Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLC
If you’re looking for a high-end luxury SUV, Mercedes-Benz offers two of the finest examples in the compact GLC 300 and the midsize GLE 350. Both feature exceptional build quality, superb performance, a refined ride, and a sophisticated interior with first-class materials and outstanding craftsmanship.
When you compare the Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLC, they are both winners. At Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands, Texas, we have compiled a detailed comparison of the two models to help our customers make an informed choice about which SUV is best for their needs and lifestyle.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Offers Near Me
Which Mercedes-Benz Is Right For Me?: GLE or GLC
Striking Exterior Styling
Looking at the Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLC, both models feature characteristic Mercedes-Benz styling with flowing lines, an elegant yet sporty profile, a distinctive lighting signature, and a bold grille bearing the unmistakable three-pointed star logo.
The GLC has LED front and rear lighting, rain-sensing wipers,18-inch alloy wheels, and a power liftgate. The GLE has updated front and rear styling for and adds adaptive headlights, 19-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.
Interior Comfort and Space
Both the GLC and GLE envelop you in high-quality materials and offer exceptionally comfortable and supportive contoured seats and generous head and legroom for all passengers. The GLC has seating for five people, along with 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The 40/20/40-split second row can be folded almost flat at the touch of a button to give you a 56.3 cubic foot cargo area.
As standard, the GLE offers seating for five, but an optional third row increases the capacity to seven. With the two-row configuration, the GLE offers a 33.3 cubic foot cargo area behind the second row, while folding down the 60/40-split second row creates an impressive 74.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage spaces for small items.
Sophisticated Cabins
As you’d expect in a Mercedes-Benz, the GLC and GLE cabins are aesthetically pleasing and rich in features and amenities. In the GLC, you’ll find sumptuous MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. You can create your desired ambiance with the selectable 64-color cabin lighting. Choose from trim options including classic wood or modern metals.
Available options for the GLC include leather or Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upper dash trim. The similarly equipped GLE adds options such as multi-contour massaging front seats, heated front armrests and door trim, four-zone climate control, a cabin fragrance system, soft-close doors, and power second-row seats.
Advanced Technolgy
In the GLC’s driver-focused cockpit, information is displayed on a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a stunning 11.9-inch portrait-oriented central touch screen that’s angled toward the driver. The display can show multiple functions simultaneously and up to 15 of your phone apps.
The multimedia system features the ever-evolving Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) which includes an intelligent voice control system that enables you to control functions with your natural voice by using the “Hey, Mercedes” keyword. The system learns your habits over time for a more personal response. Features can receive over-the-air updates via Mercedes meconnect.
Infotainment features include in-car Wi-Fi, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and media streaming. The audio system offers HD and satellite radio and a unique FrontBass system for deep, rich bass tones. All passengers can keep their devices charged and connected with the six USB ports, a 12-volt power outlet, and the wireless charging pad.
The GLE 350 features a widescreen dash with a seamlessly connected 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch multimedia touch screen. You can access functions by using the intuitive touch controls and the touch-pad controller. The infotainment system offers all the features of GLC, along with an integrated navigation system.
With the GLC and GLE Exclusive trims, you get a Burmester 3D surround sound system with 15 speakers for stunning sound reproduction. The Pinnacle trims add a head-up display and MBUX augmented video for navigation, which can overlay directions and useful information on a live camera view.
Driver Assistance Technologies
The Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE models offer a wide range of standard and available driver assistance features to help keep you safe and in control on the road. 4MATIC® models make off-road driving easier with an available virtual transparent hood that uses exterior camera views to show the underfoot terrain on the central display.
Power and Performance
Powering the GLC 300 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that helps improve fuel efficiency and boosts the power output. This powertrain delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. It’s paired with a seamlessly shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. If you prefer the extra confidence of all-wheel drive, you can opt for the GLC 300 4MATIC®.
The GLC 300 offers thrilling performance and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. For city driving, the GLC returns up to 24 mpg, while highway driving rewards you with up to 32 mpg. When properly equipped, the GLC has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The GLE 350 features the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with the same power output. However, all-wheel drive is standard on this model. With its larger size, the GLE 350 takes 7 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. It returns up to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, It also gives you a greater towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.
Explore the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE in The Woodlands, TX
If you’re still undecided between the Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLC, visit Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands, Texas, to see them side by side and make your own comparison. We can arrange for you to test drive both vehicles and a sales executive will be happy to demonstrate the features of each. The experts in our finance department can help you decide whether buying or leasing your new Mercedes-Benz is the best option for you.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Offers Near Me