2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a smoother and less sculpted appearance compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges, contributing to a reduced drag coefficient of .29. The front end saw the most significant transformation, presenting a handsome yet unoffensive look. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint showed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle.

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received updates including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior maintained BMW's cold, mechanical styling, which was more functional than aesthetically pleasing. The X3 offered trims like sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with standard features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it provided sufficient power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was impressive at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the BMW X5 offered better performance with its standard turbocharged inline-6 engine.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and had a 17-mile electric-only range, with a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The M40i trim featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more power, the X3 M performance model offered 473 horsepower.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. It offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping, though the steering wheel position could obstruct the screen view. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, but vibrations through the brake pedal were frustrating.

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 version. The X3 provided ample headroom and legroom for all passengers, with a commanding driving position in the front row. The interior featured real buttons and dials alongside the main touchscreen, making it user-friendly for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was deep and initially daunting but ultimately rewarding. The system included two 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display (HUD), offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The voice control system, while impressive in the A-Class, was less reliable in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, making it less dependable.

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. It included Apple CarPlay as standard, with Android Auto as an option. Other available features were wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Optional gesture control allowed basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who talk with their hands.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS but offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to prevent driver fatigue. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were less reliable at high speeds, causing the car to sway within the lane and get confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included 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.