General EV Conversation
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,871
Likes: 4,114
From: Maryland
The GLC is arguably a bit nicer than the Juniper Y but it isn't 15K nicer. It's the SUV that Mercedes views as the SUV offering in the C Class so it's absolutely comparable to the Model Y IMO, just as the C and 3 Series sedans are in the same broad class as the Model 3. And 60kW charging means you're taking the same or longer to put 45 EV miles into the GLC as it takes to put around 230 miles into the 250kW capable Tesla (with 10% to 80% in both taking ~30 minutes or so).
Agreed DC fast charging a PHEV doesn’t make any sense. Would just drive it on gas. The point isnt just the time spent stopping and charging, its availability of charging. I can drive a PHEV anywhere and not have to worry about charging, that’s a huge benefit to me as I travel to rural places without charging infrastructure. To my cousins in WV, skiing in PA and WV, etc. That’s my hang up.
Our next cars will both be PHEV or EV but I go back and forth between the two for sure. I skipped the PHEV S Class because I didn’t like how it felt on the ICE powertrain but that won’t be the case for every model.
Last edited by SW17LS; Nov 5, 2025 at 03:52 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,001
Likes: 1,630
From: San Diego, CA
Of course they are comparable. The C and 3 Series both start at under 50K, and all three are constantly cross-shopped and cross-compared in comparison tests. MB and BMW deliver some things Tesla does not, but neither of the two can match the Tesla's performance, technology or value. But these are absolutely cars in the same broad class IMO.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
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Heck, even equipment side of things I bet, especially here in Europe, that they get more equipment on average than 3/C.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: San Francisco, CA
^^ at least there are texture and visual elements. I will say the updated 3 and Y are much better than prior, but if I had to choose, I would say the C class interior you posted is a step above the Tesla. The aluminum etched wood is always a nice touch.
Racer
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c-class vehicles don't have:
- ventilated seats standard
- screen for rear occupants
- self driving (supervised) option
- automatically open/close your garage
- massive amount of center storage
- frunk, under floor back storage (massive)
- a million other thoughtful smart features
since i bet most c-class vehicles are sold with mb-tex, then there's no difference there either.
the interior 'details' on the c-class vehicles consists of a lot of silver plastic 'bling' and all kinds of shape that don't mesh and that angled center screen is HORRIBLE.
the y does have stitching, cloth or CF type door insert panels and other details. even the DUAL wireless phone charger area is lined with a soft felt like material.
tons of Y interior pics here...
https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/...erior-gallery/
it's a serene very nice place to be, without 'flashy' busy 'details' for the sake of trying to impress.
i wanted the model X at first because it's even nicer inside, but in the end, i couldn't justify the cost for the differences. and didn't need a vehicle that big.
Last edited by bitkahuna; Nov 6, 2025 at 05:10 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,871
Likes: 4,114
From: Maryland
If we’re ragging on the fact that most C Classes have MB TEX, NO Teslas have Napa leather or any leather. You just have to get the options you want. Lots of mainstream cars have more equipment than low package luxury cars, that’s nothing new.
Like AMIRIZA himself says, it’s a mainstream car.
And whats wrong with a 3 Series or C Class? I have had several C Classes as loaners and like them a lot. 3 Series I haven't spent much time with but they are good looking. Great chassis on both cars...
Last edited by SW17LS; Nov 6, 2025 at 06:19 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,001
Likes: 1,630
From: San Diego, CA
Who said there was anything wrong with them? First new car I ever bought was a Mercedes C Class. The point is that they are broadly in the same market segment as the 3 and Y. Cars like these and SUVs like the GLC aren’t in a class above the equivalent Tesla.
Last edited by swajames; Nov 6, 2025 at 06:35 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,871
Likes: 4,114
From: Maryland
Its like your LR Defender. Is a Ford Bronco in the same segment? How do you "justify" the huge price premium of it over the Bronco?
Last edited by SW17LS; Nov 6, 2025 at 06:47 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 354
minimalist huh?
c-class vehicles don't have:
- ventilated seats standard
- screen for rear occupants
- self driving (supervised) option
- automatically open/close your garage
- massive amount of center storage
- frunk, under floor back storage (massive)
- a million other thoughtful smart features
since i bet most c-class vehicles are sold with mb-tex, then there's no difference there either.
the interior 'details' on the c-class vehicles consists of a lot of silver plastic 'bling' and all kinds of shape that don't mesh and that angled center screen is HORRIBLE.
the y does have stitching, cloth or CF type door insert panels and other details. even the DUAL wireless phone charger area is lined with a soft felt like material.
tons of Y interior pics here...
https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/...erior-gallery/
it's a serene very nice place to be, without 'flashy' busy 'details' for the sake of trying to impress.
i wanted the model X at first because it's even nicer inside, but in the end, i couldn't justify the cost for the differences. and didn't need a vehicle that big.
c-class vehicles don't have:
- ventilated seats standard
- screen for rear occupants
- self driving (supervised) option
- automatically open/close your garage
- massive amount of center storage
- frunk, under floor back storage (massive)
- a million other thoughtful smart features
since i bet most c-class vehicles are sold with mb-tex, then there's no difference there either.
the interior 'details' on the c-class vehicles consists of a lot of silver plastic 'bling' and all kinds of shape that don't mesh and that angled center screen is HORRIBLE.
the y does have stitching, cloth or CF type door insert panels and other details. even the DUAL wireless phone charger area is lined with a soft felt like material.
tons of Y interior pics here...
https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/...erior-gallery/
it's a serene very nice place to be, without 'flashy' busy 'details' for the sake of trying to impress.
i wanted the model X at first because it's even nicer inside, but in the end, i couldn't justify the cost for the differences. and didn't need a vehicle that big.
I respect your decision, but it does not mean I too have to share it.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,001
Likes: 1,630
From: San Diego, CA
Broadly in the same market segment I would agree with just from a size and layout perspective, but the Mercedes and BMW models are more luxurious and have all the tangibles and intangibles that come with a vehicle from those brands and there is a justifiable price premium. The Tesla is a Mazda CX9 to a BMW X5...as a good example. The buyer of the Mazda cares about the "value" and thinks that the X5 is an amount of money more while the person who wants the X5 doesn't think about the Mazda at all. All EV GLC is coming for buyers who want the additional luxury, finish, style and comfort of the Mercedes in a full EV.
Its like your LR Defender. Is a Ford Bronco in the same segment? How do you "justify" the huge price premium of it over the Bronco?
Its like your LR Defender. Is a Ford Bronco in the same segment? How do you "justify" the huge price premium of it over the Bronco?
put a large tablet in the middle here and remove the ac vents and you pretty much have an interior that looks like a Model 3/Y.
When I see an Model 3/Y interior, I see a living room with a TV, a couch and nothing else. The Mercedes interior I see a TV, couch, art pieces on the wall, accent pillows, a plant or 2, a rug. Is the living room with a TV and a couch functional and does all you need a living room to do? Yes...but it sure does look boring to me.