2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 BMW X3

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a distinctive 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, an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate, creating a visually symmetrical appearance. The GLB prioritized function over form, maximizing interior volume within its narrow and short frame. The test vehicle, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, added a stylish touch to the otherwise practical design.

Inside, the GLB 250 made drivers feel special, especially with the upgraded dual 10.25-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens. The optional ambient lighting system added a classy glow to the cabin, while red contrast stitching and MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats enhanced the interior's elegance. The interior design blended high style with simplicity, though it required some acclimation for those unfamiliar with Mercedes-Benz controls. Materials and construction were of high quality, though some metallic trim pieces revealed the vehicle's more affordable status within the brand. Overall, the GLB's interior was a lovely place to spend time.

The 2021 BMW X3, introduced in its third generation in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3 formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional.

The 2021 X3 came in several trims: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The M40i trim added 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

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 rpm 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 the snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT powered the front wheels unless the 4Matic AWD was optioned, which automatically directed power to the rear wheels as needed. An Off-Road driving mode locked the drivetrain in a 50:50 power split for maximum traction.

The GLB test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, delivered a soft, pillowy ride in Comfort mode, ideal for city and highway driving. In Sport mode, the suspension provided greater road feel and reduced body motion, while the turbo powertrain responded quickly to accelerator inputs. The GLB's unusual driving position and large windows made it fun to drive on mountain roads, despite its modest engine specifications. However, the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving, cutting short an otherwise enjoyable experience. The test vehicle achieved a fuel economy of 21.4 mpg, below the EPA's 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive. This engine provided solid pickup for city and highway driving. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain produced 288 hp and offered brisk acceleration, especially at low speeds. It had a 17-mile electric-only range and could be recharged in about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or nearly 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet.

For a true performance experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering robust acceleration and responsive cornering abilities. The high-performance X3 M model offered 473 hp, catering to those needing speed and space for the family.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered more interior space than the larger and more expensive Mercedes-Benz GLC. It even had an optional third row of seats, a feature unavailable in other Mercedes SUVs except the significantly larger GLS. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, providing ample headroom, tall seating positions, large windows, and an available panoramic glass sunroof for excellent visibility. Entry and exit were easy, and the second-row seat could slide forward and back to create extra space for third-row passengers or cargo.

The test vehicle's front seats offered power adjustment, but heating and ventilation were not included, which would have added over $1,000 to the price. A heated steering wheel and multi-contour adjustable seats were available options. The second-row seat could fit three people, but the narrow width made it more suitable for two. The third-row seat, an $850 option, was not included in the test vehicle. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seat folded down, offering more space than the GLA and GLC.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, among the best in the small luxury SUV segment. With the rear seats in use, it offered 28.7 cubic feet. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate available as an option. The X3 was spacious for all passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats, even on longer trips.

The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials complementing the main touchscreen, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing an extra $2,200, was highly recommended. It included a blind-spot warning system, keyless entry and engine start, and upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics, high customization, and fast response. The GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with standout natural voice recognition technology.

The test vehicle also had the Multimedia Package, adding a navigation system with augmented video, using the forward-facing camera to provide a live video feed with turn-by-turn directions. The Parking Assistance Package included a high-definition surround-view camera system and a semi-autonomous active parking assistance system. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system was a valuable addition, offering excellent sound quality and stylish aluminum speaker grilles.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The system combined touch operation with an iDrive dial in the center console, catering to both touch and dial preferences. The X3 included Apple CarPlay as standard, with Android Auto optional. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system, and gesture control for basic functions.

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 a Pre-Safe front collision preparation system. Emergency call service was also standard. Optional safety features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist.

The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced speed- and lane-maintenance systems, evasive steering assistance, and an automatic emergency stop assistance system. Enhancements to the Pre-Safe technology included rear-impact preparation and ear damage protection at the moment of impact. These systems operated with accuracy and refinement, encouraging their use. However, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time of publication.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.