2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model. The exterior design saw a slight revision, presenting a more aggressive stance with a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar positioned between the grilles. The headlights were adaptive full LEDs, slimmer by 0.4 inches, and featured new vertical air intakes along with a redesigned front bumper. The rear taillights were all new, with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The updated rear also included larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new metallic colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Nineteen-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were standard, with an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel available for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models.

The cabin of the 2022 X3 presented a clean and efficient design, featuring dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, adjustable side bolsters, reclinable rear seatbacks, tri-zone automatic climate control, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The X3 sDrive30i models and up could be optioned with premium Vernasca leather. A panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i but also available for sDrive30i and xDrive30i models. Interior color choices varied by material and model, with ambient lighting offering 11 color combinations.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, though the changes were subtle. The front grille featured Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor updates. LED headlights were standard, with multi-beam LED headlights optional. The GLE 450e test vehicle was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. Mercedes offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and 10 exterior colors available.

The interior of the GLE 450e exuded class and luxury, featuring Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered 10 interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum, black piano lacquer, gray oak, and brown linden wood. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, and a power liftgate as standard. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

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 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 a new mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It had a zero-to-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 included a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, an adaptive suspension, and an AWD system tuned for a rear-oriented torque split. The mild-hybrid system offered an additional 11 hp during acceleration and smoother start/stop operation.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, producing a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. It had a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and an estimated electric-only driving range of 40 miles. The GLE 450e's electric mode could operate at speeds up to 87 mph, with a seamless transition between gas and electric power.

The GLE 450e's suspension was supple and capable of absorbing road imperfections, providing a quiet and comfortable ride. The steering was sophisticated, making the GLE feel maneuverable despite its size. The AMG models offered quicker reflexes and more heft at the helm, but the GLE 450e's driving manners gave it an edge over many competitors.

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 equipment. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, with an extendable bottom seat cushion for taller drivers. The redesigned center console featured a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The lower area included the gear selector, BMW iDrive controller knob, and driving function buttons, with a matte finish for a smudge-free appearance.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows. The cabin had a light and airy feel, with excellent outward visibility. The 40/20/40 split-folding second row offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space. The GLE 450e came with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, and a power liftgate as standard. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

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 and Apple CarPlay compatibility, 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 a Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models. The Convenience Package added comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support, while the Premium Package included a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up instrument display and augmented reality navigation provided clear and convenient directions. The GLE also included features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display.

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 with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and active pre-collision protection systems. The 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, a 3D assisted view display, active lane-keep assist with lane centering, and side collision avoidance.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.