2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5, despite its 5,000-pound heft, aimed to deliver a sedan-like driving experience, focusing on smooth on-road performance rather than off-road capabilities. It offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. The X5 came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder for the xDrive40i and a 4.4-liter V8 for the xDrive50i, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i started at $60,700 and included a suite of features such as AWD, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital gauge cluster. Various packages allowed for further customization, adding features like keyless entry, satellite radio, and advanced safety systems.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a boxy and tall design, maximizing interior volume within its compact dimensions. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with optional 4Matic AWD. The GLB's design prioritized function over form, with robust roof rails and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. Starting at $36,600, the GLB 250 4Matic test vehicle was priced at $55,890, loaded with options like the AMG Line design package, 20-inch AMG wheels, and a Burmester premium sound system. The interior boasted dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats, blending high style with simplicity.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in performance, particularly with its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine in the xDrive40i, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission provided smooth and efficient gear changes, contributing to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. The xDrive50i's 4.4-liter V8 offered 456 hp and 479 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. Built on BMW’s Cluster Architecture platform, the X5 featured a double-A-arm front and multi-link rear suspension with adaptive dampers, and an optional air suspension for adjustable ride height and improved bump absorption.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, available in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and wide torque band allowed for a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds. The GLB's adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels provided a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more responsive experience in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine specs, the GLB offered a fun driving experience, though its brakes faded prematurely during spirited driving, and it achieved 21.4 mpg on the testing loop, below the EPA estimate of 26 mpg.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the design featured aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. However, the interior could feel cheap without expensive options like upgraded trim or glass and ceramic buttons. The seats were somewhat uncomfortable, lacking ventilation and proper lumbar support. Space was ample, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The air suspension made loading easier, and the X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered generous interior dimensions, even compared to the larger GLC. It could optionally seat seven, a feature unique among Mercedes SUVs aside from the GLS. The GLB provided comfortable seating for four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and excellent visibility. The second-row seat slid for additional cargo or passenger space, and cargo capacity was 22 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded. The test vehicle's front seats were power-adjustable but lacked heating and ventilation.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a mixed bag. The gesture control was unreliable, and the voice controls were inconsistent, particularly for users with accents. The iDrive interface was well-designed but less customizable than competitors. The Driving Assistance Plus package offered limited hands-off driving but struggled with lane-keeping and shadow detection. The Extended Traffic Jam Assistant worked well in stop-and-go traffic. Other options included Parking Assistant Plus, a night-vision system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins system available for audiophiles.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing $2,200, upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to dual 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, and the Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester sound system delivered excellent audio quality and stylish aluminum speaker grilles.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a nearly natural feel with occasional grabby feedback. The M Sport brakes allowed for a 60-0 mph stopping distance of 119 feet. The X5 received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 4-star frontal crash and rollover ratings, and 5-star side crash ratings. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and Pre-Safe front collision preparation. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. Enhancements to Pre-Safe technology included rear-impact preparation and ear damage protection. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had tested the GLB at the time of publication.