2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 BMW X3

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB was slightly larger than the GLA but just a bit smaller than the GLC. Despite these distinct measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it difficult to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB featured an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC.

Inside, the GLB was a modern stunner with a striking repetition of round shapes across the dash and polished metal details evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen was elegant and attractive. The cabin boasted Mercedes-Benz's excellent fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel featuring perforated leather grips adding to the premium feel.

The 2021 BMW X3, in its third generation since 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The 2018 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 its 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a single engine choice: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was estimated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the FWD version and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the AWD version.

Built on a FWD platform with available 4MATIC AWD, the GLB featured a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, along with 8.0 x 18-inch wheels. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB offered a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. For those seeking more performance, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 SUV trimmed the 0-60 time to 5.1 seconds. The AWD version provided better handling and driving feel, especially in foul weather and during cornering maneuvers, and came with the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard equipment.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine provided solid pickup for city driving and highway speeds. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 horsepower 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 a true performance driving experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering abilities. The high-performance X3 M model, with 473 horsepower, catered to those needing speed and space for the family.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatbacks were divided 40:20:40, with each passenger able to adjust their own angle of recline. The seat bottom was divided 40:60, with each section sliding six inches. In three-row GLB SUVs, the second row featured an "Easy-Entry" function, sliding and folding forward with one-hand touch. The third row of seats was retractable, folding flat when not needed.

Cargo space in the five-passenger/two-row GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The third row was suitable for children or brief trips for smaller adults due to its modest legroom and headroom. The rest of the GLB cabin was well-sorted, with comfortable, highly adjustable front seats, and a comfortable second row for two adults in the outboard seats.

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 of cargo space. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate available as an option. The X3 was spacious for all passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats, even on longer trips.

For the driver and front passenger, BMW provided real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite being an entry-level model, was packed with technology. Standard features included the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. The GLB had a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, along with a new-generation touchpad in the center console. Smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto was included, along with keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate.

The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. AR navigation incorporated graphical navigation instructions and traffic information into live images using a camera in the windshield. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, inductive wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was easy to use compared to other luxury systems. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console catered to different user preferences. The X3 came standard with Apple CarPlay, 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 controls.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured standard safety technology, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The 2021 GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the NHTSA or IIHS.

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.