2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC had a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges, which contrasted with the aggressive styling trends of many contemporary SUVs. Its long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. The cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover “coupe” body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look.

Standard equipment on the GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Inside, it featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen. Optional packages added features like navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, ambient lighting, and a Burmester premium sound system. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants offered more potent powertrains and performance upgrades.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured a revised exterior design with a slightly more aggressive stance, including a larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear taillights had a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new metallic colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were matched with all-season run-flat tires, and an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel was available for improved fuel economy.

The X3's cabin had a clean and efficient design, with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front sport seats. The interior featured a 40/20/40-split rear seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. A panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i and available for other models. The redesigned center console resembled newer BMW models, with a larger standard infotainment system and improved ergonomics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes. The AMG GLC43 had a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC63 variants had a twin-turbo V8 with up to 503 horsepower.

The 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i models had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The X3 M40i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and a new mild-hybrid system. The X3 sDrive30i had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i had slightly lower figures. The X3 M40i had a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe had reduced cargo space, with 49.4 cubic feet with the seats folded and 17.6 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC had a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable center cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, with good legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided ample space for five adults, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat and enough cargo room for backpacks and additional carry-on suitcases. The X3's SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather offering more softness. The redesigned center console featured a larger standard infotainment system, push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions, and a matte finish for a smudge-free appearance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable digital instrument panel controls on the steering wheel. The infotainment system was intuitive, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone music apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also had front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. The available Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, and active lane-keep assist with lane centering and side collision avoidance.