2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Porsche Macan

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class arrived hot on the heels of its debut in 2020, seamlessly nestling itself between the GLA and GLC models in the extensive Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. While it technically fell into a gap defined by its unique dimensions—182.4 inches long and boasting a 111.4-inch wheelbase—it shared the unmistakable Mercedes-Benz DNA that often made it hard to distinguish from its siblings without checking the badge. Unlike its lower-to-the-ground counterparts like the GLA and GLC, the GLB had a relatively generous 7.9 inches of ground clearance, offering a more forgiving experience on soft roads and over speed bumps.

Inside the GLB, luxury and modern design were the orders of the day. The interior immediately caught the eye with its repeated use of round shapes along the dash, particularly noticeable in the HVAC vents which featured a polished metal, almost aerospace-inspired design. The dual display, combining the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen within a single elegant panel, added to the futuristic yet sophisticated feel. Mercedes-Benz ensured that the cabin fit and finish were of the highest quality, providing a delightful tactile experience whether gripping the perforated leather steering wheel or any other part of the interior.

For the 2022 Porsche Macan, introduced for the 2015 model year as a smaller, more accessible alternative to the Cayenne, the magic lay in its seamless blend of traditional Porsche aesthetics with enough modern updates to stay relevant. Despite several refreshes, the Macan’s core design remained almost unchanged. The 2022 facelift included larger wheels, updated styling elements, and a new center console with haptic touch controls designed to elevate storage space usability.

Our Macan S test vehicle looked nothing short of spectacular. Clad in Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, it exuded Porsche’s timeless design ethos. The exterior—featuring a sloping clamshell hood, muscular haunches, and an athletic roofline—whispered of its sports car ambitions. Inside, the Macan drew heavily from its sports car lineage with an ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel and a large tachometer taking center stage in the gauge cluster. The flat, wide dashboard and center console, adorned with secondary controls, combined sporty elements with practical luxury. The red leather seats, paired with gloss black and metallic accents, reaffirmed the Macan's premium, performance-oriented nature.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offered a singular engine option, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) featuring wheel-mounted shift paddles, this setup moved the GLB with enough zest to hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. Front-wheel drive came standard, with a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system available for an additional $2,000. This AWD option provided significantly better handling in various conditions and came with the Off-Road Engineering Package, ideal for light off-road ventures.

The GLB weighed between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds depending on its configuration, and thanks to its power delivery and performance specs, it managed a good balance for a family SUV. Enthusiasts could opt for the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 variant for faster acceleration, reducing the 0-60 mph time to 5.1 seconds. Fuel economy figures came in at an EPA-estimated 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 variant.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan offered more exciting powertrain options across its range. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, delivering improved performance over previous iterations. The Macan GTS took things up a notch by inheriting the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the former Macan Turbo, boasting 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

The Macan S test car, however, presented a balanced yet thrilling drive with its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 inherited from last year’s GTS model. This engine pumped out 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, provided the Sport Chrono Package was included. All Macans utilized a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, complemented by a fully variable AWD system that favored rear-wheel bias for most driving scenarios.

Porsche’s meticulous attention to the Macan’s suspension and steering resulted in a vehicle that handled with the sharpness of a high-performance sports car. The Macan S featured larger, standard 20-inch wheels and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), providing agility and stability, with the test model boasting additional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB). While engaging to drive on twisty roads, the Macan S also provided a comfortable ride, albeit with a fuel economy that hovered around 18.1 mpg—close to its EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offered a practical yet luxurious cabin layout with an intriguing option—the third-row seat. Opting for this third row significantly altered the dynamics of the second-row and cargo space configuration. Without the third row, the GLB provided 27.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and expanded to 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. With the third-row option, fitting cargo became a game of Tetris, offering 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

Passenger comfort was well-managed with highly adjustable and supportive front seats featuring eight-way power adjustment and three-position memory. Heated and ventilated seats could also be added. The second row provided ample comfort for two adults, although a third adult might find it snug for longer trips. The cabin was designed with practical storage solutions like door pockets and map pockets for utmost convenience.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, while focusing intently on driver engagement, didn’t skimp on passenger comfort either. Our test vehicle featured the Premium Package, which included 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, although true driving enthusiasts might prefer the Adaptive Sports Seats Plus for maximum support during spirited driving. The back seats, on the other hand, were less accommodating for taller passengers, especially with a taller driver in the front seat. Nevertheless, entry and exit were easier than one might expect in a sports-styled SUV.

The Macan’s design updates for 2022 included a redesigned center console with haptic touch controls, which added a modern yet slightly cumbersome element as it required drivers to divert their attention from the road. Despite its compact nature, the Macan offered a decent cargo space, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—enough to fit four full-size suitcases if the cargo cover was removed.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class was hailed as an entry-level Mercedes-Benz that didn't feel entry-level when it came to technology. It came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, a sophisticated infotainment system featuring voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, with options to upgrade to a 10.25-inch digital cluster and touchscreen as part of the Premium Package. Features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless start were all standard, with options for enhanced audio, navigation, augmented reality (AR) for navigation, and even a head-up display (HUD). The GLB didn’t skimp on convenience features either, offering wireless charging, NFC pairing, and advanced driver assistance systems.

The 2022 Porsche Macan impressed with its Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system anchored by a 10.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services like a WiFi hotspot. The audio options ranged from a 10-speaker system to high-end Bose or Burmester systems. Despite its advanced interface, user experience occasionally faltered with less intuitive icons and a voice recognition system that lagged behind rivals. However, once set up, the system required minimal interaction, and crucial controls like stereo volume and climate settings were easily accessible outside the touchscreen.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class adhered to Mercedes' reputation for safety, offering a comprehensive suite of standard safety features such as active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, and attention assist. Available safety upgrades included adaptive LED headlamps, blind-spot assist, and a range of driver assistance features through the Driver Assistance Package. The package added advanced cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound, a feature that emitted a sound to help protect hearing in a collision. However, the GLB had yet to receive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In comparison, the 2022 Porsche Macan came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera as standard. Options included blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, with the blind-spot system included in the tested vehicle. While the basic safety features worked seamlessly, the Macan lacked the more advanced driving assistance technologies found in other luxury competitors. Parking assistance received a leg up with the optional Park Assist system that could handle parallel and perpendicular parking with ease. Like the GLB, the 2022 Macan had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.