Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Mercedes-Benz GLE | Which is Right for You?
23rd Jul 2024
Mercedes-Benz SUVs
It was way back in 1979 when Mercedes-Benz launched their first SUV, in the form of the legendary G-Class, otherwise known as the G-Wagen.
In the late 1990s, Mercedes-Benz SUVs were made more mainstream with the launch of the ML, which was renamed GLE in 2015, due to BMW and their naming conventions taking the 'M' nomenclature.
As the SUV popularity grew in the 2000s, and today is perhaps the most popular segment of car to many, it came as no surprise to see Mercedes-Benz and other popular premium manufacturers offers a comprehensive selection of SUVs, featuring more compact, and even more luxurious versions, covering every aspect of the SUV market.
Naturally, the large Mercedes-Benz GLE was joined by a more compact Mercedes-Benz GLC. The former a sort of E-Class saloon, but in SUV form, whilst the GLC takes sizing of the popular C-Class saloon, but again, in an SUV form. This article will look at their key differences, showcasing more than just a size comparison.
Contents
Introduction and Design
With the Mercedes-Benz GLE taking over the reins from the ML, it stands as the mid-size SUV choice in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, despite being rather large, but this is because of the more compact versions that sit under it.
The Mercedes-Benz SUV range starts with the GLA, followed by the GLB, GLC and then GLE (pictured above). The largest, however, is the GLS. Naturally, the larger the SUV, the higher the price. However, the iconic G-Class is not the largest per se, but it does command the most and sits as the range-topping model in the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, perhaps due to its iconic legacy dating back to 1979.
In design terms, the GLC is more curvaceous than the GLE, which is a lot more upright and unpretentious. The GLE is more about offering ultimate practicality and presence, whilst the GLC is more about style and trading a bit of practicality for flair and design.
The GLC is also more agile, and features more performance and a more dynamic drive, which is to bear in mind if you want an SUV that feels sharper and more athletic.
Versions
Of course, being Mercedes-Benz, there is a GLC or GLE to suit a variety of potential buyers. Both models offer petrol, diesel and hybrid options, as well as full-fat AMG performance versions, for those who want epic speed with their enhanced SUV practicality.
Interestingly, the smaller GLC (pictured above) offers the most performance, perhaps due to its more compact, lighter weight. But both offer clever mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine choices, with decent economy for such substantial SUVs.
For ease, a selection of what is available is listed below, for both the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE. It is also worth noting, that like their competition, the GLC and GLE are also available in sleeker Coupé models, too.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- GLC 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line - 2.0-litre, plug-in hybrid, diesel, 217bhp (0 to 62mph in 8.0 seconds), circa 52mpg
- GLC 300 4MATIC AMG Line - 2.0-litre, mild-hybrid, petrol, 277bhp (0 to 62mph in 6.2 seconds), circa 37mpg
- GLC 300 e 4MATIC Urban Edition - 2.0-litre, plug-in hybrid, petrol, 309bhp (0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds), circa 470mpg
- Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC AMG Night Edition Premium Plus - 2.0-litre, mild-hybrid, petrol, 429bhp (0 to 62mph in 4.8 seconds), circa 26mpg
- Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S e Performance 4MATIC+ AMG Night Edition Premium Plus - 2.0-litre, plug-in hybrid, petrol, 671bhp (0 to 62mph in 3.5 seconds), circa 37mpg
Mercedes-Benz GLE
- GLE 300 d 4MATIC Urban Edition - 2.0-litre, mild-hybrid, diesel, 285bhp (0 to 62mph in 6.9 seconds), circa 41mpg
- GLE 400 e 4MATIC Urban Edition - 2.0-litre, plug-in hybrid, petrol, 376bhp (0 to 62mph in 6.1 seconds), circa 313mpg
- GLE 450 4MATIC Urban Edition - 3.0-litre, mild-hybrid, petrol, 396bhp (0 to 62mph in 5.6 seconds), circa 29mpg
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Night Edition Premium Plus - 3.0-litre, mild-hybrid, 449bhp (0 to 62mph in 5.0 seconds), circa 26mpg
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Night Edition Premium Plus - 4.0-litre, mild-hybrid, 615bhp (0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds) circa 22mpg
Interior and Technology
Since the introduction of the fourth generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class in 2018, each new model in the Mercedes-Benz range has featured a properly digital-focused interior. It was a disruptive move after all, as manufacturers tend to showcase their range-topping cars first, to highlight new technology, but on this occasion, the entry-level A-Class was the model to kick-off Mercedes-Benz's new digital vibe.
Of course, the higher-spec models got a much more polished version, and as time has gone on, the digital screens featured in Mercedes-Benz models are even wider, more striking, and full of lots more technology.
Both the GLC and GLE follow suit. There is a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster in the GLC (pictured above), accompanied by a portrait 11.9-inch central infotainment display.
The GLE takes a slightly more complete approach, with a double set-up, using a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the instruments, and one for the infotainment. The GLE interior feels just that more refined, as you would expect, but both have all the connectivity such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Mercedes MBUX to ensure driving these SUVs is easy and straight-forward, rather than being a chore.
Practicality
Naturally, the GLE is the larger SUV (pictured above) when compared to the GLC, and therefore unsurprisingly offers more practicality. For starters, the GLE offers five or seven seats, depending on preference, whilst the GLC is only available with five as standard.
Boot space consists of 600 litres in the GLC, which drops to 400 litres if you are choosing a plug-in hybrid version, whilst the GLE offers 630 litres in five-seat mode, but this is dented if using seven seats. The real party-piece is if you fold all the GLE's rear seats, then a 2055-litre load space is offered, meaning you have van-like load space that not many SUVs can match.
If you are after space, the GLE is the one to have if you are going to be shifting lots of things about, whilst the GLC can still offer a great solution in terms of space, whilst doing so in a more compact package.
Value and Final Thoughts
Of course, the bigger Mercedes-Benz GLE was always going to offer more space, practicality and generally more specification, being the more expensive choice in the Mercedes-Benz SUV range. But, the GLC (pictured above) is a fine example of a more compact offering, that may suit those looking for the advantages of an SUV, just in a more manageable and compact offering. The GLC will appeal more to those looking for high performance too, or who like a more involving and dynamic drive.
It comes as no surprise to see more manufacturers offering smaller, more compact SUVs, that are like a Tardis inside when it comes to space. They are just properly useful.
No matter if you opt for the larger Mercedes-Benz GLE, or slightly more compact GLC, you are still going to get a fine Mercedes-Benz experience full of technology, refinement and performance.
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