GLC Noisy?
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Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 109
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From: Illinois
2016 GLC 4Matic
GLC Noisy?
I am very interested in the new GLC but have not yet ridden in one. A week or two ago, in one of these forum threads, one of the members after a test drive, posted a comment that he thought the GLC was quite noisy (engine noise, road noise, etc.)
Now that quite a few GLC's are on the road, any comments from a new owner about noise (or lack thereof)? What are your impressions?
Thanks
Al
Now that quite a few GLC's are on the road, any comments from a new owner about noise (or lack thereof)? What are your impressions?
Thanks
Al
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
No, the GLC is not noisy. Now that's my perspective from a GLC300. But since you live in the US, it's the only model you can buy in the states currently.
You should go test drive one yourself. What I think is not noisy, might not be the same as what you think.
You should go test drive one yourself. What I think is not noisy, might not be the same as what you think.
Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 82
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From: Columbus, OH
GLK350, M3 ZCP
One of my previous comments mentioned road/wind/engine noise. I agree with Rbrylaw, please go test drive the vehicle yourself and come to your own conclusion. Although, it could be tested it's more of a subjective thing IMO. Don't let one comment sway you even if it's from me! 
However, I will stand by my comment. I still think the GLC we drove was loud given the price point. Wind noise (IMO) is no better than the new C class. There's no doubt it's worse than my 2014 Lexus IS350. I suspect the mirror design contributes to some of this extra noise (door vs window mounted). We also found the engine to be louder than the V6 in our GLK350 (excluding auto start/stop situations obviously).
Hopefully some other owners will pop in here and give you some additional opinions. I would recommend test drives on different days OR multi-brand test drives on the same day. You might find the GLC more than acceptable though.
Aaron
However, I will stand by my comment. I still think the GLC we drove was loud given the price point. Wind noise (IMO) is no better than the new C class. There's no doubt it's worse than my 2014 Lexus IS350. I suspect the mirror design contributes to some of this extra noise (door vs window mounted). We also found the engine to be louder than the V6 in our GLK350 (excluding auto start/stop situations obviously).
Hopefully some other owners will pop in here and give you some additional opinions. I would recommend test drives on different days OR multi-brand test drives on the same day. You might find the GLC more than acceptable though.
Aaron
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 37
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento
2000 ML320
I am very interested in the new GLC but have not yet ridden in one. A week or two ago, in one of these forum threads, one of the members after a test drive, posted a comment that he thought the GLC was quite noisy (engine noise, road noise, etc.)
Now that quite a few GLC's are on the road, any comments from a new owner about noise (or lack thereof)? What are your impressions?
Thanks
Al
Now that quite a few GLC's are on the road, any comments from a new owner about noise (or lack thereof)? What are your impressions?
Thanks
Al
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Junior Member
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W212 E350 4matic, E60 530i
I recently test drive one at Benz Markham, way better than my 2014 X3. Myself and my wife keep discuss the car while we drive at 120km... no issue at all. The pass to road bumps was better too, may be that's benz tuning of cars.
I think my X3 35i still drive better for better horse power, but the GLC will be replace it once lease due.
I think my X3 35i still drive better for better horse power, but the GLC will be replace it once lease due.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,447
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From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
I bought the GLC300 for my partner, who had a 2012 E350 Coupe. He was afraid the 4 cylinder turbo would not be as powerful and it would be generally noisier. He's fallen head over heels in love with the GLC. He feels it accelerates as well and is in fact quieter inside than the E350. For me, this is a relief. It wouldn't be good to purchase him a car he didn't like. Fortunately, he seems to absolutely love the GLC. I can say I really love being a passenger in it. It's more spacious than my C300 Sport, that's for sure.
Last edited by rbrylaw; Dec 11, 2015 at 03:58 PM.
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A gaggle of MB's
Psycho Acoustics - it's a broad and ever changing category - do a google.
One varient - which is reduction of overall outside noise - and frankly new-C/GLC are way up the scale compared to both prior generation and competition. For education on that at traffic stop open a window on the comparative vehicles - close - repeat.
In my opinion that outside variant reduced - you are left with internal variant - and isolating and comparing those - to me the C-Class/GLC as others report - "yes" sporty and alive - not intimidating - invigorating, yes.
C-Class/GLC - each quite a "full" package of modern luxury, modern sport "feel", and frankly both higher top tier at price point - where "most" other brands for 2016 are somewhat "diminished" in rank/quality/value/experience thatn there entries 4-5-6 years - haven't moved up the scale, moved down in rank - my opinion.
What I see if from what late model comp's traded in to me - a good number of my customers move to Mercedes - and they are the one's whose opinion really count.
