Car dilemma - 2023 GLC vs 2021 GLE
Discussion
Good afternoon Pistonheads!
The good news - i'm becoming a dad! The bad news - the sports car has to go.
I am completely torn between going for a 2023 GLC or a 2021 GLE, both with around 10-20k miles on the clock. My dilemma is that I love the size of the GLE, but also love the new interior of the GLC, plus it's newer!
What would you go for? And any issues with either I should be aware of?
All the best!
CH47
The good news - i'm becoming a dad! The bad news - the sports car has to go.
I am completely torn between going for a 2023 GLC or a 2021 GLE, both with around 10-20k miles on the clock. My dilemma is that I love the size of the GLE, but also love the new interior of the GLC, plus it's newer!
What would you go for? And any issues with either I should be aware of?
All the best!
CH47
Good afternoon,
Congratulations on your good news.
Sports car goes, family wagon replaces. A happy stage in life, but sports cars return later on.
I am not into SUVs, but you mentioned interior preferences.
I might not have taken into account any GL model revisions, but the two interiors might be like this.
I had a similar dilemma when choosing an E Class.
This is the difference between the latest car (right) and the immediate predecessor.
Screens are becoming ever more dominant, although it might turn out to just be a phase. The safety people (NCAP) have just said that in few years time, they will no longer give 5-star ratings to any car where important functions are controlled by screen. We therefore now know that manual controls will be returning.
I did not want to have the massive screens, that are in the latest E Class, so decided on the predecessor model, which looks as though that same interior might have been shared with the GLE. A good balance between some manual controls and less important screen controls. Check that the system is MBUX though, because that is much better than what went before. For me it is perfect, fairly sophisticated, discrete design, but the whole infotainment system works really well. Even the voice commands are easy.
I've had both albeit a 2017 GLC350d and a 2022 GLE400d. I much prefer the GLE, however the GLC was far more reliable of the 2 though in my experience.
Both had great engines for long distance I thought, but I did find the extra space/7 seats/air suspension really nice in the GLE though.
Both are nice cars, so you'll be happy either way I think.
Both had great engines for long distance I thought, but I did find the extra space/7 seats/air suspension really nice in the GLE though.
Both are nice cars, so you'll be happy either way I think.
I would go with the GLE. The GLC, although smaller, offers no advantages over the GLE, weight is similar, fuel is similar in real life. I considered and tried the GLC before buying my GLE. I have a 2.1d and am achieving around 40mpg in my driving mix. GLC was similar over the test route I used.
Tricky question but here is my opinion...
GLC is the car to go for if you like the latest thing whereas the GLE is more car for the money if you prefer the luxury of space. The GLE also has slightly higher build quality IMO.
My father has owned both a 300d and 400d GLE, both Premium+ models. The 400d engine in the GLE is far more refined than anything in the new GLC and although its older the tech in the GLE is about the same.
The fact is modern cars are less reliable than ever due to electrical issues. This goes for everything not just these two. Handing back a car due to issues is harder than ever as well, especially as Merc now sells through their agency model.
Personally... I'd go older 400d GLE prem+. Its such a nice car to drive and has all the comfort, tech and refinement you could ever want!
GLC is the car to go for if you like the latest thing whereas the GLE is more car for the money if you prefer the luxury of space. The GLE also has slightly higher build quality IMO.
My father has owned both a 300d and 400d GLE, both Premium+ models. The 400d engine in the GLE is far more refined than anything in the new GLC and although its older the tech in the GLE is about the same.
The fact is modern cars are less reliable than ever due to electrical issues. This goes for everything not just these two. Handing back a car due to issues is harder than ever as well, especially as Merc now sells through their agency model.
Personally... I'd go older 400d GLE prem+. Its such a nice car to drive and has all the comfort, tech and refinement you could ever want!
