2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a familial resemblance with its lineup mates, making it difficult to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB boasted an attractive, athletic stance, aided by a ground clearance of 7.9 inches, which was more forgiving on soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower GLA and GLC. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, featuring round shapes across the dash and polished metal details in the HVAC vents, evoking an aerospace vibe. The cabin's fit and finish were of Mercedes-Benz's high standards, with a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen, and a beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a more traditional SUV styling, with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting well with the rest of the Volvo lineup. It featured distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille, with gasoline models offering a white contrasting roof for a retro look. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, was set apart by a blanked-off grille, subtle badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It also had a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a unique rear bumper, and a model-exclusive color. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly, offering a luxury feel without compromising on style.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with a single engine option, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was estimated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the FWD version, and 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the AWD version. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially in adverse weather conditions, and came with the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 offered 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring one electric motor per axle for AWD, delivering a combined 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The Recharge emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, and could tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice between a two-row or three-row configuration. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In the three-row version, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the retractable third row, which was suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults. Cargo space varied, with the two-row GLB offering 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. The three-row version provided 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 front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options, while the second row was comfortable for two adults.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in gasoline and Recharge versions, offered the same passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40's frunk was small, with much of the space occupied by powertrain hardware. The gasoline XC40 was more competitive in interior space compared to rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Volvo compensated for the lack of space with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins due to relocated speakers. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to hold a phone securely, with an optional wireless charging pad and a standard USB-C port, though the second row lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite being an entry-level model, was packed with technology. It featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. The standard setup included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, with smartphone integration via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and included a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented reality, which superimposed information over live images. Additional options included adaptive damping, ambient lighting, wireless charging, parking assistance, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge was the first XC40 variant with OTA update capability, allowing updates to the infotainment system and other software-controlled functions. The Recharge lacked a start button, instead using a key fob for entry and shifting out of park to start. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was expected to be available via OTA update, though not confirmed for the XC40.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a suite of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound, which helped reduce hearing loss in a collision. The GLB had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The electric XC40 Recharge had not been rated, but Volvo expected it to perform well due to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition, reverse automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist system. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for more advanced driver aids.