acceleration, the AMG GLC has larger rear tires than the Cayenne (285/40R20 vs. 275/50R19).

The AMG GLC 43’s standard 255/45R20 front and 285/40R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series front and 40 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Cayenne’s standard 55 series front and 50 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the AMG GLC 43 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the Cayenne.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the AMG GLC can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Cayenne doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The front and rear suspension of the AMG GLC uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Cayenne, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The AMG GLC’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Cayenne doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The AMG GLC 43 handles at .91 G’s, while the Cayenne E-Hybrid pulls only .87 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Mercedes AMG GLC may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 1500 pounds less than the Porsche Cayenne.

The AMG GLC is 10.2 inches shorter than the Cayenne, making the AMG GLC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the AMG GLC’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Cayenne doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The AMG GLC has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The AMG GLC’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Cayenne.

If the windows are left open on the AMG GLC the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote (remote must be aimed at door sensor). On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Cayenne can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the AMG GLC to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Cayenne doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the AMG GLC has standard extendable sun visors. The Cayenne doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The AMG GLC has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Insurance will cost less for the AMG GLC owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the AMG GLC will cost $2795 to $10530 less than the Cayenne over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mercedes AMG GLC will be $3861 to $78339 less than for the Porsche Cayenne.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mercedes AMG GLC and the Porsche Cayenne, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mercedes GLC outsold the Porsche Cayenne by almost three to one during the 2021 model year.