2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, echoing the aggressive design cues of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights had square LEDs within the same housing, making the differences from previous models subtle unless compared side-by-side. While the GLC wasn't unattractive, it lacked visual excitement from most angles, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires, vertical-bar grille, and lower stance, added some visual drama. The GLC Coupe’s fastback roof brought a touch of flair, but overall, the design didn't stand out in parking lots, particularly with the beige paint and 18-inch wheels.

What truly set the GLC apart was its interior, which was considered one of the best in the business. The all-black interior with stained gray ash wood was rich and luxurious, featuring a continuous sweep of wood from the three circular air vents. The leather padding and stitching on the seats and doors, along with the cold metal covers of the stereo speakers, showcased impeccable fit, finish, and overall quality. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the older, smaller displays. The new touchpad on the console and the updated steering wheel with more buttons, including two thumb pads, enhanced the user experience. A 12.3-inch display could replace the analog gauges, adding to the modern feel of the interior.

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 outward appearance resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior maintained the cold, mechanical styling typical of BMW. 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. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i featured standard 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 GLC 300 came with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), was reprogrammed for better performance. The GLC 300 felt more responsive than previous models, holding gears longer and downshifting earlier. However, the engine still fell short in sound quality, vibration, and response compared to the BMW X3's engine. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offered phenomenal performance, while the AMG GLC 63 4Matic Coupe's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivered 469 hp and 479 lb-ft, with an even more powerful version in the AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic Coupe.

Despite the impressive AMG models, the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing. The car exhibited body roll, vague steering, and sloppy suspension control, which affected its directional stability. The GLC 300's fuel economy was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AMG models had lower ratings. A plug-in hybrid GLC 350e was expected to arrive in 2020.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i featured all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine provided solid pickup for city driving and highway speeds. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 hp and brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

For those seeking a performance driving experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering abilities. The high-performance X3 M model, with its 473-hp engine, catered to those with a need for speed and space for the family.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with modern Mercedes vehicles. The column shifter required an upward tap for Reverse and a downward tap for Drive, while the seat controls were located on the doors. The MBUX system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, became intuitive with practice. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than the BMW X3.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with an optional hands-free power liftgate. The X3 provided ample space for passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system included advanced features like augmented reality for navigation, using a windshield-mounted camera to overlay directional arrows and street names on a live feed of the road. The system also used a cloud-based voice assistant for various tasks and could track user behavior. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and additional driving modes for rocky or snowy roads.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto was 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 GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. New for 2020 was Exit Warning Assist, which used blind-spot-monitoring sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars. Other safety features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.

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 features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.