2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted appearance compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges and scalloping. This design change contributed to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29, making it a class leader according to Mercedes. The front end saw the most significant transformation, resulting in a handsome, if unoffensive, vehicle. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available, though it was not included in the test model. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system cost an additional $2,500. The test model included numerous options, such as black leather upholstery for $1,620, a cabin air purifier and fragrance system for $350, and multi-contour front seats with a massage feature for $1,100. Despite the extensive list of options, some features like heated and ventilated seats required additional costs. The total price of the test model, including a $995 Delivery & Destination fee, was $78,370.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, giving it a more aggressive look similar to the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights featured square LEDs within the same housing. While the GLC wasn't ugly, it lacked visual drama from most angles, especially the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires, vertical-bar grille, and lower stance, added some visual excitement. The GLC Coupe's fastback roof brought a touch of entertainment to the design. However, the test model's beige paint and 18-inch wheels made it blend into parking lots, despite its over $60,000 price tag.

The GLC's interior was one of its strongest points, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The all-black interior and stained gray ash wood in the test model looked rich, and the way the wood cascaded down from the three circular air vents was particularly striking. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 7- and 8.4-inch displays. The new system, MBUX, featured a touchpad on the console and more buttons on the steering wheel, making it easier to use. A 12.3-inch display could replace the analog gauges, and the overall quality of the interior was impressive.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided sufficient power at speed, but from a stop, it felt sluggish due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The start-stop system was particularly inelegant, causing frustration during testing. Despite these issues, the engine was smooth and powerful, and the 9-speed automatic transmission performed well, though not as smoothly as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's starting price was $56,200, making it competitive, but the X5's standard turbocharged inline-6 engine offered more power and better performance.

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 was reprogrammed to hold gears longer and downshift earlier, improving the driving experience compared to previous models. However, the engine still fell short in terms of sound quality, vibration, and response compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, offered a thrilling performance, while the AMG GLC 63 4Matic Coupe's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 provided even more power.

The GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll, vague steering, and sloppy suspension control. These issues affected the vehicle's directional stability, making it less enjoyable to drive. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, with an average of just under 22 mpg during testing. The AMG models had lower fuel economy ratings, with the 63-series estimated at 16/22/18.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. Depending on the options, the GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and a total of 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, though the lumbar support was difficult to adjust. The "Seat Kinetics" system subtly adjusted seating positions to prevent discomfort during long drives. The steering wheel felt great in the hands but often blocked parts of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, though there was some vibration through the brake pedal.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior combined digital and physical controls, making it a pleasant place to be. The column shifter and seat controls on the doors required some adjustment but ultimately made sense. The MBUX system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, was intuitive with practice. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting at first glance. The system included two 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display (HUD), offering options like augmented reality for navigation. The voice control system, while impressive in the A-Class, did not work as well in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system included augmented reality for navigation, using a windshield-mounted camera to overlay directional arrows and street names on a live feed of the road. The system also featured a cloud-based voice assistant, 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. While some features were limited in functionality, the overall system was impressive for the time.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Attention Assist monitored eye contact and head position to anticipate driver fatigue, while Seat Kinetics adjusted seating positions to prevent discomfort. However, the adaptive cruise control, auto braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist systems had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received the highest 5-star rating from the NHTSA. 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.