Wondering if anyone has gone from a GLC 300 to the new GLE 450 (or even 350/53) who could post a comparison between the two.

 

Drove all 3 recently.


GLC300 has pep w the base motor because it weighs much less than the GLE. Less features but a really nice drive. I liked this way better than the X3. . Smaller back seats because it’s a compact.

The visual tech on the 2020 and 2021 GLE is a game changer. You have to see it to understand. Dual 12” screens and augmented nav plus a light show like a rock concert. Styling is awesome too.

GLE350 feels sluggish getting onto freeways but otherwise sporty enough for some. Large footprint with plenty of room for every passenger.

GLE450 Is a GLE350 but much more throttle response and refined engine notes plus a different more variable AWD system. Add in the 48volt mild hybrid the start stop becomes silky smooth and the ac stays on at stoplights.

I bought the 450 and love it but see how others would choose the others. Price being a factor.



GLC300
2litre turbo 4
0-60 6.1 seconds
weight 3,977 lb

GLE350
2litre turbo 4
0-60 7.1 seconds
weight 4,718 lb

GLE450
3litre in-line 6 turbo
0-60 5.5 seconds
weight 5,013 lb

 

Thank you very much. How does the ride compare (softness) and noise (wind, tire) between the GLC 300 and GLE 450?

 

I have both. Wanted the 2021 GLE 450 for the more room but I really enjoy my 2017 GLC 4Matic also.
Love the V6 in the 450. Should of went for the V8 seems like when you taste a little power you want more😂.
Parking is not as easy in the GLE as the GLC is. Can fit in tight spaces in GLC in any parking lot but not so with the GLE. Have to be careful.
But for fun and and feels kind of a sports car I enjoy driving the GLC. It moves for a 4 cylinder. It’s also fun driving the GLC on mountain/curvy roads.
GLE has a quieter ride. Seats on GLE little bit more comfortable.
Wind noise GLC is louder. GLE is quieter the only thing I hear is a faint whistling wind noise going over 50mph coming somewhere around the drivers window side.
Both of my cars have the acoustic glass package but only the GLE has the airmatic(it’s worth it).

 

Thank you very much. I sat in a GLE today and it felt like the seat had a lump in it - in the middle toward the back... Strange. I guess I need to sit in another one.

 

probably somebody inflated the lumbar support

 

It was on the bottom cushion. Can it be adjusted like that? I'm hoping yes...

 

That I don’t know you would have to go compare another GLE

 

If it has mulitcontour seats, yes.

 

Good. I'll spend more time in the seat next time.

 

I had a 2017 GLC43, now a 2019 GLE450.
The 43 engine was brilliant but everything else in the 450 (with air suspension) is better, size of car takes a bit of getting used to but now I don't notice. The GLC didn't have the mbux system which I find absolutely brilliant.

 

I returned our 2018GLC & got a 2020GLE350. Not knowing the exact dimension, the biggest difference is GLE is much more spacious; my elbow is not hitting the passenger as I did in GLC.

Besides that, a lot more visual effect on the GLE...We love it.

 

I'd consider the GLC43 as I'm sure it would be a lot of fun - but I just can't get comfortable with the limited legroom as a result of the very wide center console...

Thank you. The interior of the GLE is a huge upgrade over the GLC...

 

Thanks for asking the question b/c as a current owner of both 2020 GLE 580 SUV and 2021 GLC 300 Coupe (my 7th & 8th MBs), I’ve been wanting to think through and share my impressions.

Beginning with obvious external differences, I love the GLE’s brawny stance which is accentuated with AMG Line, Sport Styling, and Exterior Chrome package (including diamond grill) to contrast nicely with its obsidian black. OTH, I am enamored with the GLC Coupe’s unique looks (a matter of taste I realize) whose polar white is accentuated with AMG Line and Night Packages. Both ride on 20” wheels which look especially kool staggered on the Coupe.

Interior-wise: the GLE is (obviously) more spacious and luxurious and, with massage/kinetic seats, it is a quintessential highway cruiser. This is especially appreciated on our twice annual 1600-mile roundtrips between our PA and GA homes. The Coupes’ MB-Tex is an acceptable alternative to the GLE’s leather whose ventilated seats are a plus, especially in GA sun. The GLE’s driver side control of passenger seat is nice, whereas its absence on the Coupe is hardly missed b/c I can just reach the passenger controls from driver’s chair (when idling of course). Seats in both are fully adjustable and quite comfortable. Rear seating in GLE is quite roomy, while Coupe is cramped. Rear cargo space is no contest with GLE’s sizeable rear supplemented by a feature that lowers rear deck by 1.5 inch to facilitate loading.

Driving impressions: as mentioned, the GLE is an enjoyable highway cruiser but NOT a whole lot of “fun” to drive on twisties, given its standard (non-airmatic) suspension. The Coupe is a fun car to drive, though not anyway near that of an AMG. Largely owing to the 1/2 ton weight difference, the Coupe, with only 255 HP, drives more spirited than the GLE’s 483 HP. In addition, the Coupe’s 9-speed tranny shifts much quicker, with Sport and Sport+ dynamics also snappier.

