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Let me explain my situation: I'm a relatively happy owner of E200 S212 here in The Netherlands. My car is already 10 years old, technical issues are popping up more often, so I'm looking for a new car, I plan to buy it in 8-10 months from now. One of the candidates is X254, so that's why I want to ask a few questions at the end of my story.
Due to the relatively questionable reliability of MB E-class (German ADAC etc. statistics and also my experience) I do not want to buy E-class again. After reading a lot of reviews and visiting many dealerships finally my shortlist looks very short: BMW 530e of 2022-2023 or GLC 300e X254:
- 530e is a great car: full of high-tech options, comfortable, drives well and looks great. I got it for 1.5 days test drive and I really love it after the 1st hour. It is newer and better than my aging E200, but... finally the difference is not too big. My Benz is a good car too - when it runs with no issues. So I asked myself - maybe I want to try something different and...
- I got BMW X3e for 2 days test drive. Unfortunately I excluded it from the list: I love its inner space, high seating position and easiness to enter and leave the car, but short e-range, more "wooden" suspension and less predictable behavior while fast cornering (guilty! ) were the reasons to remove it from the list. But I still want to have something driving more like my E200, but staying higher on a road, so I came to the idea about
- X254 GLC 300e. I read tons of very favorable reviews about this car and spent an hour at MB dealership making myself familiar with its internal space, entering/leaving the car, internal design etc. Unfortunately there was no possibility to get it for a test drive then and after this I left for a long business trip, so my next opportunity to drive this car is in about a month from now.
That's why I'd like to ask you a few questions about 300e, if possible in comparison with E-class and other SUVs. I hope to buy a version with air suspension (preferably), adaptive cruise control and other technical gimmicks .
- How does it handle cornering with acceleration? More E-class like or less stable as typically SUVs do? Also roundabouts etc.?
- How does its suspension handle speed bumps and other road imperfections? More "wooden" SUV-style or closer to MB E-class "flying carpet"?
- What do you think about GLC 300e reliability? ADAC's rating is quite good, but I found many messages about bugs and other issues in this topic...
And also:
- What do you think about the capacitive controls for everything in this car (steering wheel, main screen) - it is manageable?
- Does the thick central console make a problem during several hours long journeys? I found that my legs are closer together in GLC than in E200 or 530.
I think the lack of response may be due to the unavailability of the GLC 300e model in the States (I was hoping a European owner would chime in). If you're not scared off by the 48V issues being reported in this forum, I posted the following in a separate thread (non-"e" version):
Originally Posted by EWL5
So I was recently put in a basic '23 GLC loaner and offer the following thoughts. Let me set the table:
Was looking for a '22 GLC at this time last year but couldn't find one on the lot that had the "kick to open trunk" feature and many packages were "Lite" (de-contented).
Considered waiting for the '23 redesign but heard it wasn't coming until April
Purchased a '23 X3 xDrive30i and have had it for about a year.
Now that I've had a chance to check out the redesigned '23 GLC for a couple hours, here are my thoughts:
1) Large iPad-like interface is very distracting. Was using Spotify and nearly got into an accident trying to reach over to a "button" in the upper right corner. The center console is spacious for phones, cups, etc. The wireless charging pad appears to be deep within the space, which is hard to get stuff in/out.
2) Due to the width of the center console (nearly same width as the screen), driver space is tighter than even the '22 GLC loaner I've driven in the past. My X3 is the roomiest of the lot apparently. I flew business class on Virgin Atlantic once and they were lined up diagonally to maximize the number of business class seats (my co-worker called them "horse stalls"). While I wouldn't call the driver position a "horse stall", I can't imagine a taller, chubbier person being happy (I'm 5'10" and 200 lb).
3) Engine is not as responsive as my X3 but passed cars reasonably well at speed. I wouldn't discount the car because of the engine!
4) It took me a while but I finally found the handle to let you close the door after entering the driver's seat. It’s a thicker, silver bar where the window buttons and side mirror adjustments are located (not intuitive but owners should get used to this over time). I think the NX is like this too!
5) Wireless CP appeared to work reasonably well.
6) With hands on steering wheel, the lower portion of my left thumb hit the "Cancel" button by accident. I can see this being a pain if I use Cruise Control often.
7) Volume adjustment using the capacitive interface (right hand on steering wheel) works but lags in response. It makes finding the proper volume level more difficult than it needs to be!
8) Opened the trunk lid and was surprised by how high up it got! I had to stand on my tippy toes to push the "close" button! The X3 doesn't go up that high and I can easily fit underneath (maybe a plus for tall folks?). "Kick to open" was working on this car.
9) The texture and feel of the MB-TEX is identical to what I have on the GLS. What's different is the GLS seat has more bolstering and support and probably better suited for long trips compared to the GLC. If my X3 seat is a 6/10, the GLC is no better than 7/10.
