2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it did offer leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models added a sporty flair with unique styling elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, offering a more classic look compared to the aggressive styling of some competitors. The GLC's exterior was complemented by a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was praised as an automotive work of art, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and coupe body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sleeker look. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, while the interior boasted synthetic leather upholstery and a host of tech features.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M pushed the envelope with 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 km of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the engaging drive experience typical of BMWs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered a balanced driving experience, with precise steering and a responsive powertrain, even in Comfort mode. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbo V6 with 385 hp, while the AMG GLC 63 S delivered a formidable 503 hp from its twin-turbo V8, offering sports car-like performance.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of its interior space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though longer journeys revealed some discomfort in the front seats. The optional third row was not tested, but the split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easy. Without the third row, the X5 offered ample cargo space, though the xDrive45e variant had slightly less due to its battery. The rear doors' limited opening angle made accessing the second row more challenging.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC provided 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, dropping to 550 litres with them up. The GLC Coupe's cargo capacity was slightly less, at 1,400 and 500 litres, respectively. The GLC's interior featured a spacious centre console and deep door pockets, while the rear seats offered adequate legroom and headroom, except in the Coupe variant. Overall, the GLC made excellent use of its interior space, though the Coupe's design compromised some practicality.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the CarPlay system had connectivity quirks, often taking over music operations unexpectedly. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a touch controller. The system was intuitive, offering both touchscreen and controller options. The steering wheel housed touch-sensitive pads for navigating the digital instrument panel and infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus. Despite this, the system was praised for its seamless operation.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package's adaptive cruise control system had issues with timely reactions to stopped traffic and lane-keeping, especially in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received high safety ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to several recalls.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the purchase of the Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Plus Package added parking sensors and hands-free parking assist, though the sensors were overly sensitive, causing distractions. Despite this, the GLC offered a robust safety suite.