2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a mixed reception regarding its exterior design. While it showed promise with an aggressive nose and sloping hood, it seemed to lose its distinctiveness past the A-pillar, making it look similar to its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped mitigate its minivan-like appearance, but it still lacked the pitch-perfect proportions seen in competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, but it couldn't quite match the visual appeal of rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. The 2021 redesign brought a more streamlined and cohesive look, with a luxurious and high-quality interior. The red and black interior of the tested GLE Coupe was particularly striking, featuring twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede. Despite some flimsy gear selector and turn signal stalks, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of pampering and luxury.

The 2021 BMW X3, on the other hand, had a more refined and cohesive design. The third generation, introduced in 2018 and updated in 2020, brought a more luxurious feel to the small SUV segment. The exterior of the X3 resembled a downsized BMW X5, giving it a more substantial and premium look. Inside, the X3 featured the same cold, mechanical interior styling found across the BMW lineup. While it wasn't as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional. The 2021 X3 came in several trims, including the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, each offering a range of standard and optional features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, available with rear-wheel drive or optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLE 450 upgraded to a 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, featuring an AIRMATIC air suspension for improved ride quality. The AMG GLE 53 took performance further with a 429-horsepower engine and an electric supercharger for instant throttle response. The GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier AMG GLE 63 S delivered a staggering 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. All GLE models, except the base GLE 350, featured a hybrid system with a 48-volt battery, providing additional power and seamless auto stop-start functionality. The GLE's advanced suspension systems, including the AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control, offered exceptional handling and ride quality, making it feel agile despite its size. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 288 horsepower and a 17-mile electric-only range. The M40i trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine with 382 horsepower, offering robust acceleration and responsive handling. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M delivered 473 horsepower, making it a true performance SUV. The X3's driving experience was enhanced by its well-tuned suspension and precise steering, providing a balanced and engaging ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious and versatile interior, with most models featuring two rows of seats and an optional third row for seating up to seven. The second-row seats provided power controls for recline, fore-aft adjustment, and headrest positioning, with easy access to the third row via buttons at the rear doors. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five seats and had a more confined rear space due to its sloping roofline and large rear tires. Cargo capacity in the standard GLE was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe offered 23 cubic feet behind the second row and 61 cubic feet with the seats folded. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and a simplified interface, making it easier to navigate and control various functions.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided impressive interior space and practicality. With the rear seats folded, the X3 offered up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space, among the best in its class. With the rear seats in use, it still provided a generous 28.7 cubic feet. A power liftgate was standard, with an optional hands-free power liftgate available. The X3's cabin was spacious for all passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The driver and front passenger enjoyed a commanding driving position and easy-to-use controls, including real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology and features. The main 12-inch touchscreen display was equipped with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture control and customizable shortcuts. The AMG models featured a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew functions and GPS lap timing. The GLE's infotainment system included search bars and larger type for easier navigation, along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The head-up display and instrument panel could be reconfigured in various layouts, and the ambient lighting offered 64 colors with dynamic animations. The navigation system projected front camera feeds with overlay arrows and street names for better directions. Additional features included a natural voice assistant, semi-automated driving functionality, and a range of comfort and convenience options like heated armrests and seat kinetics.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The system offered both touch operation and an iDrive dial in the center console, catering to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto available as an option. Other optional features included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. The X3 also offered gesture control for basic functions, although it could be triggered unintentionally by those who talk with their hands.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its top scores in six crash tests, headlights, and standard forward emergency braking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for enhanced protection in a crash, along with advanced braking and stability control systems.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included 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.