2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: We Compared the Data
By the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team · Updated November 8, 2026 · how we score
Our pick: the GLE — it leads our weighted scorecard 2–0 across 4 categories, winning on more available power (603 hp vs 483 hp) and more towing capacity (7,700 lb vs 5,291 lb). The GLC doesn't win a category on our scorecard; it makes sense mainly if you find a meaningfully better deal on one locally.
Scorecard: GLC 0 pts · GLE 2 pts across 4 scored categories.
The scorecard
| Category (weight) | 2027 GLC | 2027 GLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-year value retained (1.5) | 41.7% | 41.8% | Tie |
| Most horsepower available (1) | 483 hp | 603 hp | GLE |
| Max towing (1) | 5,291 lb | 7,700 lb | GLE |
| Standard seats (1) | 5 | 5 | Tie |
| Weighted points | 0 | 2 | GLE |
Which one we'd buy, and for whom
- Family. Families: it's a wash — GLC 5 vs GLE 5 (standard seats).
- Resale. Resale-minded buyers: it's a wash — GLC 41.7% vs GLE 41.8% (5-year value retained).
- Towing. Towing: the GLE — 7,700 lb vs 5,291 lb (max towing).
Price: sticker and what buyers paid
A current starting MSRP isn't on file for both models. Used, the median asking price is $35,544 for the GLC and $48,957 for the GLE (all model years, US dealer listings).
Reliability: NHTSA complaints and recalls
- GLC: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
- GLE: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
Complaint rates are owner complaints filed with NHTSA divided by vehicles sold — a federal-data signal, not a survey score.
Specs side by side
| 2027 GLC | 2027 GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255–483 hp | 255–603 hp |
| Max torque | 590 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft |
| Max towing | 5,291 lb | 7,700 lb |
| Seats (standard / max) | 5 / 5 | 5 / 7 |
Automaker-published figures; EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov. "—" = not published.
Resale: 5-year value retained
A 5-year-old (2021) GLC lists for a median $24,965 — 41.7% of today's median new price of $59,848. A 5-year-old (2021) GLE lists for a median $32,839 — 41.8% of today's median new price of $78,504.
Shop both
- See 11,161 new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLCs for sale →Median listed price $61,445 · updated Nov 7, 2026
- See 7,073 new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLEs for sale →Median listed price $80,515 · updated Nov 7, 2026
Negotiating either one?
CarWhere PRO ($12.99/mo) shows the 75th-percentile target price for your exact trim and zip, comparable nearby deals, and an AI quote analyzer. See PRO → · Checking a specific used one? The $9.99 Full VIN Report covers the federal record + original window sticker.
More on the Mercedes-Benz GLC
More on the Mercedes-Benz GLE
Want the long read? See our GLC vs GLE buyer's guide.
Related head-to-heads
FAQ
Is the GLC better than the GLE?
On our data, no — the GLE comes out ahead. Our pick: the GLE — it leads our weighted scorecard 2–0 across 4 categories, winning on more available power (603 hp vs 483 hp) and more towing capacity (7,700 lb vs 5,291 lb). The GLC doesn't win a category on our scorecard; it makes sense mainly if you find a meaningfully better deal on one locally.
Which is more reliable, the GLC or the GLE?
We only rank reliability by NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, and that rate isn't available for both models yet.
Which holds its value better, the GLC or the GLE?
About the same — 41.7% vs 41.8% retained after five years (within 2 points).
Which is cheaper, the GLC or the GLE?
We don't have a current starting MSRP for both models.
Which has better gas mileage, the GLC or the GLE?
EPA ratings aren't on file for both models.
How we score
Each category compares one published number per model and counts only when both models have it. The winner earns the category weight; results inside the tie band earn nothing. Our pick has more weighted points; level points fall back to more category wins, then the reliability winner, then the price winner.
- Starting MSRP: lower wins; tie within 3%.
- NHTSA complaints per 1,000 sold: lower wins; tie within 15%.
- 5-year value retained: higher wins; tie within 2 points.
- Best EPA combined: higher wins; tie within 1 mpg (3 MPGe).
- Most horsepower available: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Max towing: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Cargo behind rear seats: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Standard seats: higher wins; tie same count.
- Median discount verified buyers got: higher wins; tie within 0.5 points.
- Recalls, 2023–2025 model years: lower wins; tie within 1.
Towing weighs 2 for pickups and 1 otherwise; seating is only scored between SUVs and minivans, using standard (never optional) seats. Sources: automaker spec pages and order guides; EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov); NHTSA owner complaints and recall campaigns against published US sales; median used asking prices across active US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers; verified buyer-submitted deal sheets for discounts.
Cite this page: CarWhere, "2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: We Compared the Data," carwhere.com/compare-cars/mercedes-benz-glc-vs-mercedes-benz-gle, updated November 8, 2026.