One varient - which is reduction of overall outside noise - and frankly new-C/GLC are way up the scale compared to both prior generation and competition. For education on that at traffic stop open a window on the comparative vehicles - close - repeat.
In my opinion that outside variant reduced - you are left with internal variant - and isolating and comparing those - to me the C-Class/GLC as others report - "yes" sporty and alive - not intimidating - invigorating, yes.
C-Class/GLC - each quite a "full" package of modern luxury, modern sport "feel", and frankly both higher top tier at price point - where "most" other brands for 2016 are somewhat "diminished" in rank/quality/value/experience thatn there entries 4-5-6 years - haven't moved up the scale, moved down in rank - my opinion.
What I see if from what late model comp's traded in to me - a good number of my customers move to Mercedes - and they are the one's whose opinion really count.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 22
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Ferrari California T
Disagree. Had it up to 90 and no wind noise. Actually very surprised at the car being so quiet. Still feel the road so it's not that Lexus floaty thing (that's good) but I didnt get any cowl shake or wind noise. Engine was quiet too. Honestly not sure if you drove a bad one or not.
Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 82
Likes: 5
From: Columbus, OH
GLK350, M3 ZCP
Disagree. Had it up to 90 and no wind noise. Actually very surprised at the car being so quiet. Still feel the road so it's not that Lexus floaty thing (that's good) but I didnt get any cowl shake or wind noise. Engine was quiet too. Honestly not sure if you drove a bad one or not.
For reference: The GLC I drove had 18" wheels and standard suspension. Very noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, 65-85mph. Also, the ride was MUCH softer and floatly compared to our 2012 GLK350 with 20" wheels. There's no doubt they tuned the suspension for comfort (and succeeded). Disconnected feeling between the wheels and steering. The BMW X3 is definitely more sporty feeling, but not as comfortable. Engine/transmission are slightly louder than the comparable X3 28i.
Loud, noisy, and comfortable mean different things to different people. If you don't drive multiple vehicles in the same period you'll have no frame of reference either. This is just my opinion though, I don't want to argue with anyone too much.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 247
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From: USA
2016 GLC and 2017 BMW 530xi M-Sport
Funny, as I thought the GLC drove just as well the X3 and was also quieter. I have driven the X3 many more times than the GLC, as I own a BMW 328 M Sport and favor BMW's, while my wife favors Mercedes. I like both SUV's, but right now the GLC is better in more areas, which it should be, since it is the newer model. I expect the next redesigned X3 to bring the BMW back though.
Since we ordered the Air Suspension, I think the drive will be even better, especially in Sport mode. The seats are also way better in the GLC, than the X3. Hopefully, when BMW redesigns the X3, they have the option to put comfort seats.
Since we ordered the Air Suspension, I think the drive will be even better, especially in Sport mode. The seats are also way better in the GLC, than the X3. Hopefully, when BMW redesigns the X3, they have the option to put comfort seats.
I'm sorry, but I'm not buying anything you said...
For reference: The GLC I drove had 18" wheels and standard suspension. Very noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, 65-85mph. Also, the ride was MUCH softer and floatly compared to our 2012 GLK350 with 20" wheels. There's no doubt they tuned the suspension for comfort (and succeeded). Disconnected feeling between the wheels and steering. The BMW X3 is definitely more sporty feeling, but not as comfortable. Engine/transmission are slightly louder than the comparable X3 28i.
Loud, noisy, and comfortable mean different things to different people. If you don't drive multiple vehicles in the same period you'll have no frame of reference either. This is just my opinion though, I don't want to argue with anyone too much.
For reference: The GLC I drove had 18" wheels and standard suspension. Very noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, 65-85mph. Also, the ride was MUCH softer and floatly compared to our 2012 GLK350 with 20" wheels. There's no doubt they tuned the suspension for comfort (and succeeded). Disconnected feeling between the wheels and steering. The BMW X3 is definitely more sporty feeling, but not as comfortable. Engine/transmission are slightly louder than the comparable X3 28i.
Loud, noisy, and comfortable mean different things to different people. If you don't drive multiple vehicles in the same period you'll have no frame of reference either. This is just my opinion though, I don't want to argue with anyone too much.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
2016 Mercedes GLC350 4Matic
Funny, as I thought the GLC drove just as well the X3 and was also quieter. I have driven the X3 many more times than the GLC, as I own a BMW 328 M Sport and favor BMW's, while my wife favors Mercedes. I like both SUV's, but right now the GLC is better in more areas, which it should be, since it is the newer model. I expect the next redesigned X3 to bring the BMW back though.
Since we ordered the Air Suspension, I think the drive will be even better, especially in Sport mode. The seats are also way better in the GLC, than the X3. Hopefully, when BMW redesigns the X3, they have the option to put comfort seats.
