2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs. 2024 EQE SUV: Is the Gas or Electric SUV Better In Real Life?
The SUV market is becoming more saturated as time goes on, even in the luxury sector. Two current standouts include the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. To be clear, these two luxury SUVs are not direct competitors, but they do occupy two sides of the same German coin.
I had the privilege to test both of them recently and found they are similar except for their powertrains. Check out which one would work better for your needs in real life. Would you prefer the gas SUV or the electric one?
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs. 2024 EQE SUV: The powertrains make all the difference
The first and most obvious point to look at with either of these luxury SUVs is their powertrains. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s plenty powerful, even when driving around a mile-high elevation. There’s plenty of power and torque in the midrange of the rpm band to get the car going, but it’s nowhere near as powerful as the EQE SUV.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV AMG I tested, on the other hand, is powered by a dual-motor setup that powers all four wheels. Power-wise, it puts out 617 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque, which is about three times as much as the GLC.
It’s definitely a stark contrast to any gas-powered engine as the electric propulsion pushes you back in the seat with a jolting force. Getting onto the freeway is easy since 60 mph comes in around three seconds.
The range is where these two SUVs differ, however.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs. 2024 EQE SUV: Range
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV AMG gets around 250 miles of pure electric range. It doesn’t sound like much, but I found it to be plenty for my daily use. I did have to charge the car once, which only added around 22 miles onto it from a public level 2 charger. But overall, the range was adequate for around-town driving.
The GLC 300, on the other hand, was far better suited for long road trips. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the range on a full tank sitting at over 500 miles. I used most of that gas during my time with the luxury SUV, which included a four-hour roundtrip through the mountains.
I had no range anxiety with the GLC 300 and found its real-world fuel economy average of 29.5 mpg very useful. I didn’t even have to fill the car back up at the end of the week.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs. 2024 EQE SUV: Technology
Compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, the EQE AMG SUV is a spaceship. That’s mainly due to the large Hyperscreen that comes standard in the EQE AMG. The 56-inch screen is impressive and intuitive once you get the hang of it.
The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a premium Burmester sound system, and heated/ventilated seats. The overall execution looks very high-tech and futuristic.
That doesn’t mean the GLC 300 is a jalopy in comparison. The GLC’s cabin is adorned with Nappa leather, and it has nearly every comfort option the EQE has except ventilated front seats. There’s no option for a Hyperscreen either, but the 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is more than enough for anyone’s needs.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs. 2024 EQE SUV: Interior room and cargo
Both of these cars are two-row SUVs, which means they have seating for up to five adult passengers. The middle rear seat in both is a bit cramped, but every other seating position has enough space for average-sized and tall adults.
That’s no wonder, considering the front and rear-seat measurements in both of these cars is nearly identical. The only exception is the cargo volume. The GLC 300’s cargo area measures 21.9 to 56.3 cubic feet, while the EQE SUV’s measures 14 to 55 cubic feet, depending on whether the rear seats are up or down.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs. 2024 EQE SUV: Which two-row SUV is right for you?
Ultimately, the choice between these two luxurious Mercedes-Benz SUVs comes down to the powertrain and price. The EQE AMG SUV I tested was priced at $130,000. If that fits your budget and you can charge it at home, it could be the better choice.
However, if you prefer to pump gas in your car and would rather spend around $60,000, the GLC 300 is the better choice. Plus, you won’t have to worry about range anxiety. Which one would you choose?
