2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs BMW X3

Performance Specs

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offers a smooth and sporty drive with a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. This works with a versatile 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but 4MATIC® all-wheel drive is also available.

The BMW X3 also comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and offers all-wheel drive, but it's not quite as powerful. Plus, its transmission doesn't offer quite the same performance or capability.

Technology & Connectivity

With leather seats, classic wood accents, and a heated steering wheel, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offers the timeless style you expect from a luxury SUV. It also gives you lots of ways to get comfortable with power adjustable and ventilated front seats. Meanwhile, the dashboard features some state-of-the-art technology.

It starts with a couple of high-tech displays, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen on the dashboard. This command center lets you stream music, safely make hands-free calls, get directions, and stay in tough wherever you go with the following features:

• Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding
• Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
• HD Radio & SiriusXM®
• In-Car Wi-Fi
• MB Navigation

To enjoy all that music and hear your directions loud and clear, the 2021 GLC 300 offers a 590-watt, 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System.

The X3 also has a stylish interior that's equipped with a 10.25-inch center screen and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. However, the system isn't as user friendly. While it comes with standard features like Apple CarPlay® and voice recognition, Android Auto™ is only available on the upper trim levels. Plus, if you are able to stream music from your smartphone, you'll have to settle for a 12-speaker 205-watt sound system.

Safety Features

Any SUV that you're going to trust with your family has to be able to keep them safe. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 does just that by offering some intelligent safety features.

These driver-assist technologies can help prevent accidents by adjusting your speed to keep you a safe distance from the car in front of you, automatically braking, and giving you more awareness of what's around your SUV. They can even remind you to keep your eyes on the road. Some of the available safety features include:

• Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• ATTENTION ASSIST®
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®

The BMW X3 offers some similar safety features, however, it can't steer you back into your lane, warn you when a car is crossing behind you, or adjust your speed with intelligent cruise control.