Face-off VERDICT

EACH SUV has its strengths and weaknesses.

At RM276,351, the GLC 200 is around RM30,000 more expensive than the Harrier, banking on its German heritage to command that premium.

The Harrier counters by offering richer amenities like the moonroof and more safety for its asking price.

While appearance is subjective, we think the GLC has a more expressive face with detailing that is more winsome.

Viewed from the sides and the rear however, the Harrier is the sleeker and more elegant SUV on account of its extra length and the slimmer, stretched-out tail lights.

Although the Harrier is longer, narrower and taller than the GLC, it has a 21cm shorter wheelbase, translating to a smaller interior space.

In second row, the narrower space is offset by a near-flat floor unlike the GLC which has a prominent centre transmission tunnel.

We like the dashboard and centre console of the GLC - except the thick bezel of the infotainment screen - more than those of the Harrier, which looks rather conventional.

Although both have low and wide loading boot space, the GLC’s is deeper, making it 110 litres more than the Harrier’s.

However, the Harrier wins on the performance front with a far more potent engine that endows it with a spritely 0-100kph sprint of 7.3s (vs 8.7s for GLC 200).

The driving experience is also more punchy but then higher fuel consumption is the sobering fact.

While the German has its innate appeal, we lean towards the Harrier as the better buy.

We believe the Harrier offers very good value for the luxurious appointments, the comfort it provides, its practicality and high level of safety features.

It stands at the top of the pyramid as a luxury vehicle from Toyota and you would be hard pressed to find a car offering so much below the RM300K mark.

Sweetening the package is a 5-year warranty as opposed to the 4-years offered for the GLC 200.