2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was a blend of the new and the old. The GLC 300 received a redesign, while the Coupe models were carryovers from the previous year, with new Coupes expected for the 2024 model year. Despite the standard GLC 300 being an all-new car, the differences were subtle, with the most noticeable change being the narrower taillights. This design continuity wasn't necessarily negative, as the first-generation GLC had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The GLC maintained its classy and substantive styling, which had stood the test of time, though a bit more personality in the new model would have been welcome.

Inside, the GLC saw a more significant makeover, aligning with newer Mercedes models. A large vertical infotainment touchscreen dominated the center of the dashboard, complemented by a tablet-like instrument panel in front of the driver. The interior was modern and high-tech, with excellent materials quality and solid construction. Compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX, the GLC's cockpit design was simpler and cleaner. The returning GLC Coupe models retained their older interiors, which had aged well and offered some usability advantages over the newer sibling. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury while competitors leaned more into sport and technology.

The 2024 GLE-Class received an exterior makeover, though the changes were subtle. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor updates. LED headlights were standard, with multi-beam LED headlights as an option. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and riding on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. These wheels, though slightly pricey at $1,100, filled out the GLE's wheel wells nicely. Mercedes offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors available.

The interior of the GLE 450e tester exuded class and luxury, featuring Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim. These additions, costing $1,620 and $160 respectively, were considered money well spent. Mercedes offered ten interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum, black piano lacquer, gray oak, and brown linden wood. The GLE's cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment, competing favorably with rivals.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was limited to the GLC 300 trim level in its first year. It was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive were standard, with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive available. Acceleration was smooth and linear, with Mercedes estimating a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. While not as lively as the BMW X3's four-cylinder powertrain, the GLC 300 provided ample power for highway merging and passing.

The brake pedal effort was a bit soft, but the brakes were effective and easy to modulate. The suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, yet the GLC cornered confidently. Future AMG models were expected to satisfy those seeking sportier handling. The GLC 300 delivered a smoother ride than its rivals, with a nearly silent cabin. The returning GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. Its sport-tuned suspension and exhaust made it the sporty choice in the lineup.

The 2024 GLE-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, produced a combined 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The transition from gas to electric power was almost undetectable, and the transmission was seamless.

The GLE 450e's electric mode operated at speeds up to 87 mph, with an estimated EV range of 40 miles. The regenerative brakes occasionally felt numb, but overall performance exceeded expectations. The GLE 450e's cabin was incredibly quiet, and the suspension absorbed bumps and ruts with ease. Despite its size, the GLE felt maneuverable and easy to place on the road. The AMG models offered quicker reflexes and more heft at the helm, but the GLE 450e's driving manners gave it an edge over many competitors.

The GLC's front seats offered ample adjustment and were well-shaped for long-distance comfort. Mercedes' synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for smoother surfaces. The GLC provided plenty of storage options, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The front seats offered plenty of space for taller passengers, while the rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably. Headroom was slightly limited for taller occupants, but legroom was abundant. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than rivals but adequate for most shoppers. The rear seats folded flat for larger items, and a panoramic sunroof was optional. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2024 GLE-Class provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e's light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel, with excellent outward visibility. The GLE offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but smaller than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, MX-Tex faux leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive trim added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, online music streaming, and augmented reality navigation. The Pinnacle trim included massaging front seats, rapid heating front seats, a head-up display, heated and cooled front cupholders, LED intelligent lighting, star pattern logo projectors, and Mercedes' Air Balance cabin-air fragrance and purification system. Additional options included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and heated rear seats.

The GLC's new interior layout featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The previous generation's smaller screen was mounted higher and had a trackpad on the center console for easier control. The new GLC retained a tiny capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, which was frustrating due to its sensitivity. The MBUX infotainment system had excellent voice recognition but interrupted music or podcasts. The new system performed better but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. The system was feature-rich, with a learning curve to understand its various menus and capabilities. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel could inadvertently increase the music volume. Overall, the GLE's infotainment system was easy to operate but required some acclimation.

Crash-test results for the new 2023 GLC 300 were not yet available, but the previous GLC received top scores from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. Other options included a surround-view camera system and upgraded headlights. The Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and the surround-view camera, with an identical Driver Assistance package to the new GLC.

The 2024 GLE-Class came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package, costing $1,950, added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.