2021 Audi Q3 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, echoing the aggressive design cues of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights had square LEDs within the same housing, making it hard to distinguish from previous models unless parked side by side. While the GLC wasn't unattractive, it lacked visual excitement from most angles, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires, vertical-bar grille, and lower stance, added some visual drama. The GLC Coupe’s fastback roof brought a touch of flair, but overall, the design didn't stand out. The beige paint and 18-inch wheels of the test car made it blend into parking lots, despite its over $60,000 price tag.

What redeemed the GLC was its interior, considered one of the best in the business. The all-black interior with stained gray ash wood was rich and luxurious, featuring a continuous sweep of wood from the three circular air vents, padded and stitched leather on the seats and doors, and cold metal covers on the stereo speakers. The fit, finish, and overall quality were impeccable. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the older 7- and 8.4-inch displays. The new touchpad on the console, additional buttons on the steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch display option for the instrument cluster enhanced the user experience.

The 2021 Audi Q3 embraced a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille and stout, chunky design, suggesting utility and dynamic handling. The cabin mirrored this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, making it a standout feature. When the redesigned Q3 debuted in 2019, its interior was impressive, but Volkswagen's newer interiors had started to catch up. Despite this, the Q3's cabin remained modern and refined, though it no longer felt as special.

The 2021 Q3 came in Premium and Premium Plus trims. The Premium trim included leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also featured a power liftgate, four USB ports, and several high-tech driver assistance features. The Premium Plus trim added remote start, pushbutton start, remote keyless entry, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Technology Package, costing $2,700, added a larger touchscreen, a premium stereo, and a digital instrument panel.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission sent power to either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), with the GLC 300 Coupe coming standard with 4Matic. The reprogrammed transmission and new engine improved the driving experience, making the GLC 300 feel more responsive. However, the engine still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offered a thrilling performance. The AMG GLC 63 4Matic Coupe's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivered 469 hp and 479 lb-ft, while the AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic Coupe topped out at 503 hp and 516 lb-ft. Despite the impressive performance of the AMG models, the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll, vague steering, and sloppy suspension control. The GLC 300 4Matic had an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AMG models had lower fuel economy.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). The S-Line trim offered a more powerful version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The more potent powertrain provided a lively driving experience, with solid power for passing and engaging performance in Sport mode. The Q3 also featured Audi’s Drive Select, with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road drive modes. The base engine had some turbo lag, particularly noticeable under hard acceleration or when passing on the highway. The Q3's handling was nimble and blended well with a comfortable ride, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new Mercedes drivers. The column shifter required an upward tap for Reverse and a downward tap for Drive, while the seat controls were located on the doors. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system offered a touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad for controlling various functions, with a simplified layout compared to the previous COMAND system. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 48 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 made up for it with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable, with plenty of deep cargo pockets, while the rear seats offered impressive headroom and legroom. The Q3 could seat five, but four passengers could comfortably take a road trip, provided they packed light.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system included advanced features like augmented reality for navigation, using a windshield-mounted camera to overlay directional arrows and street names on a live feed of the road. The system also featured a cloud-based voice assistant, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports. Wireless device charging was optional. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control, additional driving modes, and underbody shields.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi’s MMI system, with standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features included wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring top ratings in all crash tests and for its standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded the GLC its highest 5-star rating in all crash tests. New for 2020 was Exit Warning Assist, which used blind-spot-monitoring radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars, warning the driver or passenger for up to 3 minutes after shutting down the car. Other features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional driver assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional available features included a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.