10) Similar to my X3, the latest GLC doesn't have acoustic glass standard and I was able to hear a lot of noise from outside. Mercedes are no longer the sanctuaries they once were!
11) I enabled the Easy Entry/Exit feature of the car and, upon putting the car in Park and opening the door, the driver's chair moved up instead of back like in prior generations! If the purpose of this is to make it easier for rear passengers to exit, wouldn't the best choice be to not have the option at all since everyone already had their settings to taste before departing? I can see this getting real old fast, especially if the car is normally driven w/o rear passengers (a daily driver for example!
I'm glad I didn't wait for the '23 GLC as the iPad interface would have driven me crazy and the cabin is much tighter than the X3.
Are my observations consistent w/what owners are saying?
I think the lack of response may be due to the unavailability of the GLC 300e model in the States (I was hoping a European owner would chime in). If you're not scared off by the 48V issues being reported in this forum, I posted the following in a separate thread (non-"e" version):
Many thanks for the reply and sharing your observations, it confirmed part of my fears . Indeed, the most of my questions may be answered with knowledge about non-e version too!
Could you, if possible, share your opinion about stability and suspension of GLC 300? - How does it handle cornering with acceleration? Like 5-series or E-class or less stable as typically SUVs (e.g., X3) do? Also roundabouts etc.? - How does its suspension handle speed bumps and other road imperfections? More "wooden" SUV-style or closer to MB E-class "flying carpet"?
Last edited by PeterNik; Oct 23, 2023 at 02:13 PM.
Many thanks for the reply and sharing your observations, it confirmed part of my fears . Indeed, the most of my questions may be answered with knowledge about non-e version too!
Could you, if possible, share your opinion about stability and suspension of GLC 300? - How does it handle cornering with acceleration? Like 5-series or E-class or less stable as typically SUVs (e.g., X3) do? Also roundabouts etc.? - How does its suspension handle speed bumps and other road imperfections? More "wooden" SUV-style or closer to MB E-class "flying carpet"?
As I only had my loaner for a couple hours, I think these questions are better answered by actual owners (I didn't do any spirited driving and had to return the car w/the same amount of gas I drove off with! LOL).
I think the GLC I drove was comparable to my X3 in that I wouldn't go crazy fast in a very tight on/off ramp. The only tech that let me do that was the SHAWD system on my former TLX.
I've got a 2014 W212 and a 2020 GLS450. I've had the 212 for 6+ years as a CPO with 20k on the clock in 2017, approaching 80k now. Not bullet proof, but by far a more "Mercedes Benz" vehicle than these new ones, in both build quality (bolted together, not clipped together) and ride. You know the ride of the 212 already.
I had a x254 as a loaner for a couple of weeks recently. It melted down in a parking lot outside of Dunkin' Donuts two weeks ago. Think of it as the old Microsoft blue screen of death after you just wrote a 10 page paper and went to save it. First time in my entire life (50) that I was ever stranded.. I simply do not trust MB anymore. Take your chances, but be warned, there are versions of these X254's roaming around out there that are full of electrical issues now that shut down the car. Impossible to know which ones, or when it'll happen, which is why I wouldn't consider one now. I was in your boat too as my day of parting with my own 212 is on the horizon and really considered the GLC as the prime candidate to replace it with. Always like them and wouldn't mind a higher seating position. I like the previous gen a bit better for seating comfort.
That all being said, the two weeks I did have the X254, my wife and I would rate it a 7/10. The iPad screen takes some getting used to, and definitely something to get used to at night. Controlling the volume is a pain with the new setup, and there was an annoying volume control issue when you would slow down and speed up that we could not figure out how to turn off. We felt it was cramped, the seat is more narrow than the previous gen (and certainly to the 212). The transmission was ok, a bit clunky at slow speeds, but we're used to that with the GLS already as well. It did ride quiet and serene at highway speed, was easy to control and very predictable. Not a hotrod though and certainly not an off-ramp demon by any means.
My opinion - I would give the BMW a strong consideration. I think it'll drive better, and put together better.
As I only had my loaner for a couple hours, I think these questions are better answered by actual owners (I didn't do any spirited driving and had to return the car w/the same amount of gas I drove off with! LOL).
I think the GLC I drove was comparable to my X3 in that I wouldn't go crazy fast in a very tight on/off ramp. The only tech that let me do that was the SHAWD system on my former TLX.
Well, my opinion about X3 is also based on about 3-4 hours of driving it, so we should be on the same page . Thanks for sharing!
I haven't done anything extreme during that test drive, but still X3's behavior during fast cornering was way less smooth and predictable than I experienced during 530e test drive and than I got used to have with my S212. And I was missing the "flying carpet" feeling of the Airmatic suspension too...
Originally Posted by nc211
... My opinion - I would give the BMW a strong consideration. I think it'll drive better, and put together better.
