2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained its familiar design, with subtle updates to maintain its appeal among loyal customers. The redesign included new taillights and repositioned door handles, while the headlights became narrower and more aggressive. The rear end saw a significant update with a trim piece connecting the taillights and a redesigned bumper. The GLC Coupe maintained its distinctive fastback roofline, giving it a sporty profile. Inside, the GLC's interior was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The cabin was filled with screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, offering a gadget-heavy experience typical of Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE had minimal aesthetic changes, with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The AMG Line package added a sporty touch to the exterior. The GLE Coupe, available only in the AMG version, offered a sleek design but with reduced interior space. Inside, the GLE's cabin was luxurious, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. The open-pore walnut trim was a standout feature, though the Bahia Brown seating gave it a retro look. The GLE's interior was not as futuristic as the EQ models but still offered a comfortable and premium experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing performance. The base GLC 300 offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 43 used the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed, providing faster shifts and better torque handling. The performance suspension offered improved handling but a firmer ride, making it less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered various powertrains, including the GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline-six, and the GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. The new 450e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter turbo engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It offered an electric range of up to 55 miles and smooth transitions between electric and gas modes. The GLE 450e's driving dynamics were less sporty, with light steering and body roll, but it provided a comfortable commute. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. It featured standard heated front seats with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe had 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space, increasing to 52.6 cubic feet with the seats down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. It featured heated and cooled cup holders, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a quiet cabin. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and offered Trailer Maneuvering Assist. It provided 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system, offering voice command functionality. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation and a Burmester sound system. The Pinnacle trim added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and MBUX infotainment system. It offered augmented reality navigation and an off-road page with detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. The GLE had multiple USB-C ports for charging.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with standard safety features like active brake assist and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard blind-spot monitoring, with the Driver Assistance Package Plus adding active safety features. It received a five-star side crash rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.