2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 BMW X3

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined a robust lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB was slightly larger than the GLA but just a bit smaller than the GLC. Despite these differences, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its siblings, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. Its athletic stance and 7.9 inches of ground clearance gave it a more rugged look compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC.

Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design. The dashboard featured a striking repetition of round shapes, including polished metal HVAC vents that evoked an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen added to the cabin's elegance. The fit and finish were top-notch, typical of Mercedes-Benz, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the driving experience.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants, saw a slight exterior redesign for a more aggressive stance. 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 redesigned front bumper featured new vertical air intakes. The rear received new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, along with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper.

The X3's cabin was clean and efficient, with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The interior featured a 40/20/40-split rear seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The X3 offered a variety of interior color choices and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations, making it a comfortable and customizable space for occupants.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB offered front-wheel drive as standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined for the FWD model, and 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined for the AWD version.

Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially on dry roads and during cornering maneuvers. The Off-Road Engineering Package, standard with 4MATIC, included hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and an animation program to aid off-road maneuvers.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 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 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, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a new mild-hybrid system, produced 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system provided smoother start/stop operation and an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which affected the second row and cargo compartments. The second row featured a 40:20:40-split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60-split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not in use. Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger model, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five adults, though the rear middle seat was best suited for smaller passengers. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering ample cargo space for backpacks and equipment. The X3's SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding softness. The bottom seat cushion could be extended for taller drivers, though the extension handle could be intrusive for some. The redesigned center console featured a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The layout of the gear selector, iDrive controller knob, and driving function buttons was improved for better ergonomics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless start, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package added 10.25-inch displays, keyless go, and an upgraded Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality, traffic-sign assist, and a head-up display. Other available features included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance, and active parking assist.

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. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully-digital experience. The standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a 600-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system on M40i models. Other tech options included a Convenience Package, a Premium Package, and gesture control.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with standard safety features such as active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active lane change assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the 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 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, a 3D assisted view display, active lane-keep assist with lane centering, and side collision avoidance.