2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 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 boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinct profile, setting it apart from the traditional upright Range Rover design. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end that appeared intimidating in rearview mirrors, and its short front and rear overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, 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.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, in contrast, offered a more refined and spacious experience. Despite its large size, the GLS appeared less bulky due to softened angles and lines. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned much of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant nature. The GLS was available in three levels, with the AMG GLS 63 standing out with aggressive bodywork and a performance-inspired interior. The GLS provided a luxurious and comfortable environment, with features like heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a premium sound system, making it a family-friendly choice with a touch of elegance.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. This engine delivered 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Land Rover claimed a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, 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 ride, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, both offering respectable performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines, starting with the GLS 450's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLS 63 took performance to another level with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. All engines were equipped with Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding extra power when needed. The AMG GLS 63 achieved a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph, impressive for its 5,400+ pound weight. The GLS featured an adaptive air suspension system, providing a smooth ride and precise handling, with multiple drive modes for a customizable driving experience.

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

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS excelled in interior space, offering three rows of seating with ample headroom and legroom for first and second-row occupants. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for adults, a rarity among three-row SUVs. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The GLS featured numerous storage compartments and a power-folding third row, enhancing its practicality for families and long trips.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. While the system offered high-quality graphics and a sleek design, it was criticized for slow response times. The Velar also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, adding to its tech-savvy appeal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad for easy navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable for connection. A standout feature was the voice-control system, activated by saying "Hey Mercedes," allowing for complex commands. The GLS also boasted a digital dash that extended to the instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, offering a customizable and tech-rich experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but it came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, though Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Additional safety tech included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured crosswind assist and a full array of airbags, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.