2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE

Thinking about a Mercedes-Benz SUV to really upgrade your San Diego driving experience? You’ve got options! The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE are both top-of-the-line vehicles, delivering the amazing performance and comfort that San Diego drivers dream about in their cars. So which model is right for you? Mercedes-Benz of San Diego will help you decide in this 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. GLE matchup.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. GLE: Interior Space

The biggest difference when it comes to these two Mercedes-Benz SUVs is their size. While the standard versions of both seat 5, the GLE is the larger mid-size SUV that can be upgraded to fit 7 passengers. When designing these vehicles, the team at Mercedes-Benz made sure to give all your Del Mar passengers room to stretch their legs. Better still, you’ll be able to convert your Mercedes-Benz SUVs into cargo-carting machines. Below are the detailed specs for each vehicle’s interior:

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC interior dimensions: 

• Passenger Capacity: 5
• Front Headroom: 37.8 inches
• Rear Headroom: 38.5 inches
• Front Legroom: 40.8 inches
• Rear Legroom: 37.3 inches
• Maximum Cargo Capacity: 56.5 cubic feet

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE interior dimensions:

• Passenger Capacity: 5 to 7 (optional)
• Front Headroom: 40.5 inches
• Rear Headroom: 36.9 inches
• Front Legroom: 40.3 inches
• Rear Legroom: 40.9 inches
• Maximum Cargo Capacity: 74.9 cubic feet

If you’re looking for something in between the two models, compare the Mercedes-Benz GLB vs. GLC to learn more about your options.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. GLE: Engines and Performance

Mercedes-Benz has included standard rear-wheel drive on both Mercedes-Benz SUVs, and you’ll also have the option to equip 4MATIC® all-wheel drive with either model. But your choice of vehicle largely depends upon your Rancho Santa Fe driving needs. If you want better fuel economy, the GLC is a great choice. If you want improved towing capability, opt for the GLE. Explore Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. GLE engine specs below:

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 

• 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine
• 9-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel-drive
• 255 horsepower
• 273 lb-ft of torque
• 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway** rating
• 3,500-pound towing capacity (when properly equipped)
• 17.4-gallon fuel tank capacity

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

• 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine
• 9-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel-drive
• 255 horsepower
• 273 lb-ft of torque
• 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway** rating
• 7,700-pound towing capacity (when properly equipped)
• 22.5-gallon fuel tank capacity

2021 GLC vs. GLE: Interior Features

Step inside either Mercedes-Benz SUV and enjoy features like standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, HD radio, and hands-free Bluetooth® interface^. Explore additional features below:

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC interior features: 

• Analog gauges with high-resolution multifunction display
• 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display
• Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)
• Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding
• “Hey, Mercedes” keyword activation
• Hands-free Bluetooth® interface and audio streaming^
• Dual USB-C audio ports
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 40/20/40-split rear seats with power folding
• Heated power front seats with driver memory

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE interior features:

• Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding
• Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)
• “Hey, Mercedes” keyword activation
• 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display
• MB Navigation
• Five USB-C ports
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power tilt/sliding sunroof
• 40/20/40-split folding 2nd-row seats
• Heated power front seats with driver memory
• MB-Tex upholstery

Find Your Mercedes-Benz SUV at Mercedes-Benz of San Diego

As you can see from this Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. GLE comparison, there are plenty of great features in each of these vehicles. If you’re looking for even more competitive match-ups, get started with our Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. BMW X5 comparison today! Decide on the right vehicle for you with Mercedes-Benz of San Diego, where we’re proud to offer San Diego drivers resources at our finance center.

*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs and terms.
**EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
^Bluetooth® is a registered mark of Bluetooth® SIG, Inc.