2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to timeless design, eschewing the aggressive styling trends of its contemporaries for a more classic aesthetic. Its exterior was characterized by soft curves and rounded edges, yet it still managed to convey a modern edge with its menacing LED headlights. The long hood and wide grille gave the GLC 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 artistic masterpiece, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated automotive design to an art form. The interior was the benchmark for compact luxury SUV cabins, with features like synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a fully digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more aggressive exterior design, with a slightly larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, adding a futuristic touch. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new metallic colours like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue. Inside, the X3 offered a clean and efficient design, with a variety of inserts, including wood trim and SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The interior was spacious, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat and a power tailgate for added convenience. The redesigned centre console and larger infotainment system improved accessibility and functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered a balanced driving experience, with precise turn-in and confident handling. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S offered twin-turbocharged engines with 385 and 503 horsepower, respectively, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The X3 M40i offered a more powerful 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, along with a mild-hybrid system. The M40i's performance was enhanced by a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension, making it a highway hustler with a 4.5-second zero-to-100 km/h time.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 550 litres with them up. The GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced these figures to 1,400 and 500 litres, respectively. The GLC provided decent rear-seat space, with ample legroom and headroom in the SUV variant. The interior featured a centre console with a "barn-door" opening, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided a roomy interior for five adults, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat and a power tailgate. The SensaTec seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the redesigned centre console improved ergonomics. The standard infotainment system was larger, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

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

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel and 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a range of connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 offered a 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. Additional tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. 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 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of active safety features. Optional safety features included parking assistance plus, traffic jam assistance, and a 360-degree surround camera view.