2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a boxy and tall design compared to other small Mercedes SUVs. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle featured a long, flat hood leading to an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The front and rear overhangs were symmetrical, emphasizing its functional design. The GLB prioritized interior volume over sleek aesthetics, highlighted by robust roof rails ready for action. Painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, the test vehicle exuded style and attitude.

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a massive corporate grille that paired well with its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling. The cabin echoed this mechanical, modern aesthetic, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen. When the interior debuted with the redesigned Q3 for the 2019 model year, it was a standout design. However, newer Volkswagen interiors began to catch up, making the Q3's cabin feel modern and refined but not as special. The Q3 came in Premium and Premium Plus trims, with features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though it felt faster due to the engine's wide torque band and snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT powered the front wheels unless the 4Matic AWD was optioned, which optimized grip and performance. The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, delivered a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more engaging experience in Sport mode. However, the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving, and the fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA's 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to Quattro AWD. The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The base MSRP was $2,000 lower, with the more powerful engine available as a $2,000 option. The Q3's handling was nimble, and the ride was comfortable, with Audi's Drive Select offering Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes. The base engine had some turbo lag, but the S-Line engine provided a lively and engaging driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered more interior space than the larger and more expensive GLC, with an optional third row of seats. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows. The second-row seat slid forward and back, allowing for extra space for third-row passengers or cargo. The front seats offered power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space with the seats folded was subpar for the class, the Q3 made up for it with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable, with deep cargo pockets, and the rear seats offered impressive headroom and legroom. The Q3 could seat five, but four passengers could take a road trip in comfort.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing an extra $2,200, included a blind-spot warning system, keyless entry, and twin 10.25-inch displays. The MBUX infotainment system featured natural voice recognition, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, and the Parking Assistance Package included a high-definition surround-view camera system and semi-autonomous parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system was also available.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features included wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with several safety features, including 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, blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist, and the Driver Assistance Package, which added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had performed crash tests on the GLB.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional driver assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional available features included a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.