BEARDYB0Y said:
My father has owned both a 300d and 400d GLE, both Premium+ models. The 400d engine in the GLE is far more refined than anything in the new GLC and although its older the tech in the
That was exactly why we ended up in the GLE as well. The 2017 GLC350d we had was a 3.0 V6 turbo diesel, and then Merc decided to drop the 6 cylinder diesel in the UK for the GLC though. So that naturally pushed us into the 2022 GLE400d with the straight 6 twin turbo diesel engine instead. I've driven the current GLC300 and I wasn't personally fond of it's 4 cylinder 2.0 petrol engine. I've also driven the GLE300d with the 4 cylinder 2.0 diesel engine, and I didn't reckon much to that either. Both the 6 cylinder diesels we've had did around 40mpg anyway, but granted they we both used as long distance cars though. Funnily enough I actually managed 47mpg out of the GLE400d earlier today, but I was only taking it steady though. I was still impressed with that for something that weighs 2300kg though.
cerb4.5lee said:
That was exactly why we ended up in the GLE as well. The 2017 GLC350d we had was a 3.0 V6 turbo diesel, and then Merc decided to drop the 6 cylinder diesel in the UK for the GLC though. So that naturally pushed us into the 2022 GLE400d with the straight 6 twin turbo diesel engine instead.
I've driven the current GLC300 and I wasn't personally fond of it's 4 cylinder 2.0 petrol engine. I've also driven the GLE300d with the 4 cylinder 2.0 diesel engine, and I didn't reckon much to that either. Both the 6 cylinder diesels we've had did around 40mpg anyway, but granted they we both used as long distance cars though. Funnily enough I actually managed 47mpg out of the GLE400d earlier today, but I was only taking it steady though. I was still impressed with that for something that weighs 2300kg though.
I would agree with your opinion of the 'new' 2.0 diesel engine. To me the older 2.1 is far superior in every metric.I've driven the current GLC300 and I wasn't personally fond of it's 4 cylinder 2.0 petrol engine. I've also driven the GLE300d with the 4 cylinder 2.0 diesel engine, and I didn't reckon much to that either. Both the 6 cylinder diesels we've had did around 40mpg anyway, but granted they we both used as long distance cars though. Funnily enough I actually managed 47mpg out of the GLE400d earlier today, but I was only taking it steady though. I was still impressed with that for something that weighs 2300kg though.
I have had both so hopefully can provide some input (both AMG mind)
My GLE was on the 22” wheels and I found that with the air suspension it did tramline quite badly.
The interior was lovely, seats were supportive and the tech was great. Only downside was no wireless CarPlay (I bought a cheap adapter)
The car was very commanding on the road and visibility was great. The boot was HUGE and mine had seven seats, but I only used this twice in two years.
I only replaced as I wanted a change of vehicle and we live
In the countryside and so I felt at times it was a little bit too big for our roads.
I now have a 2025 GLC and I’ve not driven it much (only got it a week ago) but overall I feel the build quality is better than the GLE. It feels much smaller and more nimble on the road.
However, the tech is quite extensive. If you don’t have heads up or use the satnav in the dials screen, it can be quite hard to follow on the new portrait screen.
It really just depends on what you are after? If you want something big, easy to load but tend to not use small car parks backroads then the GLE may be better.
If you want something more ‘car’ feeling but with a raised driving position and advanced tech then the GLC may be best. It would also be more practical for backroad driving and car parks etc.
Anything else you may wanna know then shout
My GLE was on the 22” wheels and I found that with the air suspension it did tramline quite badly.
The interior was lovely, seats were supportive and the tech was great. Only downside was no wireless CarPlay (I bought a cheap adapter)
The car was very commanding on the road and visibility was great. The boot was HUGE and mine had seven seats, but I only used this twice in two years.
I only replaced as I wanted a change of vehicle and we live
In the countryside and so I felt at times it was a little bit too big for our roads.
I now have a 2025 GLC and I’ve not driven it much (only got it a week ago) but overall I feel the build quality is better than the GLE. It feels much smaller and more nimble on the road.
However, the tech is quite extensive. If you don’t have heads up or use the satnav in the dials screen, it can be quite hard to follow on the new portrait screen.
It really just depends on what you are after? If you want something big, easy to load but tend to not use small car parks backroads then the GLE may be better.
If you want something more ‘car’ feeling but with a raised driving position and advanced tech then the GLC may be best. It would also be more practical for backroad driving and car parks etc.
Anything else you may wanna know then shout
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