2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style, sitting comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the more traditional, boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinctive profile, setting it apart from the upright stance of its siblings. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs hinted at performance capabilities. Despite its stylish exterior, the Velar's interior was a departure from its 1969 namesake, featuring high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that made occupants feel enveloped rather than perched on top.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was seen as an adequate-looking vehicle, lacking the striking presence of its competitors. While the aggressive nose and sloping hood promised excitement, the design seemed to falter past the A-pillar, resembling its predecessors. However, the GLE's interior was a masterpiece of quality and design, with a red and black color scheme that was both bold and luxurious. The interior featured twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of materials that were a delight to touch. Despite its exterior shortcomings, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of pampering and sophistication.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift from being more show than go. It introduced a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. This setup allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, it wasn't the fastest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt large on tight roads, making it less agile in corners.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile performer, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 255 hp, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered even more power with 483 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the vehicle to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The GLE's hybrid setup, with a 48-volt battery, enhanced performance and efficiency, though fuel economy remained average for its class.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar didn't offer more interior space, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3 providing more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row allowed seating for seven. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five seats, with a sloping roofline that reduced rear passenger space. Cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe offered less space, with 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the new MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved functionality. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with easy-to-use seat controls and a range of features that enhanced comfort and convenience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, though they were prone to reflecting sunlight.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of recognizing hand gestures for various functions. The system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The GLE's technology suite included a Track Pace app for AMG models, Seat Kinetics for automatic seat adjustments, and a range of comfort features like heated armrests and ambient lighting. The navigation system offered advanced features like projecting the front camera feed with overlay arrows for directions. The GLE's voice assistant responded to "Mercedes" and could perform various tasks, while semi-automated functionality enhanced driving convenience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options, though Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for its performance in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. While the NHTSA had not rated the GLE, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor, while optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for enhanced protection in a crash.