2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB had a distinctive yet familiar Mercedes-Benz design. Its 7.9 inches of ground clearance gave it a more athletic stance compared to the lower GLA and GLC. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin's fit and finish were top-notch, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the driving experience.

The 2021 Audi Q3 sported a massive corporate grille that complemented its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling. Inside, the Q3's cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen. When the redesigned Q3 debuted in 2019, its interior was a standout, but newer Volkswagen interiors had started to catch up. Despite this, the Q3's cabin remained modern and refined. The Q3 came in Premium and Premium Plus trims, with features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The Premium Plus trim added remote start, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured 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. Front-wheel drive was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive was a $2,000 option. Fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and came with the Off-Road Engineering Package, which included hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The base MSRP was $2,000 lower, with the more powerful engine available as a $2,000 option. The Q3's performance was lively, with solid power for passing and engaging driving dynamics. The Q3 also featured Audi's Drive Select with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, though the Off-Road mode was best suited for light dirt trails.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which affected the second row and cargo compartments. The second row had a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with each section adjustable for recline and slide. 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 GLB, 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 front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space with the rear seats folded was subpar for the class, the space behind the seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV. The Q3 excelled in passenger space, with comfortable front seats and impressive headroom and legroom in the rear. It could seat five, but four passengers could take a road trip in comfort, provided they packed light.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came 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, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. Optional features included a Burmester Surround Sound System, augmented reality navigation, adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless device charging, parking assistance with surround view, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, with standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features were wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display that could present the navigation map across nearly the entire screen.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with standard safety features like 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 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 2021 GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional driver assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional available features were a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist for parallel and perpendicular parking spots.