Since we ordered the Air Suspension, I think the drive will be even better, especially in Sport mode. The seats are also way better in the GLC, than the X3. Hopefully, when BMW redesigns the X3, they have the option to put comfort seats.
Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 82
Likes: 5
From: Columbus, OH
GLK350, M3 ZCP
Funny, as I thought the GLC drove just as well the X3 and was also quieter. I have driven the X3 many more times than the GLC, as I own a BMW 328 M Sport and favor BMW's, while my wife favors Mercedes. I like both SUV's, but right now the GLC is better in more areas, which it should be, since it is the newer model. I expect the next redesigned X3 to bring the BMW back though.
Since we ordered the Air Suspension, I think the drive will be even better, especially in Sport mode. The seats are also way better in the GLC, than the X3. Hopefully, when BMW redesigns the X3, they have the option to put comfort seats.
Since we ordered the Air Suspension, I think the drive will be even better, especially in Sport mode. The seats are also way better in the GLC, than the X3. Hopefully, when BMW redesigns the X3, they have the option to put comfort seats.
I put 1800 miles on a rental X3 last year in California, but admittedly I haven't driven one since. From what I can remember it road stiffer, handled better, but had slightly more road noise than the GLC. Unfortunately, BMW is no longer ahead of the game and they can't compete with the perceived quality of MB interiors now. Hopefully MY17/18 will be nicer though. Audi's Q5 is still nice looking IMO, but they need to get the new generation out as soon as possible.
Air suspension should improve the comfort and sportiness, please give us a thorough review when it arrives.
Last edited by OhioRiderAaron; Dec 12, 2015 at 12:20 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 62
Likes: 7
e350
I guess I'm in the minority here then, oh well. Maybe the noise was overly-amplified due to the rain during our test drive? We may drive another GLC this weekend with the Sport Package/20" wheels so maybe my opinion will change.
I put 1800 miles on a rental X3 last year in California, but admittedly I haven't driven one since. From what I can remember it road stiffer, handled better, but had slightly more road noise than the GLC. Unfortunately, BMW is no longer ahead of the game and they can't compete with the perceived quality of MB interiors now. Hopefully MY17/18 will be nicer though. Audi's Q5 is still nice looking IMO, but they need to get the new generation out as soon as possible.
Air suspension should improve the comfort and sportiness, please give us a thorough review when it arrives.
I put 1800 miles on a rental X3 last year in California, but admittedly I haven't driven one since. From what I can remember it road stiffer, handled better, but had slightly more road noise than the GLC. Unfortunately, BMW is no longer ahead of the game and they can't compete with the perceived quality of MB interiors now. Hopefully MY17/18 will be nicer though. Audi's Q5 is still nice looking IMO, but they need to get the new generation out as soon as possible.
Air suspension should improve the comfort and sportiness, please give us a thorough review when it arrives.
I have the air suspension, and in sport (and especially in s+) it corners and switches lanes at high speed like it's on rails. You can also bang it into a 90 degree turn at 30 mph and it just goes with no roll, no dive, no squat. For an SUV (and especially coming from an e350 Sport - which btw is a misnomer in the e-class) it's very impressive. More like a hatchback. I did not expect it to be fun to drive as it actually is. When you put it in sport.. you can see/feel the car lower and hunker down (i think it drops .8inch or 20mm)
In 'comfort' mode, its still tight.. bit a little less immediate in its response and will roll/lean into a turn and squat and dive (a bit) under heavy acceleration and braking. feels more like a suv with that higher center or gravity. If this was the only set up, you'd never know the difference and still think it was very sweet ride and well controlled and probably would not even notice. Until you drive it in 'S'.
S+ and manual mode is way fun.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 247
Likes: 13
From: USA
2016 GLC and 2017 BMW 530xi M-Sport
Thanks for the review on the air suspension and make me excited to try it out once our GLC comes in! 
I posted this elsewhere...
I have the air suspension, and in sport (and especially in s+) it corners and switches lanes at high speed like it's on rails. You can also bang it into a 90 degree turn at 30 mph and it just goes with no roll, no dive, no squat. For an SUV (and especially coming from an e350 Sport - which btw is a misnomer in the e-class) it's very impressive. More like a hatchback. I did not expect it to be fun to drive as it actually is. When you put it in sport.. you can see/feel the car lower and hunker down (i think it drops .8inch or 20mm)
In 'comfort' mode, its still tight.. bit a little less immediate in its response and will roll/lean into a turn and squat and dive (a bit) under heavy acceleration and braking. feels more like a suv with that higher center or gravity. If this was the only set up, you'd never know the difference and still think it was very sweet ride and well controlled and probably would not even notice. Until you drive it in 'S'.
