2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover carried a legacy of luxury and ruggedness, tracing its roots back to the original Series I off-roader. This model, introduced in 1969, was a luxury SUV built on robust 4x4 underpinnings, a combination that defined the brand. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with options for standard or long wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, while higher trims added amenities like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB was a boxy, tall SUV designed for maximum interior volume. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive. The GLB's design prioritized function over form, with features like robust roof rails and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The test vehicle, equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, offered a stylish appearance. Prices started at $36,600, with the test model reaching $55,890, including options like ambient lighting and a Burmester sound system. The GLB's interior was noted for its high style and simplicity, with dual 10.25-inch screens and ambient lighting enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base engine was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid powertrain was also an option, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with electric motors for a combined 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover excelled in comfort and off-road capability, with an electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System offering various drive modes.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB was available in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The SUV accelerated to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, aided by a wide torque band and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GLB 250 powered the front wheels, while the 4Matic version offered all-wheel drive with an Off-Road mode for maximum traction. The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, provided a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more engaging experience in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine, the GLB offered a fun driving experience, though the brakes faded during spirited driving.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB). Both configurations provided seating for five, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB version offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, enhancing cargo loading. The interior included a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB boasted generous interior dimensions, even offering an optional third row of seats. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows. The second-row seat could slide to adjust space for third-row passengers or cargo. The test vehicle's front seats offered power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GLB's traditional SUV roofline contributed to its spaciousness.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone connectivity, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu. The Range Rover also included a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a Premium Package with twin 10.25-inch displays, enhancing the infotainment experience with lush graphics and customization. The MBUX system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented video, while the Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking. The Burmester premium sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Range Rover's safety features were comprehensive, though some competitors offered more standard equipment.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features such as a driver monitoring system, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and evasive steering assistance. The GLB's safety systems operated with accuracy and refinement, though crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.