Thank you for the advice and for sharing your GLC story. I believe that you are completely right!
Some strange (IMHO) design decisions like full capacitive controls and too wide central console may be tolerated, but all these terrifying stories about unreliable SW and even HW, shockingly bad support from MB dealers and overall trend from so-so to the poor quality of MB cars make me thinking that my next car will be BMW.
PS. By the way, it is quite unusual to get the advice to consider buying BMW car at MB forum! But this is great, this means that the forum is for car drivers and not for MB/BMW/etc. fanboys
Well, my opinion about X3 is also based on about 3-4 hours of driving it, so we should be on the same page . Thanks for sharing!
I haven't done anything extreme during that test drive, but still X3's behavior during fast cornering was way less smooth and predictable than I experienced during 530e test drive and than I got used to have with my S212. And I was missing the "flying carpet" feeling of the Airmatic suspension too...
Thank you for the advice and for sharing your GLC story. I believe that you are completely right!
Some strange (IMHO) design decisions like full capacitive controls and too wide central console may be tolerated, but all these terrifying stories about unreliable SW and even HW, shockingly bad support from MB dealers and overall trend from so-so to the poor quality of MB cars make me thinking that my next car will be BMW.
PS. By the way, it is quite unusual to get the advice to consider buying BMW car at MB forum! But this is great, this means that the forum is for car drivers and not for MB/BMW/etc. fanboys
At least from me, you will get the straight truth. I own a '23 X3 from the #1 Consumer Report rated company (BMW) and a '23 GLS450 from #26 (Mercedes). Take that as information...
MB has some work to do to perfect these 48v mild hybrid setups. There is a notable string of issues and glitches with them, and it’s a total roll of the dice per car if one will have the issue and the next won’t. Our 2020 GLS (knock on wood) has been fine for its nearly 70k miles life, yet there are 2023’s that have crapped out within weeks of delivery because of it. Clearly MB does not know why, after 3 years of making them for the GLS. That’s what took out my loaner GLC a couple of weeks ago. It just went haywire. I’ve enjoyed the brand for years, and would give MB a pass if they actually knew how to fix this issue, as nothing is perfect. But….
At least from me, you will get the straight truth.
I have no doubts in this
Originally Posted by nc211
MB has some work to do to perfect these 48v mild hybrid setups. There is a notable string of issues and glitches with them, and it’s a total roll of the dice per car if one will have the issue and the next won’t. Our 2020 GLS (knock on wood) has been fine for its nearly 70k miles life, yet there are 2023’s that have crapped out within weeks of delivery because of it. Clearly MB does not know why, after 3 years of making them for the GLS. That’s what took out my loaner GLC a couple of weeks ago. It just went haywire. I’ve enjoyed the brand for years, and would give MB a pass if they actually knew how to fix this issue, as nothing is perfect. But….
Unfortunately I cannot say that my S212 was problem-free during almost 10 years of use. It is a very comfortable car, great for driving from NL to CZ, HU, FR etc. on holidays, but I have a feeling that I had too many unexpected visits to MB service with a couple of recalls, replacement of squeaking timing belt, fixing jerky gearbox, NOx and side radar sensors replacement, gas pedal mechanism repair... maybe I forgot something .
But this seems to be not too many issues comparing to some new GLC cars!
So... what did you end up getting OP? Did you consider other cars as well?
Thank you for asking!
I visited Audi, Lexus, MB, BMW, VW dealers and tested several cars (still except GLC ).
As the result, so far I plan to buy a car like this at the link and on the photos below BMW 530e station wagon
Now I'm waiting for my annual bonus in March 2024 to start searching for the occasions ;-)
Thank you for asking!
I visited Audi, Lexus, MB, BMW, VW dealers and tested several cars (still except GLC ).
As the result, so far I plan to buy a car like this at the link and on the photos below BMW 530e station wagon
Now I'm waiting for my annual bonus in March 2024 to start searching for the occasions ;-)
Haha : ) I understand why you say that, I mean the same class but obviously there are fundamental differences, totally understand why you said that.
Actually, that is not a bad choice, forum members here from what I read have been recommending BMW when they decided that they don't have to get another MB. I also heard the reliability from actual owners commenting here of recent BMWs to be way better than before so that is a plus.
You might not regret getting it as the outgoing 5 series is really not bad, the problems and issues would had been resolved too as it reached the end of that generation, there were plenty model years to fine tune things.
There are so much new tech in the new generation but first model year is a risk alone as there may be problems, plus you might not had needed all that technology and you don't know if that technology works consistently (re: first model year). Last but not least, you also get a nice discount getting the older generation over the new one. The new one MSRP also went up too.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
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) were the reasons to remove it from the list. But I still want to have something driving more like my E200, but staying higher on a road, so I came to the idea about
. Indeed, the most of my questions may be answered with knowledge about non-e version too!
).
