2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, echoing the aggressive designs of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights had square LEDs within the same housing, making it hard to distinguish from previous models unless parked side by side. While the GLC wasn't unattractive, it lacked visual excitement from most angles, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires, vertical-bar grille, and lower stance, added some visual drama, and the GLC Coupe's fastback roof brought a touch of entertainment. Despite its beige paint and 18-inch wheels, the GLC's interior was a standout, featuring high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous smaller displays, and a more button-laden steering wheel, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, while not a head-turner, had a more streamlined and cohesive design compared to its predecessors. The exterior, with its aggressive nose and sloping hood, promised more than it delivered past the A-pillar. The GLE Coupe, redesigned for 2021, was more cohesive and streamlined than the first generation. The interior was a masterpiece, with high-quality materials, a well-thought-out layout, and a vibrant red and black color scheme. The twin arching grab handles on the center console, outlined with LED lighting, were a standout feature, and the overall sense of luxury was palpable. Despite some flimsy gear selector and turn signal stalks, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of pampering, making it a delight to touch and operate.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), featured major reprogramming, making the GLC 300 feel more responsive. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience. The AMG GLC 63 4Matic Coupe's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine offered 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic Coupe topped out at 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Despite the impressive performance of the AMG models, the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll, vague steering, and sloppy suspension control. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AMG models had lower ratings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle with a complex suspension and engine setup. The base GLE 350 used a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 featured AIRMATIC self-leveling air springs. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems offered advanced suspension configurations, including the ability to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe had an electric supercharger integrated with the powertrain, ensuring instant throttle response. The GLE 450 had a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG GLE 53 produced 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 580's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine delivered 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and the AMG GLE 63 S topped out at 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The GLE's hybrid setup, with a 48-volt battery, provided additional power and seamless auto stop-start functionality. Fuel economy varied, with the GLE 450 returning 21/26/23 mpg and the GLE 350 4Matic achieving 19/26/22 mpg. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with a towing capacity of up to 7700 pounds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new users. The column shifter and seat controls on the doors were unconventional but practical. The MBUX infotainment system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, became intuitive with practice. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat's recline mechanism was perplexing and uncomfortable. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered roomy two-row seating, with an optional third row for seven passengers. The second-row seats had power controls for recline, fore-aft, and headrest adjustments. The GLE Coupe, with seating for five, had limited rear space due to its sloping roofline and large rear tires. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded, while the Coupe had 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The new MBUX infotainment system, with its single touchpad and simplified interface, improved usability. Seat controls on the doors, rocker switches on the center console, and shortcuts for driving modes on the steering wheel were easy to use. The GLE's interior was overengineered, with features like heated armrests, ambient lighting, and a head-up display with multiple configurations.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system included advanced features like augmented reality for navigation, cloud-based voice assistant, and AI-based tasks. The system could track behavior, suggest destinations, and show Yelp reviews. It also offered semi-automated driving features, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and additional driving modes for rocky or snowy roads.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE's main 12-inch display was a touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures. The system included features like the Track Pace app, Seat Kinetics, and Energizing Comfort. The head-up display and instrument panel could be reconfigured in multiple layouts, and the ambient lighting had 64 colors. The navigation system used a front camera feed with overlays for directions. The GLE also featured a natural voice assistant, semi-automated driving functionality, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GLE's technology was extensive and well-executed, offering more electronic features than most customers would fully utilize.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring top ratings in all crash tests and for its standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded the GLC its highest 5-star rating in all crash tests. New for 2020 was Exit Warning Assist, which used blind-spot-monitoring radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars. Other features included Pre-Safe Sound, which played "pink noise" to protect eardrums in a crash, and Predictive Brake Priming, which moved the brake pads closer to the discs in anticipation of sudden braking.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, identical to the 2020 model, earned the best Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for top ratings in six crash tests, headlights, and standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, which inflated the side bolsters of the front seats in a side impact, were also available. The GLE's brakes could prime the calipers closer to the discs, and the stability control could compensate for crosswinds.