S+ and manual mode is way fun.
I have the air suspension, and in sport (and especially in s+) it corners and switches lanes at high speed like it's on rails. You can also bang it into a 90 degree turn at 30 mph and it just goes with no roll, no dive, no squat. For an SUV (and especially coming from an e350 Sport - which btw is a misnomer in the e-class) it's very impressive. More like a hatchback. I did not expect it to be fun to drive as it actually is. When you put it in sport.. you can see/feel the car lower and hunker down (i think it drops .8inch or 20mm)
In 'comfort' mode, its still tight.. bit a little less immediate in its response and will roll/lean into a turn and squat and dive (a bit) under heavy acceleration and braking. feels more like a suv with that higher center or gravity. If this was the only set up, you'd never know the difference and still think it was very sweet ride and well controlled and probably would not even notice. Until you drive it in 'S'.
S+ and manual mode is way fun.
Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 3
From: New York, New York
GLC300 4Matic
I cross shopped between the X3, Q5 and Lexus NX and here are my thoughts on noise.
Low speeds (by noise level), ambient traffic noise:
X3>Q5>NX>GLC
High speeds (by noise level), around 80mph with cruise control:
X3>Q5>GLC>NX
I am not sure how, but the Lexus is very quiet at speed. but the GLC has the better looking interior. and thats what i will be looking at everyday.
Low speeds (by noise level), ambient traffic noise:
X3>Q5>NX>GLC
High speeds (by noise level), around 80mph with cruise control:
X3>Q5>GLC>NX
I am not sure how, but the Lexus is very quiet at speed. but the GLC has the better looking interior. and thats what i will be looking at everyday.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
GLC 250D AMG
My GLC has terrible wind noise above 50mph and it can be heard at speeds as low as 35mph if there is anything but the slightest cross wind. It seems exactly like the problem being described by the C Class owners (buffeting at top end of front side windows) and it's driving me crazy.
My dealer is looking into getting the acoustic glass pack fitted under warranty but I have had no confirmation that MB will allow this as it is not supposed to be available on UK spec cars.
MB they claim that they have had no other reports of this issue from any other GLC owners and I am afraid that they are going to deny the problem exists as they did with the C Class.
I will keep you posted with the outcome.
My dealer is looking into getting the acoustic glass pack fitted under warranty but I have had no confirmation that MB will allow this as it is not supposed to be available on UK spec cars.
MB they claim that they have had no other reports of this issue from any other GLC owners and I am afraid that they are going to deny the problem exists as they did with the C Class.
I will keep you posted with the outcome.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 251
Likes: 36
From: Melbourne, Australia
GLE 350D GLC 250D, Previous vehicles W204, W164, W163, W210 & W202
My GLC has terrible wind noise above 50mph and it can be heard at speeds as low as 35mph if there is anything but the slightest cross wind. It seems exactly like the problem being described by the C Class owners (buffeting at top end of front side windows) and it's driving me crazy.
My dealer is looking into getting the acoustic glass pack fitted under warranty but I have had no confirmation that MB will allow this as it is not supposed to be available on UK spec cars.
MB they claim that they have had no other reports of this issue from any other GLC owners and I am afraid that they are going to deny the problem exists as they did with the C Class.
I will keep you posted with the outcome.
My dealer is looking into getting the acoustic glass pack fitted under warranty but I have had no confirmation that MB will allow this as it is not supposed to be available on UK spec cars.
MB they claim that they have had no other reports of this issue from any other GLC owners and I am afraid that they are going to deny the problem exists as they did with the C Class.
I will keep you posted with the outcome.
Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 82
Likes: 5
From: Columbus, OH
GLK350, M3 ZCP
JEVA, I don't think there's any major design differences between EU-spec and NA-spec GLC's, aside from maybe insulated front window glass.
It's a shame that people are having these complaints on an otherwise great vehicle. Hopefully they get it figured out in the minor-model change though.
It's a shame that people are having these complaints on an otherwise great vehicle. Hopefully they get it figured out in the minor-model change though.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 247
Likes: 13
From: USA
2016 GLC and 2017 BMW 530xi M-Sport
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
W140, W124, W169
I am very interested in the new GLC but have not yet ridden in one. A week or two ago, in one of these forum threads, one of the members after a test drive, posted a comment that he thought the GLC was quite noisy (engine noise, road noise, etc.)
Now that quite a few GLC's are on the road, any comments from a new owner about noise (or lack thereof)? What are your impressions?
Thanks
Al
Now that quite a few GLC's are on the road, any comments from a new owner about noise (or lack thereof)? What are your impressions?
Thanks
Al
