You can’t go wrong with a Mercedes Benz crossover, as they tend to do it all. They carry people in comfort, provide storage space, can have a sporty character, and, of course, satisfy their occupants with luxury and protect them with safety features. It comes as no surprise that the GLC and GLE are the brand’s best-selling models. U.S. News and World Report looked at both models in their traditional SUV body styles to try to determine which is the better choice. Naturally, this can only be answered by the individual shopper. Still, they provide a point-by-point comparison of several considerations, and Mercedes-Benz of Plano offers a summary of their findings.
Price and Size
Mercedes-Benz crossover nomenclature follows the same hierarchy as the sedans. So, the signifying letters from smallest to largest in both cases are A, C, E, and S. That puts the GLC and GLE in the middle of the hierarchy in terms of both size and price. The smaller GLC has seating for five and has a starting MSRP of $47,100*, while the GLE also seats five but can be optioned for seven and starts at $62,650*.
For that price difference, the GLE is a little over two inches wider, four inches taller, has a little over four inches longer wheelbase, and a little under nine inches more overall length. That translates to 3.5 inches more rear leg room and about two inches more shoulder room. The GLE can be fitted with a 3rd-row seat as well. In five-passenger mode, the GLE has 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 2nd row of seats compared to 19.2 for the GLC. With the 2nd-row down, the GLE offers up 74.9 cubic feet to 52.6 for the GLC. If you use your rear seats primarily for kids and just occasionally for adults, the GLC could be a great choice. But if you frequently have adults in the rear seat and occasionally a fifth passenger, the GLE may be the better size for you.
Performance and Handling
The GLC 300 and GLE 350 have the same base engine: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm. They also have the same 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. The GLC’s smaller size gives it an EPA-Estimated City/Hwy/Combined MPG of 23 / 31 / 26 compared to 20 / 27 / 23 for the GLE. US News gave the GLE the nod here primarily because the GLE model line has a GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter Inline-6 with 375 hp @ 5,800 rpm and 369 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm, which is combined with the 9-speed automatic. To its credit, the more powerful engine has only the slightest drop in mileage at 19 / 26 / 22 MPG. However, the base MSRP on the GLE 450 rises to $69,500*.
The GLE was also given the win for ride and handling, with praise for its adaptive suspension system “that balances composed cornering with the ability to polish out most imperfections in the road.”
Of course, the thrill-loving and those searching for optimal handling can look to AMG versions of both models with far more power. For everyone else, a test drive of all three models at Mercedes-Benz of Plano will inform you which model’s acceleration works for you.
Interior Quality and Features
The publication gave the models a tie on interior quality: “You will be treated to one of the best interiors in the class relative to their competitors. Build quality is outstanding and the materials used are fantastic, just as is fit and finish.”
For interior features, they gave the win to the GLC primarily because it offers wireless smartphone integration with the infotainment system, which they found to be of higher value than the greater number of USB ports provided by the GLE. The touchscreen sizes are similar, though the GLE has the edge at 12.3 inches compared to 11.9 inches for the GLC.
Safety and Reliability
These are two areas where US News chose not to give an opinion. This is primarily because neither model has been thoroughly tested by the NHTSA, and the recently redesigned GLC has no results yet from a JD Power Initial Quality study. The 2024 GLC was determined to be a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), while the GLE earned the higher Top Safety Pick + rating.
And the Winner Is…
You can’t go wrong with either model, but in the end, US News and World Report gave the win to the GLE due to its more significant space, comfort, handling, and greater acceleration with the optional engine. That is their opinion. Now it is time to make your own with a visit to Mercedes-Benz of Plano to get a closer look and test drive of both models.
*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs and terms.
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