2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 BMW X5

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 hard 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, including polished metal HVAC vents that evoked 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 X5, part of BMW's true SUV range, delivered on expected proportions and brand consistency. From the kidney grille to the body shape, the X5 was unmistakably a BMW, though this sameness could make it blend in among other BMWs. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and, depending on the trim, various upscale finishes like matte aluminum or high-gloss black for the grilles and surrounds. M Sport models had body-color matched trim and sporty accents.

Inside, the X5's design was consistent with other BMWs, with many switches, dials, and displays from the brand's parts bin. While there was an abundance of black plastic, the interior also featured plenty of leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models included unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and specific interior trim strips. The interior was spacious and comfortable, though the front seats could feel hard on long trips.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially with the Off-Road Engineering Package, which included features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i had a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 horsepower, or 617 with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, and offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than other BMW SUVs, with issues in steering responsiveness and lane-keeping systems. The X5's fuel economy varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, the X5 M50i at 18 mpg combined, the X5 xDrive at 23 mpg combined, and the X5 xDrive45e rated at 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo space. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not in use. Cargo space varied, with the five-passenger GLB offering 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. The seven-passenger GLB had 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The third row was best suited for children or short trips for smaller adults. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with available heated and ventilated options, while the second row was comfortable for two adults.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with cupholders positioned at the front of the center console and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The front seats were spacious and comfortable for short trips but could feel hard on longer drives. Heated seats and armrests worked well, and the rear seats were comfortable for two adults. The X5 also offered an optional third row, though it was not tested in this review. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with full power functionality made loading cargo easier. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e model offered slightly less space due to the battery. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was somewhat challenging due to the narrow door openings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package added a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display, keyless go, and an optional Burmester Surround Sound System. The Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. Other available features included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

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 GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, though it had issues with timely reactions to stopped traffic and lane-keeping in sunny conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being the subject of seven recalls.