2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its improvements, struggled to captivate with its exterior design. It retained a somewhat rushed appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors, and lacked the striking proportions seen in competitors like BMW and Audi. The AMG trim attempted to add a sporty flair, but it fell short when compared to rivals such as the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the GLE's interior was a different story, offering a luxurious and cohesive design with high-quality materials and a bold color scheme. The redesigned interior was a masterpiece, featuring a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede, creating a sense of opulence that rivaled even the most prestigious SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a more timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges. Its exterior design was less aggressive than some of its contemporaries, yet it maintained a modern appeal with its LED headlights and dramatic stance. The GLC's cabin was an artful blend of flowing lines and a minimalist approach, setting a high standard for compact luxury SUVs. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with a focus on elegance and functionality, making it a benchmark for others in its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower, while the GLE 450 offered a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 horsepower, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 483 horsepower, and the AMG GLE 63 S topped the range with 603 horsepower. The GLE's hybrid system, integrated with a 48-volt battery, provided additional power and seamless auto stop-start functionality. Despite its size, the GLE delivered an exceptional driving experience, with precise steering and impressive towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC 63 and 63 S offered a twin-turbo V8 with 469 and 503 horsepower, respectively. The GLC balanced refinement and responsiveness, providing a confident and enjoyable ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered spacious interiors, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased seating to seven. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five seats. Cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved the overall user experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with them up. The GLC Coupe's fastback design reduced these figures to 17.6 and 49.4 cubic feet. The GLC's interior was well-utilized, with ample storage options and comfortable seating. The SUV variant offered better headroom compared to the Coupe, making it a more practical choice for most buyers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen featuring the Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics, and a customizable head-up display. The GLE's infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered a natural voice assistant. The vehicle's semi-automated functionality included lane changes and adaptive cruise control, making it a technologically advanced option.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and an intuitive interface. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and was controlled via a touch controller and steering wheel touchpads. While there was a learning curve, the system was logical and user-friendly once acclimated. The GLC's infotainment system was praised for its seamless integration and ease of use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in six crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. It offered optional features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced safety by reducing hearing damage and positioning occupants during a side impact.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also included front and rear parking sensors and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and dynamic cruise control. While the parking sensors were sensitive, they could be deactivated if desired.