GLC vs GLE: which Mercedes-Benz SUV should you buy?

Size: how much bigger the GLE really is

Comparing the GLC 300 4MATIC with the GLE 350 4MATIC, both 2027 models, as Mercedes-Benz USA lists them:

• Overall length: GLC 185.7 in, GLE 193.8 in (8.1 in longer)
• Wheelbase: GLC 113.1 in, GLE 117.9 in
• Width without mirrors: GLC 74.4 in, GLE 79.7 in (5.3 in wider)
• Height: GLC 64.6 in, GLE 70.7 in
• Curb weight: GLC 4,277 lbs, GLE 4,916 lbs

Back seat and cargo

This is where most people decide. Rear legroom is 37.4 inches in the GLC and 40.9 inches in the GLE, and rear headroom is 39.7 and 36.9 inches. In practice the GLE's back seat is the one adults stretch out in, and the GLC's is the one that works fine for kids and shorter trips.

Cargo space behind the second row is 21.9 cu ft in the GLC and 33.3 cu ft in the GLE. With the rear seats folded it is 56.3 against 74.9 cu ft.

If you ever need seven seats, only the GLE offers them: the GLE 450 4MATIC lists an optional third row. The GLC is a five-seater in every version.

Engines: same base engine, different results

The GLC 300 and the GLE 350 share the same engine: a 2.0L turbo four with mild hybrid drive, 255 hp. Because the GLC weighs about 640 lbs less, Mercedes-Benz USA lists it at 6.0 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, against 6.8 for the GLE 350.

Step up to the GLE 450 4MATIC and you get a 3.0L turbo inline-6 with mild hybrid drive, 375 hp, and a listed 5.0 seconds to 60.

The GLC has the wider range of powertrains: the gas GLC 300, the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid with 54 miles of EPA-estimated electric range, the AMG GLC 53 (443 hp), and the all-electric GLC 400 4MATIC (483 hp). The GLE's performance versions are the AMG GLE 53 HYBRID (577 hp combined) and the AMG GLE 63 S (603 hp).

Towing: the Florida boat question

Towing is listed at 3,500 lbs for the gas GLC 300 4MATIC and 7,700 lbs for the GLE 350 4MATIC and GLE 450 4MATIC. The electric GLC 400 4MATIC is listed at 5,291 lbs.

If a boat or a trailer is part of your life, that gap usually settles it. Add up the boat, motor, fuel and trailer, and compare the total against these numbers before you pick.

Fuel economy and range

The GLC 300 4MATIC is rated at 23 mpg city and 31 highway, and the GLE 450 4MATIC at 19 and 24. Mercedes-Benz USA does not list a rating for the 2027 GLE 350 4MATIC yet.

The GLE has the bigger tank, 22.5 gallons against 17.4 for the GLC. On paper a GLE 450 and a GLC 300 4MATIC cover about the same highway distance on a tank, roughly 540 miles, so on a long highway trip the two go about as far between stops. All the gas models here take premium fuel.

GLC for easy parking, GLE for people and towing

The GLC fits one or two people, or a family with young kids. It is easier to park in a tight condo garage or at Las Olas, and it is the one to look at if you want a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric SUV.

The GLE fits a family with teenagers or adults in the back, anyone towing a boat, and anyone who might need a third row. If you're choosing a GLE, drive the 450 as well as the 350. It is a full second quicker to 60 than a GLC 300, so the bigger SUV never feels like the slower one.

Bring whatever you carry most, a stroller, golf bags or a cooler, and load it into both. Tell me when you're coming and I'll have both ready to compare.

Questions people ask

Is the GLE bigger than the GLC?

Yes. The 2027 GLE is 8.1 inches longer, 5.3 inches wider and 6.1 inches taller than the GLC, with 3.5 more inches of rear legroom.

Does the GLC have a third row?

No. The GLC seats five. In this pair, only the GLE 450 4MATIC offers an optional third row.

Which tows more, the GLC or the GLE?

The GLE: 7,700 lbs, against 3,500 lbs for the gas GLC 300 4MATIC and 5,291 lbs for the electric GLC 400 4MATIC.

Models in this guide

• Mercedes-Benz GLC
• Mercedes-Benz GLE

Keep reading

• Which Mercedes-Benz SUV fits you
• See the GLC and GLE models on the lot
• Florida car sales tax, title and registration fees