Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W167

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W167 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation GLE on the MHA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Pick the GLC for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The GLC 220 d (diesel) or GLC 250 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Pick the GLE for space, comfort and powerful engines in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLE 300 d / GLE 350 d (diesel) or GLE 450 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	211 hp	367 hp Winner
Torque	350 Nm	500 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,3 s	5,7 s Winner
Top speed	222 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	121,6 hp/t	164,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	152 g/km Winner	220 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,5 L/100km Winner	9,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	550 L	630 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L	2.055 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,87 m	3,00 m Winner
Length	4,66 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	12,3 cm	20,5 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m Winner	12,0 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.500 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Early OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx watch-points
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
COMAND/MBUX software glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
MBUX/electronics glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Pros

Mercedes-Benz GLC

550 L boot growing to ~1,600 L — roomy for a mid-size SUV
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLC 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm)
MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
GLC 350 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 560 Nm, company-car friendly

Mercedes-Benz GLE

630 L boot growing to ~2,055 L — roomy for a large SUV
GLE 450: 367 hp I6 with EQ Boost (48V) and 500 Nm
OM656 2.9 I6 diesel (GLE 350 d: 272 hp / 600 Nm)
GLE 400 e PHEV: 381 hp and 650 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

Mercedes-Benz GLC

OM651/OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV (GLC 350 e) shrinks boot space (395 L)
Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM654/OM656 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV shrinks boot space (~490 L)
Complex air suspension and electronics need dealer maintenance

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Comfortable, quiet and more car-like than its height suggests. The GLC steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well on the standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. 4MATIC is standard on most versions and adds sure-footed traction without altering the relaxed character. The M274/M264 petrols are smooth and willing, the OM654 diesel is the economical distance choice, and the 300 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a well-rounded, easy-to-live-with compact SUV that does everything competently.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Serene, isolating and quietly opulent. Steering is light and relaxed, the ride hushed and composed, and the GLE smothers rough roads and motorway miles alike. 4MATIC adds unflappable all-weather security without asking anything of the driver. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, glides over poor surfaces with real polish. The M256 inline-six is silky with its 48-volt assist, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the GLE 400 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts almost imperceptibly. Overall a calm, tech-rich luxury SUV built to isolate, not involve.