2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to the brand's commitment to a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges. It managed to balance modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights, yet avoided the overly sharp designs seen in some competitors. The GLC's long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an artful blend of soft lines and curves, with a flowing dash and a floating centre touchscreen. Mercedes-Benz was known for its minimalist approach, and the GLC's interior set a high standard for compact luxury SUV cabins.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, on the other hand, showcased a distinctive look as an electric vehicle, moving away from the fake toughness of its gasoline counterparts like the Tiguan and Atlas. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, giving it a unique stance. The ID.4 was part of VW's EV-specific MEB platform, designed to appeal to North American crossover buyers. Its interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. While the ID.4's design was not overtly SUV-like, it offered a spacious cabin with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed through a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered a range of drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. While the GLC wasn't overly sporty, it provided ample power and a responsive driving experience. For those seeking more performance, the AMG GLC 43 offered a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 producing 503 horsepower.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive version added a second electric motor, increasing total power output to 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. While it lacked aggressive regenerative braking, it offered a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, dropping to 550 litres with the seats up. The GLC Coupe's fastback design reduced these figures to 1,400 and 500 litres, respectively. The GLC offered decent rear-seat space, with ample legroom and headroom in the SUV variant, though the Coupe's low roofline compromised headroom. The interior featured a well-designed centre console and deep door pockets for storage.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it lacked a "frunk," the ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good front headroom and average legroom. The cabin featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow centre console, providing ample phone storage but limited space for larger items. The ID.4's heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in cold conditions, though the driver's seat lacked thigh support.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, centre console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, offering both touch and controller options. The steering wheel included touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly integrated, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required some navigation.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered advanced safety features through the $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package, though the sensors were overly sensitive and could be distracting.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.