Verdict
The GLE is the more capable long-distance luxury SUV: its 248 hp/400 Nm petrol engine, 154 hp electric motor and 114 km EV range give it a far broader powertrain brief than the GLC’s 201 hp/320 Nm mild hybrid setup. It also reaches 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds versus 7.8 seconds and adds Airmatic air suspension. But the GLC is 208 mm shorter, has a 620-litre boot against 490 litres, and remains the easier fit for Malaysian urban use. The GLE’s extra rear climate control, ventilated massage seats and panoramic roof are meaningful, not cosmetic.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the more compact SUV with a 620-litre boot and do not need plug-in charging or electric-only range.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you want 114 km of EV range, 6.1-second 0-100 km/h pace and Airmatic air suspension for the larger executive-class SUV experience.
Key differences
- Power: GLC has 201 hp and 320 Nm; GLE has 248 hp and 400 Nm.
- Electric assistance: GLC has a 23 hp/205 Nm motor; GLE has a 154 hp/440 Nm motor.
- Acceleration: GLC completes 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds; GLE does it in 6.1 seconds.
- Length: GLC measures 4,716 mm; GLE measures 4,924 mm.
- Boot space: GLC provides 620 litres; GLE provides 490 litres.
- Wheels: GLC uses 20-inch alloys; GLE uses 21-inch alloys.
GLC
- 620-litre boot is 130 litres larger than the GLE’s.
- 208 mm shorter than the GLE for a more manageable footprint.
- Higher 221 km/h top speed versus 210 km/h.
- No stated battery capacity, AC charging rate or EV range, unlike the GLE’s 31 kWh battery and 114 km EV range.
- 201 hp and 320 Nm trail the GLE’s 248 hp and 400 Nm.
- Lacks the GLE’s Airmatic air suspension, ventilated massage front seats and panoramic sliding roof.
GLE
- 31 kWh battery, 11 kW AC charging and 114 km EV range.
- 248 hp and 400 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
- Airmatic with adaptive damping, plus ventilated massage front seats and rear dual-zone climate control.
- RM169,000 more expensive than the GLC.
- 490-litre boot is 130 litres smaller than the GLC’s.
- 4,924 mm length and 1,947 mm width create a larger parking footprint than the GLC.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM329,888✓ | RM498,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with PHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp at 5,800 rpm | 248 hp at 5,800 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 320 Nm at 1,600 rpm | 400 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Bore × Stroke | 83 mm × 92.4 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | — |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 23 hp | 154 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 205 Nm | 440 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | — | 31 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 114 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 9G-Tronic | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 9 | 9 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.8 seconds | 6.1 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 221 km/h✓ | 210 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,716 mm | 4,924 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,947 mm |
| Height | 1,640 mm | 1,772 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,685 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | 85 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 620 litres✓ | 490 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 275/45R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 285/40R20 | 315/40R21 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 21" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 21" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Airmatic with Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer two rear seats | Available on two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflectors | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating | Powered Front Seats with Massage and Ventilation Functions |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Sliding Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Rear Window Shades | Sunroof Shade & Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers | 12.3" MBUX Multimedia with Burmester Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used GLC & GLE for sale
GLC vs GLE FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC or Mercedes-Benz GLE better?
The GLE is better for plug-in-hybrid driving, stronger performance and luxury equipment, with 114 km EV range and Airmatic suspension. The GLC is better if boot space and a smaller 4,716 mm footprint matter more, offering 620 litres versus 490 litres.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM329,888 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE costs RM498,888, so the GLE carries a RM169,000 premium.
Can the Mercedes-Benz GLE be driven on electric power?
Yes. The GLE is a plug-in hybrid with a 31 kWh battery, a 154 hp electric motor and a stated 114 km EV range. It supports AC charging at up to 11 kW.
