GLC Class (X253) Produced 2016-2022

Legroom: new GLC43 coupe vs 1st Gen GLK

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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 02:47 AM
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Legroom: new GLC43 coupe vs 1st Gen GLK

A little help please...I currently own a first year model (2010) GLK350 and after 135k+ miles the time has come to upgrade. My boys have grown to over 6 feet tall and due to personal sports/knee injuries, I drive with my driver seat in the lowest/furthest back position in order to keep my knee as straight as possible. It's impossible for anyone to sit behind me in the GLK without losing circulation to the legs, we basically use it as a 3 passenger vehicle.

I have been focused on the GLE43 coupe but just discovered the lease numbers are outside my comfort zone. I have not sat inside the GLC43 coupe yet. I test drove the new E300 and a 2014 CLS550 but ruled them out due to the lack of legroom.

For those that own a GLC coupe and have experience with the GLK, how would you compare the legroom?

GLC43


GLK350
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 10:42 AM
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I cannot answer the specific question you ask....
But I can tell you that at 6'5" and liking a 'straight knee' position myself I have noticed that I can get comfortable without having the seat fully rearward.
My children (adults) are also tall and I usually let my seat slightly forward to give them more comfort on the odd occasion that they are in the back.

I do not have a coupe version but would suggest that you also consider headroom before investing.
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 07:47 PM
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I sat in the GLC 43 and was surprised by the leg and knee room compared to my 2011 GLK. I have my seat all the way back but in the GLC it was not necessary for my 6'2" height leaving loads more leg room in the rear which I sat in to check the longer wheelbase on the GLC compared to the GLK. I placed an order for the GLC 300 1 week later based on increased comfort.
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 10:58 PM
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You test drove a E300 - not enough for you -

I suggest you can test drive the GLC - Coupe + Sedan - there is nothing "unique" about 43 rear legroom as compared to GLC300
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Old Jun 14, 2017 | 12:44 AM
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The coupe has less headroom and less cargo space than the SUV. Also it's ugly. Take a look at the SUV before you plunk down for the hunchback.
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Old Jun 14, 2017 | 01:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr. J
The coupe has less headroom and less cargo space than the SUV. Also it's ugly. Take a look at the SUV before you plunk down for the hunchback.
Cargo space is not a factor but headroom might be. I personally love the look of the GLE coupe over the regular SUV but have not seen a GLC coupe in person yet.
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Old Jun 14, 2017 | 01:48 AM
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Originally Posted by cfugle
I sat in the GLC 43 and was surprised by the leg and knee room compared to my 2011 GLK. I have my seat all the way back but in the GLC it was not necessary for my 6'2" height leaving loads more leg room in the rear which I sat in to check the longer wheelbase on the GLC compared to the GLK. I placed an order for the GLC 300 1 week later based on increased comfort.
That's interesting and slightly odd. I stopped by the dealer today and unfortunately they did not have a GLC coupe but they had a GLC43 suv on the showroom so I spent some seat time in the front and rear with different seat settings. I did not notice much of a difference, if any, between the GLC and GLK. I sat in the GLE coupe again and even that is lacking in legroom in the rear when I'm sitting in the front. I'm waiting for the sales manager to work on getting the lease payments to a number I am willing to accept and if not, then my search is narrowed down to a 2012-13 S550.
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Old Jun 14, 2017 | 07:35 PM
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GLK definitely has terrible rear legroom. GLC is a big improvement. Realistically an ML or GLE would be best.
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Old Jun 14, 2017 | 10:27 PM
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I am 6' 3" The GLC is great for headroom and legroom. I have had a GLK as a loaner in the past. Poor rear legroom. My w204 c class has poor rear leg room.
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Old Jun 15, 2017 | 01:50 AM
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Originally Posted by TonyA
Cargo space is not a factor but headroom might be. I personally love the look of the GLE coupe over the regular SUV but have not seen a GLC coupe in person yet.
Different strokes for different folks I guess. Personally, I think the GLE coupe is the more hideous of the two. It looks like a lumpy fat chick wearing spandex.
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Old Jun 15, 2017 | 03:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr. J
Different strokes for different folks I guess. Personally, I think the GLE coupe is the more hideous of the two. It looks like a lumpy fat chick wearing spandex.
Some guys are into that sort of thing


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Old Jun 15, 2017 | 09:50 AM
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Old Jun 15, 2017 | 05:31 PM
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Old Jun 15, 2017 | 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by larrypmyers
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I would have to agree with you.
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Old Jul 9, 2019 | 08:32 PM
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About 6 months after I started this thread, I ended up leasing a GLC43 coupe. I'm very happy with my decision however the rear legroom is non existent just like the GLK. From the driver's seat perspective with the seat all the down/back, the GLK had an inch or two more legroom.

A couple months ago, I picked up an older R350 as I needed a vehicle that can occasionally transport 3+ adults comfortably. Rear legroom is very good but from the driver's point of view, I could use another 1.5-2 inches in legroom
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Old Jul 10, 2019 | 08:30 AM
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2023 GLC 300 2022 GLE 53 AMG Coupe
I'm 6-1 and have no problem with legroom in the back row of a GLC. The problem for me with the GLC Coupe was headroom in the back row, and when paired with a black headliner, it felt claustrophobic. I ended up getting an E300 instead of the GLC Coupe.
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Old Jul 10, 2019 | 11:00 AM
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GLC has short rear seat cushions. Rear legneoom is "adequete" but not generous. If space is a concern, you need to check it out in person. Definitely don't get the coupe because it is even smaller in the back so your kids can't sit straight.

The problem with GLC is the front driver/passenger has to sit further back due to lack of front leg room.
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