2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead found its niche among pragmatic luxury SUV buyers, offering three rows of seating and a plush interior. The 2021 model featured softened angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric design.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 encompassed remote keyless entry, remote start, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The AMG GLS 63, which we tested, stood out with aggressive bodywork, quad-outlet exhaust, and a chrome, slotted grille inspired by the AMG GT supercar. Inside, it featured a performance-inspired flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a leather strip on an Alcantara wheel, adding a touch of motorsport flair to the luxurious SUV.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants—sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M—featured a revised exterior design for a 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 exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II.

Inside, the X3 presented a clean and efficient design with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front sport seats. The well-appointed interior featured a standard panoramic moonroof on the M40i, with options for premium Vernasca leather and ambient lighting offering 11 color combinations. The redesigned center console resembled newer BMW models, with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The X3's interior was practical and comfortable, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat and ample cargo space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, which we tested, boasted a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine generating 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission.

The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. The SUV featured an adaptive, adjustable air suspension system, allowing ground clearance adjustments between 7.9 and 8.5 inches. The GLS 63 also had double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, providing precise cornering. Multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for customizable driving experiences. The GLS 63's E-Active Body Control ensured a smooth ride, even on rough roads, making it easily maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a zero-to-60 mph time of 6 seconds. The X3 M40i added a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.

Fuel economy for the X3 sDrive30i was EPA-rated at 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, with its mild-hybrid system, was rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The X3 M40i featured a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, an adaptive suspension, and an AWD system tuned for a rear-oriented torque split, providing a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional second-row captain's chairs. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2022 BMW X3 accommodated five adults, though the rear middle seat was best suited for smaller passengers. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space for backpacks and equipment. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather offering additional softness. The X3's sport seats included an extendable bottom cushion for taller drivers, though the extension handle could be intrusive for some. The redesigned center console featured a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" or "Find me a seafood restaurant." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, offering customizable display options.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches, providing 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.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, 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. The available Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The updated Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, active lane-keep assist with lane centering, and side collision avoidance.