Is GLC a worthy upgrade over GLB ?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Is GLC a worthy upgrade over GLB ?
Hi Folks, I have a 2020 GLB and am looking to replace it with a 2022 GLC. I don't find a lot of differences between the two. My GLB has 3 rows so that is the significant difference in features but I have never used the 3rd row so not a deciding factor. I am more interested in the build quality comparison. I have driven loaner GLCs a few times and they definitely sounded quieter and the ride felt smoother than GLB. Is it worth replacing the GLB with GLC? I am happy with my GLB, just find it noisy at times.
Thanks
Thanks
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
You have driven both and your observations about ride quality and quietness fit with mine. Ride may have something to do with GLB being on a B chassis and the GLC on a one step up C chassis. Quietness may be due to the GLC having a longitudinally mounted engine and the transmission under the car, rather than the GLB’s transverse engine and transaxle all under the hood. The interior of the GLC feels more Mercedes, while the GLB interior feels more mainstream, like Cadillac a XT4 or 5. Our GLB fit and trim quality is as good as our C250. Others have complaints. Maybe the GLC would be more consistent. The interior space is nearly the same. If you don’t need the 7 seats (we do) then the GLC should satisfy.
#4
Super Member
Odd Piggy is right on point. My two cents regarding the difference is that GLC is predominantly rear wheel drive vs. GLB being predominantly front wheel drive. And while rear wheel drive has more sportier driving dynamic, it probably means almost nothing if you drive primarily in the city traffic. The other aspect is budget, GLC being approximately $5K more expensive than similarly optioned GLB. However you get more power, fit and finish for the that money. If you have a more flexible budget than I would go with GLC, however be aware that 2023 GLC is a new model year, which would come with gremlins associated with it.
#5
Senior Member
I had two 2022 GLC300 loaners last year. Similar to what said above, GLB is similar to Subaru Forester as MB went cheap on GLB eg piano black everywhere vs GLC has better finishes, more like MB entry level... Even reviews put GLC finish above X3... GLC felt quieter compared to GLB though one youtube review was saying it is similar, but another was showing 2 Db difference. GLB dash is lower compared to GLC, so it makes more roomier and open in the front with GLB. It might be similar on the overall space as transverse engine of GLB vs longitudinal engine of GLC leave more interior space for GLB plus the boxy structure for GLB... MY GLB35 is much stiffer with more precise driving, but that is AMG additions... GLC has the 9 shift vs GLB has faster dual clutch. GLC300 is faster than GLB250, but again it didn't feel that fast, maybe due to gear selections with 9 shift vs DCT.... You feel the road with GLB vs it is floating on GLC. On first loaner, GLC had a vibrating steering wheel at cracks which is a common issue that can be fixed by a software update. 2nd loaner was nice, but I felt nearly throwing up on the long road as it was floaty like a boat,.. In the long trips, GLC might give more comfort as it definitely isolates you better from the road. The touch pad was missing the wrist rest in GLC and that caused my to change the MBUX several time by accident.
Below shows the interior space difference of GLB to GLC and other similar size vehicles:
I saw in the reviews that new model year 2023 GLC is more sporty, but also it comes with the big i-pad and no buttons and looks less spacy inside with those additions. MB is switching to 48V architecture which is a problem on GLE's...Also the engine will be updated with the new model, so hopefully MB is fixing the cylinder head leak issue of GLB/GLC engines. The older GLC engine had a piston cracking problem which has low ratings with consumer report as well... I think 2023 models should be out soon ,so you can check the reviews on them. Coupe will be updated later for 2024 model year.
Below shows the interior space difference of GLB to GLC and other similar size vehicles:
I saw in the reviews that new model year 2023 GLC is more sporty, but also it comes with the big i-pad and no buttons and looks less spacy inside with those additions. MB is switching to 48V architecture which is a problem on GLE's...Also the engine will be updated with the new model, so hopefully MB is fixing the cylinder head leak issue of GLB/GLC engines. The older GLC engine had a piston cracking problem which has low ratings with consumer report as well... I think 2023 models should be out soon ,so you can check the reviews on them. Coupe will be updated later for 2024 model year.
Last edited by Serhan; 03-27-2023 at 08:40 AM.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thank you all for the insights, this helps immensely. Yes, the rear-wheel drive seems to make quite a difference in the driving feel of the GLC. BTW, I plan on going for the 2022 GLC, not the new refreshed 2023 GLC as there is a long waiting for 2023 and might get some good trade-in deals for the GLC 2022. Although I must say I really like the looks of the new 2023 GLC.
Based on all the feedback, I think it is worth considering. Will update here if I do decide to go with the GLC 2022.
Thanks
Based on all the feedback, I think it is worth considering. Will update here if I do decide to go with the GLC 2022.
Thanks
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#8
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I guess the GLB appeals to a bigger market segment.
I have friends who have never driven anything except Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, Kias, Hyundais test driving them and some buying.
One friend and long time Kia SUV owner tried the GLC and didn’t like it. Tried a GLB and bought it.
Go figure.
#9
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2015 CLS 550 2015 ML 400 Previous 2020 GLB 250 2019 A 220 2005 ML 350 1989 300 E 2001 SL 500
In my area, the GLB is a hot commodity. Dealers can’t keep them in stock. There are many GLCs on the lots.
I guess the GLB appeals to a bigger market segment.
I have friends who have never driven anything except Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, Kias, Hyundais test driving them and some buying.
One friend and long time Kia SUV owner tried the GLC and didn’t like it. Tried a GLB and bought it.
