2022 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, resembling older models. 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 such as the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story. The redesigned GLE Coupe boasted a streamlined and cohesive look, with a luxurious interior featuring high-quality materials and a striking red and black color scheme. The twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede created a sense of opulence, although some controls felt flimsy.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants, featured a revised exterior design with a slightly more aggressive stance. The kidney grille was larger but not overly so, and the adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, accommodating new vertical air intakes and a redesigned front bumper. The rear saw new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, along with larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season run-flat tires were complemented by an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel for better fuel economy. The M Sport Package added sportier design elements, while the Shadowline Package provided a black-out treatment for various exterior components. The X3 M40i featured additional M-specific design elements, including high-gloss black double-bar grille inserts and aerodynamic mirrors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile SUV with multiple suspension configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a reliable coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 offered AIRMATIC self-leveling air springs. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems provided advanced handling capabilities, including the ability to lean into turns and bounce the vehicle to free it from sand. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, while the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered powerful twin-turbo V8 engines. The GLE 350 had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 had a 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 produced 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, and the GLE 580 had 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S boasted 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. All models, except the GLE 350, featured a hybrid system for improved efficiency and performance. The GLE's towing capacity was 7700 pounds, and it offered exceptional ride quality and steering.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. The sDrive30i had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, along with a new mild-hybrid system. The M40i had a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The M40i also included a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, an adaptive suspension, and a rear-oriented torque split for improved performance. The mild-hybrid system provided smoother start/stop operation and an additional 11 hp during acceleration.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven when equipped with the optional third row. The second-row seats featured power controls for recline, fore-aft adjustment, and headrest positioning. The Coupe variant, however, was limited to five seats and had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE provided 34 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe variant offered 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and a simplified interface. The interior featured high-quality materials and a luxurious design, although some controls felt flimsy.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five adults, although the rear middle seat was best suited for smaller passengers. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split configuration, offering ample cargo space for luggage and equipment. The X3's cargo area was spacious enough to accommodate multiple carry-on suitcases. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's sport seats provided good support, although the thigh-support cushion control handle could be intrusive for some drivers. The redesigned center console featured a larger standard infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The layout of the controls was user-friendly, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen display with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture control. The system included a touchpad and thumbpad for easier navigation, with search bars and larger type for improved usability. The AMG models had a Track Pace app for tracking lap times and performance. The GLE also offered Seat Kinetics, which made small adjustments to the seat position for added comfort. Additional features included a head-up display, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a natural voice assistant. The navigation system projected the front camera feed with overlay arrows for better directions. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a range of luxury features like heated armrests and a mood-yoga-zen function, added to the GLE's high-tech appeal.

The 2022 BMW X3 came standard with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded both screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully digital experience. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package, a Premium Package, and gesture control.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its performance 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 added protection in a crash.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While the IIHS had not yet tested the 2022 model, the previous X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control with auto braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and active pre-collision protection systems. Optional packages added parking assistance, 360-degree surround camera view, traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, and active lane-keep assist with lane centering and side collision avoidance.