GLC63s, GLC63, GLC43 AMG SUV and Coupe (X253, C253) 2015 - Present

2020 GLC AMG 43 or 2020 GLE 400d?

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Old Mar 3, 2020 | 07:03 AM
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2020 GLC AMG 43
Question 2020 GLC AMG 43 or 2020 GLE 400d?

I know this is a bit of an odd comparison but wanted to ask nonetheless.

I currently have a Lexus RX 200t and am looking to move to a MB. Although I have been considering a number of options, I have essentially narrowed down my aperture to either the 2020 GLC AMG 43 or 2020 GLE 400d w/AMG Line. Both are not the coupe versions, although I am not necessarily against the idea.

It is just the wife and I and our two small puppers. Occasionally the mother-in-law rides with us, and even less frequent we have friends or other family as passengers. Primarily this will be a weekend car (public transportation in Tokyo is awesome) to take longer drives out into the mountains, beach, camping, hiking, etc. There will be some Tokyo city daily driving too, but that is the exception rather than the rule.

On the one hand, the GLC does feel a bit small but then again it is just the two of us and it is an AMG model. On the other hand, the GLE is a luxurious and comfortable ride, but at the expense of the extra size and heft, without the excitement of having the ballsier AMG engine.

Price points in Tokyo are roughly identical for these two models.

I have test drove both and enjoyed them for different reasons. The GLC feels like it is likely more fun to drive than its larger brother GLE. But then again, having the extra space in the GLE may come in handy one day?

Any thoughts on which of these two options are the best? Any pros and cons anyone can shine some light on that maybe I am overlooking or overthinking?
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Old Mar 3, 2020 | 06:58 PM
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I thought about a GLE 43 and a GLC43. After test driving both include a GLE43 with the active stability bars, I felt like I was driving a truck (a great one) but the handling of the GLC won me over.
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Old Mar 4, 2020 | 08:56 AM
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I owned a GLE for 3 years prior to the 43. We are a family of 3 plus 2 dogs and the 43 is totally fine carrying all and some gear. I look at it this way- If you want a sportier more engaging experience when driving the 43 is the clear choice. Given how tight roads are in Tokyo etc. it would also be easier to maneuver. If you want more space and a more cushy-luxurious-forgiving ride then the GLE is the one to go with. I switched because I missed feeling connected when driving however the GLE is still a great car if you want more room and are planning longer trips. Good luck .
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Old Mar 4, 2020 | 12:43 PM
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
I went from the GLE 63S Coupe to the GLC 63S Coupe and they are 2 completely different animals.

The GLE was the smoothest, quietest, most comfortable SUV I have ever had. For road trips, turn on the massage seats, kick back and drive like I was in my living room. It was pretty quick too.

The GLC is the only time in my life that I can imagine keeping a car for more than 1.5 years. Every single time I drive it, I have a big grin on my face. It is rough, noisy, mean beast that everyone notices and it will out gun about every car that has took a shot at it.

Attachment 439339

Attachment 439235
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Old Mar 5, 2020 | 08:53 PM
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2020 GLC43
Remember guys, GLC is based on MRA that all RWD sedans based on.

GLE and up are based on MHA which is a dedicated truck/suv platform.
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Old Mar 5, 2020 | 09:08 PM
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2020 GLC AMG 43
Originally Posted by Xtrema
Remember guys, GLC is based on MRA that all RWD sedans based on.

GLE and up are based on MHA which is a dedicated truck/suv platform.
In practical terms, what does this mean in terms of driving performance? Is it to say the GLC will have more of a sedan-based feel whereas the GLE will feel more traditional SUV-like?
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Old Mar 5, 2020 | 09:52 PM
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2020 GLC43
Originally Posted by dudeintokyo
In practical terms, what does this mean in terms of driving performance? Is it to say the GLC will have more of a sedan-based feel whereas the GLE will feel more traditional SUV-like?
Correct. End of the day GLC is just a C43 wagon with 3 more inch of ground clearance.
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Old Mar 6, 2020 | 09:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Xtrema
Correct. End of the day GLC is just a C43 wagon with 3 more inch of ground clearance.

...Until you lower it properly...lol....mine may be lower than the CWagon.

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Old Mar 6, 2020 | 11:36 AM
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2020 GLC43
Originally Posted by ParadigmDawg
...Until you lower it properly...lol....mine may be lower than the CWagon.

lol. C43 Wagon is available here in Canada. I would have got that but winter is pretty harsh here and I am sick of bottoming out in C450/43. I want the extra grand clearance.
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Old Mar 6, 2020 | 05:53 PM
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
Originally Posted by Xtrema
lol. C43 Wagon is available here in Canada. I would have got that but winter is pretty harsh here and I am sick of bottoming out in C450/43. I want the extra grand clearance.
I live in Texas and forgot what snow is.....
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Old Mar 7, 2020 | 05:52 PM
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2020 GLC AMG 43
Many thanks for the thoughts and the badass pics. After much deliberation, a ton of test driving, even more reading, and a bit of discussion w/the dealer I opted to go with the GLC AMG 43 in Mojave Silver. This way it still retains the sportiness without looking too mean, stays very subtle, and should be kinda out-of-sight out-of-mind on the road. Plus apparently Mojave’s Silver is a huge thing in Japan.

Merc Japan sells with simplicity at the expense of lack of customization. So there are very few package choices. In fact, the AMG comes with the works - what other regions would call the night package and all those other extras - so I did not need to choose any options.

Car should be in my possession in about three weeks, upon which I will post a pic in the pic thread - quite possibly the first GLC AMG 43 in Mojave Silver in that thread.
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 01:48 PM
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Blk/Blk GLC43 AMG WAGON
Nice
Take a picture of it in front of Shibuya 109 - lol
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 04:16 PM
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
Originally Posted by affalterthought
Nice
Take a picture of it in front of Shibuya 109 - lol
You know good and well that he can't do that secondary to the COVID-19!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 06:08 PM
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Fast and Furious - Tokyo Drift shows us differently. Now get to it !! lol
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