Go figure.
I guess the GLB appeals to a bigger market segment.
I have friends who have never driven anything except Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, Kias, Hyundais test driving them and some buying.
One friend and long time Kia SUV owner tried the GLC and didn’t like it. Tried a GLB and bought it.
Go figure.
Older buyers like the GLC because it looks more Mercedes like and has a quieter smoother ride.
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Yup, the ambient lights does attract buyers, it does have the newer interior compared to the aging X253 that first was announced in 2015 and as a MY16 as you know replacing the GLK. While the GLB was announced in 2019 as MY20 I believe? The facelift did change things for the GLC but compared to the GLB interior, it is still (well not saying it isn't modern but people will think that it is not as flashy or tech heavy with all the horizontal screen and apparently that is what attracts buyers). People also think the GLB is a baby G-wagen honestly other than the GLB being boxy, it's looks resembles more to MB's older models like the GLK and ML in my opinion and not the G-wagen.
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Thank you all for the insights, this helps immensely. Yes, the rear-wheel drive seems to make quite a difference in the driving feel of the GLC. BTW, I plan on going for the 2022 GLC, not the new refreshed 2023 GLC as there is a long waiting for 2023 and might get some good trade-in deals for the GLC 2022. Although I must say I really like the looks of the new 2023 GLC.
Based on all the feedback, I think it is worth considering. Will update here if I do decide to go with the GLC 2022.
Thanks
Based on all the feedback, I think it is worth considering. Will update here if I do decide to go with the GLC 2022.
Thanks
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#19
GLC300 VS GLB35
Outdated multimedia VS my favorite MBUX with touchscreen and touchpad!
Good ride VS choppy ride (purposly designed this way?)
Quiet car Vs normal car noise.
floaty vs planted (This maynot be the case if non amg glb)
Rides higher vs rides lower
My vote is the GLB since the interior doesn't feel as dated. However I'd probably pick the redesigned GLC since the car will probably have better ride and quieter interior.
Outdated multimedia VS my favorite MBUX with touchscreen and touchpad!
Good ride VS choppy ride (purposly designed this way?)
Quiet car Vs normal car noise.
floaty vs planted (This maynot be the case if non amg glb)
Rides higher vs rides lower
My vote is the GLB since the interior doesn't feel as dated. However I'd probably pick the redesigned GLC since the car will probably have better ride and quieter interior.
#20
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GLC300 VS GLB35
Outdated multimedia VS my favorite MBUX with touchscreen and touchpad!
Good ride VS choppy ride (purposly designed this way?)
Quiet car Vs normal car noise.
floaty vs planted (This maynot be the case if non amg glb)
Rides higher vs rides lower
My vote is the GLB since the interior doesn't feel as dated. However I'd probably pick the redesigned GLC since the car will probably have better ride and quieter interior.
Outdated multimedia VS my favorite MBUX with touchscreen and touchpad!
Good ride VS choppy ride (purposly designed this way?)
Quiet car Vs normal car noise.
floaty vs planted (This maynot be the case if non amg glb)
Rides higher vs rides lower
My vote is the GLB since the interior doesn't feel as dated. However I'd probably pick the redesigned GLC since the car will probably have better ride and quieter interior.
If your GLB was a GLB 35 or GLB 45 model, it might be the contributor to the choppy ride as well.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Hi Folks, I have a 2020 GLB and am looking to replace it with a 2022 GLC. I don't find a lot of differences between the two. My GLB has 3 rows so that is the significant difference in features but I have never used the 3rd row so not a deciding factor. I am more interested in the build quality comparison. I have driven loaner GLCs a few times and they definitely sounded quieter and the ride felt smoother than GLB. Is it worth replacing the GLB with GLC? I am happy with my GLB, just find it noisy at times.
Thanks
Thanks
I would not touch a GLC because of the piston cracking genetics of the 2.0L 4-cylinder engines which have been used in the GLC, all of them descended from one another. Read about this in the W205, X253 and W213 sections.
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The GLB is an east-west powertrain front wheel drive economy car and the GLC is a premium (not to be confused with luxury) north-south primarily rear drive vehicle. Very different cars.
I would not touch a GLC because of the piston cracking genetics of the 2.0L 4-cylinder engines which have been used in the GLC, all of them descended from one another. Read about this in the W205, X253 and W213 sections.
I would not touch a GLC because of the piston cracking genetics of the 2.0L 4-cylinder engines which have been used in the GLC, all of them descended from one another. Read about this in the W205, X253 and W213 sections.
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chassis (03-28-2023)
#23
To answer the op question is yes to upgrade to GLC with the upcoming model.
#24
Super Member
Yeah it seems GLC is a better deal no matter if you get a pre-facelift or the new model.
But I do see a lot of GLBs in the street. I wonder maybe in 1 or 2 years GLBs will become a better value model? (when there are many off-lease and new cars on the lot?)
But I do see a lot of GLBs in the street. I wonder maybe in 1 or 2 years GLBs will become a better value model? (when there are many off-lease and new cars on the lot?)
#25
Senior Member
There are more GLC300's on the market as it is an older model released in 2016 if you want to take your chance with the piston cracking engines: M274 Engine Causing You to Bail? 2020 model year updated the engines with GLC300...
Already GLB250 is 3 years old now and there are enough used inventory unless you go for GLB35...
Already GLB250 is 3 years old now and there are enough used inventory unless you go for GLB35...
Last edited by Serhan; 03-30-2023 at 09:20 AM.