2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to its predecessors, with its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights. It brought back the classic Land Rover aesthetic that many enthusiasts missed since the departure of the LR4. The Defender's design was both functional and stylish, with features like step plates and a ladder for roof access, although some elements were more for show than utility. Its interior was industrial and basic, with a focus on durability over luxury, offering cloth seats and exposed screws. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior felt more like a rugged Jeep than a luxury SUV, lacking the opulence expected at its price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more refined and modern appearance. It was a continuation of the GLS-Class, which evolved from the GL-Class, offering a more streamlined and less bulky look. The interior was futuristic, dominated by a large digital screen that spanned much of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-forward approach. The GLS was available in several trims, including the high-performance AMG GLS 63, which featured aggressive styling and a sport-inspired interior. The GLS was designed to appeal to luxury SUV buyers seeking both comfort and cutting-edge technology.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The latter was a mild hybrid, providing smooth power delivery and quick engine restarts. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering and a suspension that leaned heavily in corners.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, on the other hand, offered a range of powerful engines, starting with the GLS 450's 3.0-liter inline-six producing 362 horsepower. The GLS 580 upgraded to a 4.0-liter V8 with 483 horsepower, while the AMG GLS 63 boasted a hand-crafted 4.0-liter V8 delivering 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. All engines featured Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, enhancing performance and efficiency. The AMG GLS 63 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, showcasing its impressive acceleration. The GLS also featured an adaptive air suspension, providing a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality and durability, with a minimalist interior designed for tough conditions. It offered flexible seating configurations, including an optional jump seat in the two-door 90 model, allowing for up to six passengers. The four-door 110 model could accommodate up to seven with an optional third row. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with the four-door 110 offering up to 79 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds, and its rugged design was tested to withstand significant impacts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided a spacious and luxurious interior with three rows of seating. It offered ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row passengers, with the third row suitable for adults. The GLS excelled in cargo space, offering 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The GLS featured numerous storage compartments and a power-folding third row for convenience. Its interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with advanced features like massaging seats and a large center console.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It featured dual SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing functionality. The system included a 10-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-inch digital instrument panel. Off-road capabilities were supported by cameras and displays showing vehicle angles and terrain information. However, some interface issues persisted, such as small icons and overlays that obstructed the view.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a large touchscreen and a trackpad for easy navigation. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connection. The MBUX system offered advanced voice control, allowing users to issue complex commands. The GLS also featured a digital instrument panel, controlled via touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system provided a seamless and intuitive user experience, with customizable displays and a learning curve that rewarded familiarity.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. However, it lacked knee airbags and rear side airbags, with only six airbags in total. Optional safety features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing vehicles or cyclists. The Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies due to its limited volume and price.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. It also featured automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, and crosswind assist. Optional safety technologies included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS was equipped with a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.