2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented a compelling case for luxury, challenging the traditional dominance of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mazda had elevated its design and material quality, surpassing other Japanese automakers such as Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, and edging closer to luxury competitors like Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. The CX-90, with its imposing size stretching over 200 inches, featured an elegant design language reminiscent of the smaller CX-30 and CX-5 models. Its large grille, wide-set front end, and substantial wheels, ranging from 19 to 21 inches, commanded attention, while tasteful chrome trim added a touch of elegance. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that could rival the best in luxury, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents, creating a sophisticated and comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC took a more conservative approach with its redesign, maintaining a familiar look to avoid alienating its loyal fanbase. The GLC sported new taillights and a revised rear end, but the overall design remained similar to its predecessor. The Coupe version retained its steeply sloping profile, while the SUV maintained its hatchback-like appearance. The interior of the GLC was sumptuous, with a focus on gadgetry and technology. The AMG models featured two-tone leather upholstery, wood-and-metal dash treatments, and an abundance of screens, buttons, and ambient lighting. Despite its relatively low price point within the brand's lineup, the GLC offered a class-leading interior for those who appreciated a tech-heavy environment.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option and an all-new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded Turbo S version offered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All CX-90 models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 Turbo S featured three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with noticeable differences in behavior between Normal and Sport modes. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric driving range of 26 miles and an estimated 56 MPGe in combined driving. Both CX-90 models excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and a transverse engine layout contributing to a nimble and agile driving experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's twin-turbocharged V6. The GLC 300, on the other hand, offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 43 utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system, providing faster shifts and better torque handling. The performance suspension and four-wheel steering contributed to a sporty driving experience, although the ride was firmer than some might prefer for a luxury crossover. The GLC 300 offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The AMG GLC 43 came with standard 4Matic AWD, enhancing its performance capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a range of seating configurations, with lower-level trims accommodating up to eight passengers and mid-level trims featuring captain's chairs for a seven-seat layout. The Turbo S models provided a two-seat configuration in the third row, with the base trim seating seven and the Premium and Premium Plus models seating six. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating configuration, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet available. The CX-90's interior featured clever storage options, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a pleasant and comfortable environment.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls and displays angled toward the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions as standard, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats available. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered less cargo space, with 17.6 cubic feet available and 52.6 cubic feet with the seats down. The power-folding rear seats and flat-folding capability added convenience to the GLC's interior.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 prioritized safety by eliminating distractions through its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used hard buttons and a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to reduce distraction, the system's quirks and idiosyncrasies sometimes led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition, adjusting settings to the driver's preferences. Standard features included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless functionality in higher trims. The rotary controller worked with these systems, but touchscreen controls were available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a portrait-oriented, tablet-style touchscreen as the centerpiece of its cockpit. The 11.9-inch center screen ran the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, offering a responsive voice command system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display with a "Transparent Hood" feature. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. An optional Advanced USB package increased the number of USB-C ports from three to six.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. The top-spec CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus featured cruising and traffic support, combining lane-centering with adaptive cruise control. While the 2024 CX-90 had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, the 2023 CX-9 received high safety ratings, suggesting the CX-90 would perform well.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, adaptive braking technology, and active parking assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash by tightening seatbelts, closing windows, and emitting a "pink noise" sound. Optional safety features were available through the Driver Assistance Package, adding adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active lane-keeping assist.