Since I’ve recently been driving a GLB loaner while GLE’s A/C is repaired, I wanted to mention that the GLB’s meager interior is quite noticeable with homely center console, especially compared to sculpted beauty of both GLE & GLC middles. Also, GLB has comparatively noticeable road noise. I am impressed with GLB’s 8-speed automatic but it’s 221 HP is less gutsy than the numerics would otherwise indicate. Also, it handles much inferior than either of my MBs, especially versus the Coupe which I would like sometime to compare to the GLC SUV, Sedan and 2-door Coupe. I’m pretty sure the 2d Coupe would win out, as would just about any AMG, but my tired old body prefers to side-step into GLC seats as opposed to dropping down into, and lifting out of, a 2d coupe.

Prior to the GLC Coupe I owned a 2018 E400 2d Coupe, so I know the drill all too well. Speaking of the E400 Coupe, my muscle memory prefers driving the GLC Coupe almost as must as I prefer GLC entry/exit.

YMMV

 

Thank you for the comparison. One of my concerns was what the ride might be like in a GLE. I find the GLC 300 (four door) to be very harsh and bumpy/hoppy when on the highway at 70mph or so and rounding a normal, typical turn on the highway. The ride is also very harsh around town. It sounds like your GLE does not have the Airmatic suspension. Since the GLE and GLC have a similar wheel base, I imagine they feel fairly similar without Airmatic. Is that the case?

 

I'd say the GLC Coupe handling is not bumpy/hoppy and from what I have read, supposedly different from the GLC SUV. I do know the GLE is superb straight line, but cornering is very SUV like.

 

If your running run flat tires ride will be harsher. On my GLC I switched to Michelin LTX Defender from the continental run flats I had when bought car new.
Now I have a smoother less harsh/bumpy ride.

 

Thank you for the replies. I am absolutely not looking for a sporty ride. I want pure luxury. I realize I’m not going to get it - but that’s what I prefer. If I want a sports car, I’ll buy a Corvette or AMG variant. I don’t need my SUV to take corners like a champ.

 

To start there is no comparison. GLC is a crossover while the GLE is a SUV. GLC is smaller and nowhere near as well built or spacious, luxurious or even comfortable. They are very tiny and basically a C Class that rides higher. Not a bad thing but it just doesn’t hold a candle to the GLE. GLE rides better and is more luxurious.

 

Thank you. I thought SUV meant body on frame. Is that what the GLE is? I thought anything built on a car platform (non-truck) would be, at least technically, a CUV. And I thought the GLE was built on the E-Class platform. I know the GLC is built on the C-Class platform.

 

The classification of an SUV as body on frame is kind of obsolete these days, as is CUV. So much has happened in the development and engineering of these things, that the definitions have become muddled.
Both GLE and GLC (and GLS) are unibody construction. And even THAT definition has changed. Early "unibodies" were simple tubs with frame horns attached, like a Ford Aerostar, a pretty feeble attempt at structure.
Now a good unibody involves finite-element-analysis, and they are significantly stronger, stiffer and more twist resistant than body on frames.
Early on, a CUV was defined as a car chassis that stood taller and probably had 4WD or AWD. Now they, too, have come to mean fully engineered for their application, and most could be called "SUV's."
Regarding which M-B SUV is built on which car platform - I don't think you can say a GLE is built on an E platform, or a GLC is built on a C platform, although certain dimensions such as the pedal box are similar.

So back to your original question. We own a '19 GLC and a '21 GLE. They are so different that I can't really make a comparison. The biggest difference is half a ton of metal and plastic, and you can certainly feel it when you drive. If you like a heavy car, the GLE is HEAVY!! The GLC drives like it weighs a lot less.
The new GLE's turning radius has gotten a lot bigger than the previous version. It's a hindrance in parking lots and off road.

 

Thank you for all the information. It sounds like me like a GLC and GLE are just as much a CUV or SUV as the other.

The GLC is very light and nimble. A quick little vehicle. I do like it quite a bit. If it were smoother driving and quiet inside, I'd probably deal with the fact that it's very low on knee-room. But the GLC is rough riding and loud. I do LOVE the turning radius. I guess that's something I'll miss in the GLE. Or I wonder if my GLC complaints will be rectified in the 2022 (new generation)... :p

 

I have both 2020 GLE350 and GLC43. Both are great at what they do. GLC feels like a car, GLE feels like an SUV.

GLE is much more spacious but I fit fine in the GLC at 6’0” tall. Both are very comfortable, but I actually prefer the seats in the GLC.

GLE350 is quick enough for me. Impressive for a 4 cyl.

Overall, I’m happier with the GLE purchase and we’ll likely keep it longer than the GLC43, which will be traded for a 2021 E63 wagon as soon as I can find a build slot.

 

GLC..just be careful before considering a GLC , there is a new C Class W206 coming out in a few months , of which the the GLC is based on, vastly different interior , more like the S class so more likely the GLC will be getting a major upgrade soon.
I have had GLE for the past several years and just upgraded to the new series V167 400D (six cylinder diesel) which is not available I believe in the USA, but a great car still the same and love the new technology of the MBUX

 

Thank you. Yes, I'm planning on waiting to see if Airmatic will be available here in the USA...