2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious full-size SUV that offered a blend of elegance and practicality. Originally launched as the GL-Class in 2006, it was designed to replace the G-Class, but the latter's popularity ensured its survival. The GLS, with its three rows of seating, provided a more comfortable and family-friendly alternative to competitors like the Navigator and Escalade. The exterior design of the GLS was more refined than its predecessors, featuring softened angles and lines that gave it a sleeker appearance. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin with a massive digital screen dominating the dashboard, highlighting its tech-centric approach.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, while still maintaining a modern edge with its LED headlights. The GLC's design was reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. The interior of the GLC was a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, with a flowing dash and a floating centre touchscreen that set a high standard for compact luxury SUV cabins. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles, with the latter offering a more stylish look at the expense of cargo space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLS 580 4MATIC featured a more robust twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission paired with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, generated an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 280 km/h. The GLS 63 also featured an adaptive air suspension system, allowing for adjustable ground clearance and precise cornering.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered a balanced driving experience, with precise steering and a responsive powertrain. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 producing 503 hp, offering sports car-like performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided ample interior space with three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The front and second-row seats offered generous headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for adults. The GLS excelled in cargo space, offering 355 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,400 litres with both the second and third rows down. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a centre console with butterfly doors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, in its conventional SUV form, offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 550 litres with them up. The GLC Coupe's cargo capacity was slightly reduced due to its fastback design, providing 1,400 litres with the seats down and 500 litres with them up. The GLC's interior was well-designed, with a decently sized centre console and deep door pockets for storage. The rear seats provided adequate legroom, although the Coupe's low roofline limited headroom.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, which included a large touchscreen and a trackpad for navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX system also offered advanced voice control, allowing for complex commands. The digital dash extended to the instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, providing a customizable and tech-savvy experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, equipped with the Premium Package, also featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a touch controller. The system was intuitive, offering both touchscreen and controller options for navigation. The steering wheel included touch-sensitive pads for controlling the digital instrument panel and infotainment screen. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Additional safety options included lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The GLS was equipped with a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered advanced safety features through the Intelligent Drive Package, which included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package. However, the parking sensors were noted to be overly sensitive, potentially causing distractions.