2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M. The sDrive30i was the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others featured all-wheel drive. For 2022, the X3 received a subtle yet aggressive exterior redesign. The kidney grille was larger but not overly so, and a black sensor bar between the grilles added a unique touch. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, and the front bumper was redesigned to include new vertical air intakes. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and claw-shaped brake light LEDs, along with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 also offered an M Sport Package and new paint options, including Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II.

Inside, the 2022 X3 had a clean and efficient design. While not as flashy as some competitors, it was still handsome with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The interior featured new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery, with premium Vernasca leather available as an option. A panoramic moonroof was standard on the M40i and optional on other models. The X3 offered various interior color choices and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations, making it a comfortable and customizable space.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe had a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. It featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, but our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe had a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. It also offered multiple driving modes, an AMG sport exhaust system, and an AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active roll stabilization.

In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made it easy to maneuver, and the turning radius was tighter than expected. However, the optional AMG Performance braking system made smooth stops challenging. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension handled speed humps well but was less forgiving on rougher roads. Overall, the GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed in various driving conditions. In Sport+ mode, it excelled on winding roads, while Sport mode provided a more balanced and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models 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 had a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It 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 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe had a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with EQ Boost, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. It had a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The GLE 53 Coupe offered multiple driving modes and an AMG sport exhaust system. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes enhanced its performance. The GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed in various driving conditions, with Sport+ mode excelling on winding roads and Sport mode providing a balanced driving experience.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40 split, providing enough cargo room for backpacks and additional luggage. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the redesigned center console improved accessibility. The standard infotainment system included a 10.25-inch screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe technically held up to five people but was more comfortable for four. The front seats had numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Available comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated armrests, and an in-cabin fragrance system.

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. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also standard. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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, rear collision avoidance, park distance control with auto braking, forward-collision warning, and active pre-collision protection systems. Optional packages added parking assistance, active park distance control, 360-degree surround camera view, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle's lifetime. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's lane-keeping assistance technology was highly effective, and the adaptive cruise control's route-based speed adaption function could be turned off.