Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$49,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$49,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2014-Present

Years produced

2016-Present

MSRP

$42,750

MSRP

$49,250

Listings

965

Listings

2230

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Premium interior materials

  • Quiet cabin

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base powertrain

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Thrifty fuel economy (especially on GLC 350e)

  • Commendable handling and ride quality

  • Good size and cargo room

Cons

  • Buzzy engine note

  • Tighter backseat area

  • Complicated infotainment

Reviews Summary

In the past, if you’ve wanted an all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedan, you had your choice of the EQE or EQS. Not only are both these cars on the large side, but the design language is an acquired taste. They’re not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but they’re still not the prettiest of the bunch. Oh, and they’re pricey to boot.

But for the 2027 model year, Mercedes is launching the third generation of the compact CLA with an electric powertrain. Officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, this entry-level fastback sedan (to be joined by a gas-powered version at a later date) offers impressive range and all the tech you’ve ever wanted in a compact luxury car.

Verdict: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is an exciting next step in the development of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The base model is not the quickest car in the stable, but it provides comfortable, easy transportation.

Reviews Summary

The handsome Mercedes-Benz GLC compact SUV continues into the 2025 model year with a few revisions and a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant. The GLC shows us that a simple yet measured approach makes it a strong candidate up against compact luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Genesis, Lexus, Porsche, and Volvo. This review covers the non-AMG GLC models, while AMG GLC models are reviewed separately.

Verdict: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is a handsome and compelling new car fit for most duties

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 221 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

221 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

32
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$49,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$49,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2014-Present
2016-Present
MSRP
$42,750
$49,250
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.6

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Premium interior materials

  • Quiet cabin

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base powertrain

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Thrifty fuel economy (especially on GLC 350e)

  • Commendable handling and ride quality

  • Good size and cargo room

Cons

  • Buzzy engine note

  • Tighter backseat area

  • Complicated infotainment

Summary

In the past, if you’ve wanted an all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedan, you had your choice of the EQE or EQS. Not only are both these cars on the large side, but the design language is an acquired taste. They’re not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but they’re still not the prettiest of the bunch. Oh, and they’re pricey to boot.

But for the 2027 model year, Mercedes is launching the third generation of the compact CLA with an electric powertrain. Officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, this entry-level fastback sedan (to be joined by a gas-powered version at a later date) offers impressive range and all the tech you’ve ever wanted in a compact luxury car.

Verdict: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is an exciting next step in the development of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The base model is not the quickest car in the stable, but it provides comfortable, easy transportation.

The handsome Mercedes-Benz GLC compact SUV continues into the 2025 model year with a few revisions and a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant. The GLC shows us that a simple yet measured approach makes it a strong candidate up against compact luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Genesis, Lexus, Porsche, and Volvo. This review covers the non-AMG GLC models, while AMG GLC models are reviewed separately.

Verdict: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is a handsome and compelling new car fit for most duties

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 221 hp I4
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
MPG City
26
24
MPG Highway
36
32
CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

Popular vehicle comparisons

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Kia EV62024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Buick Enclave2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Acura MDX2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 52024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Acura MDX2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Buick Enclave2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Nissan Rogue2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Honda Odyssey2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Toyota Sienna2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Lincoln Navigator2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Volvo XC902024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Lexus NX2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Ford Bronco Sport2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Lincoln Aviator2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2024 Porsche 9112024 MINI Countryman vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Ford Mustang vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Kia EV62023 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2023 Ford Mustang2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lexus NX2023 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Lexus NX vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Ford Bronco Sport2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Volvo XC902023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Toyota Sienna2023 Kia EV6 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Lexus NX2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Nissan Rogue2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Honda Odyssey2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2024 Porsche 9112023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 MINI Countryman2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Kia EV62023 MINI Countryman vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Lincoln Aviator2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 52022 Porsche 911 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA2022 Buick Enclave vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica2022 Chevrolet Corvette vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica2022 Kia EV6 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Nissan Rogue2022 Lincoln Aviator vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Acura MDX2022 MINI Countryman vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Ford Bronco Sport2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2022 Chevrolet Corvette2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Toyota Sienna2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2022 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Volvo XC902022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2022 Dodge Challenger2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Toyota Sienna2022 Kia EV6 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC