2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a familiar yet slightly updated design, featuring a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights. These changes aligned it with the aggressive styling of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights maintained a similar design to previous models, making the differences subtle unless compared side-by-side with older versions. While the GLC's proportions were adequate, the mass-market GLC 300 lacked visual excitement, prompting some to consider alternatives like the Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX. The AMG versions, with their distinctive features, added some flair, and the GLC Coupe's fastback roof offered a unique aesthetic. Despite its understated exterior, the GLC's interior was a standout, boasting high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The 2020 model introduced a 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous smaller displays, and featured a refined touchpad and steering wheel with additional controls.

The 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature design language, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. Its proportions and styling were consistent with the brand's SUV lineup, offering a sense of familiarity. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling, which added visual appeal. The interior, while sharing many elements with other BMW models, was well-crafted with leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models included unique interior styling elements, enhancing the overall experience. Despite some sameness in design, the X5's interior was comfortable, though the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. The X5's design was both functional and luxurious, catering to those who appreciated BMW's consistent approach to styling.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offered improved performance over previous models, with better gear holding and downshifting. However, it still fell short in terms of sound quality and response compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience. The AMG GLC 63 models offered even more power with a twin-turbo V8 engine, producing up to 503 horsepower. Despite these impressive options, the GLC 300's steering and handling were less precise, with noticeable body roll and vague steering. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M offered even more power, with up to 617 horsepower with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model offered up to 30 miles of all-electric range. While the X5's powertrains were capable, the steering dynamics were less engaging, particularly at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, while the xDrive45e was rated at 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

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 and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The MBUX infotainment system offered a user-friendly interface with customizable options. The GLC provided adequate space for four adults, though the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The X5 offered ample cargo space, though the xDrive45e model had slightly less due to its battery placement.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system included advanced features like augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. While these features were innovative, they were not fully integrated, and some functions were limited. The GLC offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional wireless charging. An Off-Road Engineering Package was available for those seeking additional driving modes and underbody protection.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features list included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It featured standard forward emergency braking and a new Exit Warning Assist system. Additional safety features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming, enhancing overall safety.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, some systems, like the Driving Assistance Professional Package, had performance issues, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.