2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 was a blend of opulence and off-road capability, a hallmark that defined the brand since the introduction of the Range Rover in 1969. By 2020, the Range Rover was available in various trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with options for Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its somewhat polarizing exterior design, boasted a refined and luxurious interior. The GLE's cabin was a masterpiece of quality and design, featuring a red and black interior that was both bold and opulent. The vehicle's interior was equipped with advanced technology, including a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture controls and a variety of comfort features like heated armrests and a mood-yoga-zen function. The GLE's interior was designed to pamper its occupants, offering a sense of luxury that rivaled even the most prestigious SUVs.

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, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft V8. The Range Rover's performance was complemented by an electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling, ensuring a comfortable ride over various terrains. The Terrain Response System offered multiple drive modes, enhancing the vehicle's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its complex suspension and engine setup. The GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 offered a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 took this engine to 429 hp and 384 lb-ft with an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, and the AMG GLE 63 S topped the range with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. The GLE's air suspension, including the E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, making it feel agile despite its size. The GLE's towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds was impressive, and its driving experience was both engaging and comfortable.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, SWB and LWB, with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more rear-seat comfort, especially with optional captain's chairs. The SWB model had 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover's unique two-piece power liftgate facilitated easy loading and tailgating. The interior featured convenient storage compartments, although the center-console compartment was not particularly deep.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available as a roomy two-row SUV, with an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. The Coupe variant accommodated five passengers, though the rear space felt more confined due to the sloping roofline. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 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 MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved user experience.

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 seat settings. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, offering a unique user experience. However, the reliance on digital screens posed challenges, as the system could be buggy and laggy. A fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display added to the Range Rover's tech offerings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of recognizing hand gestures. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE's tech features extended to ambient lighting with 64 colors, a configurable head-up display, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality and advanced navigation system further enhanced the GLE's technological appeal.

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 competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor were standard, while adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and evasive steering assist were optional. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features added to its safety credentials, making it a well-equipped vehicle in terms of safety.