Mercedes-Benz GLC300 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

What's the difference?

Just seeing a coupe SUV in the traffic makes some people very cranky, but others love the sight of them and it’s these fans that Mercedes-Benz is hoping to woo with its new GLC300 Coupe.

This new-generation GLC Coupe arrives six months after the regular SUV version of the GLC landed in Australia and goes head-to-head with the BMW X4 and Audi’s Q5 Sportback.

The coupe style with the ‘cut-down’ roofline which slopes towards a low tailgate means practicality is compromised and if you’re thinking of putting one in your family’s driveway then it might be an idea to read how this writer’s family coped with the GLC300 Coupe for a few days.

Well into its second generation, the Mercedes-Benz GLE remains a key player in the luxury large SUV space.

Though it lags well behind the BMW X5 in terms of sales, by about half in fact, the GLE still aims to exude status and luxury, helped by a facelift in 2023.

In its category, there are however plenty of badges with the power to lure buyers away: Audi, Porsche and Range Rover. Even non-Euros like Genesis and Lexus.

Despite the facelift, the category is moving on with big screens and more tech, where the GLE still has to rely on some traditional charm to win over wallets - especially in our big diesel ‘450d’ guise.

A week behind the wheel around and out of the city should reveal whether the GLE still has a strong-enough USP in 2025.