Compare the2023 Mercedes GLC Coupe VS 2022 Buick Encore

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes GLC Coupe have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Buick Encore doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The GLC Coupe’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Encore doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The GLC Coupe has standard NECK-PRO front head restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the NECK-PRO front head restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Encore doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The GLC Coupe has a standard Active Brake Assist, which uses forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Encore offers an available collision warning system without the automated brake feature that would prevent or reduce the collision if the driver fails to react.

The GLC Coupe offers an optional Post Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Encore doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The GLC Coupe has a standard Maneuvering Brake Function that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Encore doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the GLC Coupe. But it costs extra on the Encore.

The GLC Coupe has a standard Surround View System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Encore only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the GLC Coupe has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Active Brake Assist automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Buick charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Encore and the Encore’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

The GLC Coupe’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Encore doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GLC Coupe and the Encore have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available lane departure warning systems.

The Mercedes GLC Coupe weighs 610 to 731 pounds more than the Buick Encore. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The GLC Coupe comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Encore’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The GLC Coupe’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the GLC Coupe has a standard 150-amp alternator. The Encore’s 130-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

The GLC Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 100 more horsepower (255 vs. 155) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes GLC Coupe is faster than the Buick Encore:

	GLC Coupe	Encore
Zero to 60 MPH	6.7 sec	10.7 sec
Quarter Mile	15.2 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89.6 MPH	77.5 MPH

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the GLC Coupe’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Encore doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The GLC Coupe has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore (17.4 vs. 14 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The GLC Coupe has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Encore. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLC Coupe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Encore.

For better stopping power the GLC Coupe’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore:

	GLC Coupe	Encore
Front Rotors	13.5 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	10.6 inches

The GLC Coupe’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Encore are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the GLC Coupe has larger standard tires than the Encore (235/55R19 vs. 215/55R18). The GLC Coupe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Encore (F:255/45R20 & R:285/40R20 vs. 215/55R18).

The GLC Coupe’s optional 255/45R20 front and 285/40R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series front and 40 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Encore’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLC Coupe has standard 19-inch wheels. Only 18-inch wheels are available on the Encore. The GLC Coupe offers optional 20-inch wheels.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the GLC Coupe can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Encore doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For superior ride and handling, the Mercedes GLC Coupe has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The GLC Coupe has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the GLC Coupe flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The GLC Coupe’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Encore doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLC Coupe’s wheelbase is 12.5 inches longer than on the Encore (113.1 inches vs. 100.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLC Coupe is 3.2 inches wider in the front and 3.1 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore.

The GLC 300 Coupe handles at .79 G’s, while the Encore AWD pulls only .72 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The GLC 300 Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2 seconds quicker than the Encore AWD (27.6 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

The GLC Coupe has 3.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear legroom and 4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GLC Coupe’s rear seats recline. The Encore’s rear seats don’t recline.

The GLC Coupe has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore with its rear seat folded (49.4 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

The GLC Coupe’s cargo area is larger than the Encore’s in almost every dimension:

	GLC Coupe	Encore
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	39.3”/59.6”	28.5”/55.8”
Min Width	43.3”	36”
Height	27.4”	31.8”

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the GLC Coupe’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the GLC Coupe. The Encore doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the GLC Coupe’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Encore doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

The GLC Coupe has a 3500 lbs. towing capacity. The Encore has no towing capacity.

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLC Coupe uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Encore doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The GLC Coupe uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Encore uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the GLC Coupe is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Encore. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

When three different drivers share the GLC Coupe, the memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat (memory seat optional for the front passenger), steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The Encore doesn’t offer a memory system.

The GLC Coupe’s standard easy entry and exit feature raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Encore doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GLC Coupe offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Encore doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The GLC Coupe’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Encore has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The GLC Coupe’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Encore’s passenger windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the GLC Coupe the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Encore can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The GLC Coupe’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Encore’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the GLC Coupe to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Encore doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The GLC Coupe’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Encore’s halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the GLC Coupe detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the GLC Coupe offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Encore doesn’t offer cornering lights. The GLC Coupe also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLC Coupe to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Encore doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the GLC Coupe is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Encore’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The GLC Coupe’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

The GLC Coupe has standard heated front and optional heated rear seats extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Encore.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the GLC Coupe keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Encore doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the GLC Coupe’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Encore doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The GLC Coupe’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Encore doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The GLC Coupe’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

Both the GLC Coupe and the Encore offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the GLC Coupe has available rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Encore doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the GLC Coupe offers an optional Active Distance Assist Distronic, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Encore doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLC offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Encore doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The GLC Coupe’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The Encore doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLC Coupe is less expensive to operate than the Encore because typical repairs cost much less on the GLC Coupe than the Encore, including $350 less for a timing belt/chain.

Motor Trend selected the GLC Coupe as their 2017 Sport Utility of the Year. The Encore has never been chosen.

The Mercedes GLC outsold the Buick Encore by 39% during 2022.