Mercedes GLC 300 vs. GLC 300 4MATIC: The 4 Differences
Today, we’re looking at two popular Mercedes-Benz models: the GLC 300 and the GLC 300 4MATIC.
You might wonder, “Aren’t they very similar?”
Yes, at first glance, they are. But as the saying goes, the devil is in the details!
The main difference between the Mercedes GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC is that the GLC 300 is rear-wheel drive, while the GLC 300 4MATIC is all-wheel drive.
But there’s more!
4 Differences between the Mercedes GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC
Here are all the differences between the GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC:
1. Drivetrain system
Let’s start with the most significant difference, which is related to the drivetrain.
The Mercedes GLC 300 comes with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) system.
It simply means the car’s engine sends its power to the rear wheels. RWD is awesome for a sporty driving feel and gives you that slight thrill when accelerating.
On the other hand, the GLC 300 4MATIC has an all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which Mercedes calls 4MATIC. Fancy name, right?
AWD means power from the engine is spread out to all four wheels. This comes in handy when you’re on slippery roads, like during rain or light snow, as it offers better grip.
So, with 4MATIC, you get more stability and traction, especially in trickier driving conditions.
In a nutshell:
- If you love a sporty, dynamic drive, the RWD in the GLC 300 is the better choice.
- If you’re after stability and better control in varying conditions, the GLC 300 4MATIC’s AWD system is the better choice.
2. Fuel efficiency
Next, let’s talk about fuel efficiency.
After all, as much as we all love a smooth ride, nobody wants to visit the fuel station every other day, right?
Starting with the GLC 300, its numbers stand at 25 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and an average of 28 MPG when you mix both terrains.
These figures are pretty decent for a luxury SUV, ensuring you get a good balance of performance and fuel economy.
On the other hand, the GLC 300 4MATIC offers 23 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway with 28 MPG, and averages out at 26 MPG combined.
Now, if you’re scratching your head thinking, “Why the difference?” – it’s mostly down to the added weight and mechanics of the AWD system in the 4MATIC.
Reader’s tip: Mercedes GLC: Regular Or Premium Gas? Find Out What’s Best!
3. Weight
Now, let’s shift our attention to something that often goes unnoticed but plays a significant role in the feel and performance of a car: its weight.
The GLC 300 has a curb weight of 3,889 lbs, while the GLC 300 4MATIC has a curb weight of 3,977 lbs.
That’s a difference of about 88 lbs, roughly the weight of a big suitcase filled to the brim!
So, what does this mean for you?
A car’s weight can affect several things, from acceleration to handling and even braking.
A lighter car, like the GLC 300, might feel a bit more agile, especially when accelerating from a standstill or taking sharp turns.
On the flip side, the GLC 300 4MATIC, with its added weight, might feel sturdier, especially at high speeds on highways.
4. Price tag
Now, here’s a factor that everyone should know about: the price tag.
The GLC 300 has a base MSRP of $47,100, while the GLC 300 4MATIC starts at $49,100.
That means the GLC 300 4MATIC is around $2,000 more expensive than the GLC 300.
Is that price difference worth it for the 4MATIC AWD system?
It depends a bit on what conditions you drive in.
If you live in areas with unpredictable weather or terrains or like the enhanced traction that comes with all-wheel drive, then sure, it’s definitely worth it.
However, if you don’t necessarily need the 4MATIC system, the regular GLC 300 is a great deal.
Who should buy which variant?
Given all the details, let’s help you figure out which might be the perfect fit for your driveway:
- Living in soft climates: If you mostly cruise around the city or live in a predominantly sunny area, the GLC 300 could be your perfect vehicle. You will save a bit on the upfront costs and get slightly better fuel efficiency.
- Driving in harsh conditions: Do you love weekend getaways to the mountains? Or do you live in an area where rain or snow might surprise you? Then the GLC 300 4MATIC is the better choice.
In the end, both the GLC 300 and the GLC 300 4MATIC are splendid choices, and neither will disappoint.
It really boils down to your personal preferences, driving habits, and, of course, budget.
One last tip is that if you ever want to upgrade the power of your GLC 300 or GLC 300 4MATIC, consider getting a RaceChip.
RaceChip is a company offering Plug & Drive tuning box systems for many car models. They can be installed by yourself without needing any specialist knowledge or tools.
In fact, it will only take 10 to 15 minutes, and when you buy a RaceChip, you’ll receive car model-specific installation instructions!
Using a RaceChip, you can give your Mercedes GLC 300 a performance boost of up to 54 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque:
And the best thing is that a RaceChip is much more affordable than the upgrade from a GLC 300 (4MATIC) to a GLC 43 AMG. You can check out RaceChip’s website here!
Conclusion
And there we have it!
We’ve put the Mercedes GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC head-to-head, examining the differences in their drivetrains, fuel economy, weight, and more!
If you’re considering these models, we highly encourage you to take them for a test drive.
After all, nothing can truly replicate the feeling of being behind the wheel, experiencing the drive for yourself.
You might just find your dream car in the process!
More comparisons
Not sure yet about these GLC models? If so, check out our other comparisons here:
