2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB presented a boxy and tall design, distinguishing itself from other small Mercedes SUVs. It was built 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 symmetrical appearance with equal front and rear overhangs. The GLB prioritized function over form, maximizing interior space within its narrow and short frame, complemented by robust roof rails. The test model, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, added a stylish flair to its practical design. Starting at $36,600, the tested GLB 250 4Matic was priced at $55,890, loaded with options like metallic paint, adaptive damping suspension, and a Burmester sound system. Inside, the GLB offered a luxurious experience with dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, though some metallic trims revealed its more affordable status within the Mercedes lineup.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to connect with the traditional Mustang through its exterior styling, despite being a four-door SUV. It featured thin headlights, a long hood, and a large oval grille, with taillights reminiscent of the original Mustang. The vibrant color palette, including the test car's Grabber Blue, reinforced this connection. Inside, the Mach-E was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen, giving it a minimalist feel similar to Tesla vehicles. The interior materials were of decent quality, though some buyers might have been disappointed by the lack of leather upholstery, with even top trims using synthetic ActiveX material. The First Edition models offered unique trim elements like red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals. Overall, the Mach-E's interior design was minimalist, with a focus on technology and functionality.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB was available in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though the wide torque band and snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission made it feel faster. The 4Matic AWD system provided power to the rear wheels as needed, with an Off-Road mode for maximum traction. The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, offered a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more dynamic experience in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine, the GLB delivered a fun driving experience, though the brakes faded prematurely during spirited driving. The fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 26 mpg.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to live up to the Mustang name with sporty performance. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The AWD GT Performance Edition offered 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The test car had a mid-level AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to the low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels resulted in poor ride quality. The Mach-E featured three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—with minimal differences between them. It also offered one-pedal driving and well-tuned friction brakes.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offered more interior space than the larger GLC, with an optional third row of seats. It comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows for excellent visibility. The second-row seat could slide to adjust space for third-row passengers or cargo. The front seats provided power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation. The second-row seat was best suited for two passengers due to the vehicle's narrow width. Cargo space was 22 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had a packaging more akin to a station wagon or hatchback. The low driving position and roofline limited the sense of spaciousness, even with a panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E offered less headroom and legroom and lacked a three-row configuration. The Mach-E provided 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 59.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, along with a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk. The interior featured a storage bin between the front seats and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the MBUX infotainment system, with an optional Premium Package upgrading to twin 10.25-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented video, while the Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking. The Burmester premium sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E introduced Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates. The 15.5-inch touchscreen was a standout feature, though its text-heavy design was less appealing. The system included a large volume knob and touchscreen climate controls. Premium, GT, and First Edition models featured a nine-speaker B&O sound system.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Pre-Safe front collision preparation. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and evasive steering assistance. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E offered standard driver-assist features like automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims included a 360-degree camera system. The Mach-E was set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling hands-free driving on certain highways, with a driver-facing camera for monitoring. This feature was not available at launch but could be added via OTA update. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.