Comparing The GLE vs GLC

When you’re looking for a new upscale SUV in the Tyler area, the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLC should be at the top of your list. Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry in innovation with their latest crossover SUVs. Both fit into the mid-size market and offer luxury features, a spacious cabin, and the technology and equipment you want, whether you need an everyday driver or a commuter that will take you comfortably to and from work. Take a look at the GLE vs. the GLC and see which one is right for you.

The Engines

The GLE and the GLC have a powerful lineup of engines. The entry-level powertrain for both is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder gas engine that puts out 255 horsepower and generates 273 pound-feet of torque. Whether you choose the GLE or the GLC, it has a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC comes standard with rear-wheel drive and offers Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® all-wheel drive as an option, while the GLC comes standard with the 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.

The next engine in the lineup for the GLC is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6. It comes under the hood of the GLC 43 and makes 385 horsepower. Take another step up to the GLC 63, and you’ll get a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 469 horsepower. The last engine for the Mercedes-Benz model is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 for the GLC 63S. This powertrain makes 503 horsepower.

The GLE has a slightly different engine lineup, but it still offers a wide range of powertrains. The GLE 450 uses a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder with 362 horsepower, or you can get the AMG® GLE with its 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder that makes 429 horsepower. At the top of the GLE lineup is the GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that churns out 483 horsepower.

The Interior

Inside, you’ll notice some differences between the GLE and the GLC. The most significant is the amount of available seating. The GLC comes only with two rows of seats and room for five, but if you need more passenger space, the GLE comes in two body styles. The shorter four-door coupe has two rows and room for five, but this model also offers a three-row SUV that can fit up to seven.

Since the GLE SUV is longer than the GLC, it also offers more cargo space. With both rows folded down, it offers 74.9 cubic feet of storage, which is plenty for sports gear or weekend adventure gear. Compare this to the GLC, which has 19.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 56.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Both the GLC and the GLE have upscale cabins. Power-adjustable heated front seats come standard, and both have driver’s seat memory settings as a standard feature. Dual-zone automatic climate control comes standard whether you have the GLE or GLC. The entry-level GLC has simulated leather upholstery and offers genuine leather in the higher trims, while the leather upholstery comes standard with the GLE, even at the base level.

The Technology

The GLC and GLE both have the Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system, both have voice controls with natural language understanding, and both come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The difference between the two models comes in the size of the screen. The GLC has a 10.25-inch touch screen, while the GLE has a 12.3-inch touch screen. The GLE also comes standard with integrated navigation and five USB-C ports, while choosing the GLC will get you two USB-C audio ports, with the option to add more.

A wireless charging pad is an available option for the GLC, while the GLE offers a few more options. You can add a household 115-volt power outlet as part of the Premium Package for the GLE 350 and 450, and this also comes with an upgraded stereo system. The GLE’s 3rd-Row Seat Package adds two USB-C ports in the third row, and it also upgrades the second-row seats with a power-adjustment feature. Wireless charging is also an available option for the GLE, and depending on the package, you can get either a 13-speaker or 25-speaker Burmester surround-sound stereo system.

The Safety Features

The GLC and GLE both come with a long list of standard safety systems. There’s a forward-collision warning system, a blind-spot monitor, automatic emergency braking, and a rear cross-traffic alert. Other standard safety systems for both models include automatic high beam headlights, a rearview camera, a safe exit assist, and a drowsy driver monitor.

The GLE also comes standard with a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, and it has pedestrian detection to go with the automatic braking system. An automated parking system that works for both parallel and perpendicular parking spots is another standard system for the GLE. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and a speed limit sign reader, while adding the Premium Package gets you a 360-degree surround-view camera system with a top-down view around the vehicle.

The GLC comes standard with the automated parking system and offers the Driver Assistance Package. This package adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and an enhanced blind-spot monitoring system that will steer the GLC back into its lane to help avoid a collision if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot when you try to change lanes. It also comes with an enhanced collision-avoidance braking system and lane change assist. A 360-degree surround-view camera is a stand-alone option for the GLC, and you can also get a head-up display that puts important information right in the driver’s line of sight.

The most significant difference between the GLC and the GLE is the size of the SUV body styles and the available seating. If you need room for a large family, the GLE’s extra row will come in handy, and it also has added cargo space. Stop by Mercedes-Benz of Tyler and take a look at both models to see which one fits your lifestyle.