2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to the brand's legacy of combining luxury with rugged capability. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 underpinnings, a combination that defined the brand. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while higher trims added luxury touches like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, meanwhile, embraced a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, complemented by modern touches like LED headlights. The GLC's interior was a masterpiece of design, with a flowing dash and a focus on minimalist elegance. Available in both SUV and Coupe body styles, the GLC offered a balance of style and practicality. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, a digital instrument panel, and the MBUX infotainment system. Optional packages added navigation, ambient lighting, and premium sound systems, enhancing the GLC's luxury appeal.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a more powerful 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. The SV Autobiography Dynamic, the performance variant, 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, providing a blend of power and off-road capability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC featured Dynamic Select with multiple drive modes, offering a balance of comfort and responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants offered twin-turbocharged engines, with the GLC63 S delivering up to 503 hp. The GLC's performance was characterized by precise steering and confident handling, making it a refined yet responsive choice.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with the SWB providing 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and the LWB offering 77.5 cubic feet. Both configurations had 34.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up. The Range Rover's interior featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, enhancing practicality. The center-console compartment was convenient, and the digital control panel allowed for additional storage space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with them up. The GLC Coupe's fastback design reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC's interior was well-utilized, with a decently sized center console and deep door pockets. The rear seats offered adequate legroom, though the Coupe's low roofline impacted headroom. Overall, the GLC's interior was practical and well-designed.

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

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a center console touch controller, and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with both touch and controller options for navigating menus. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

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. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some rivals provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC included standard safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera and dynamic cruise control. The GLC's parking sensors were noted for being overly sensitive, but they could be deactivated if desired.