2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB presented a unique aesthetic with its boxy and tall design, distinguishing it from other small Mercedes SUVs. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform, it offered the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system as an option. Its design featured a long, flat hood, an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate, creating a symmetrical look with equal front and rear overhangs. The GLB prioritized function over form, maximizing interior space within its compact dimensions, and came equipped with robust roof rails. The test model, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and featuring the AMG Line design package with 20-inch AMG wheels, added a stylish flair. Starting at $36,600, the GLB 250 4Matic tested was priced at $55,890, loaded with options like metallic paint, adaptive damping suspension, and a Burmester premium sound system. Inside, the GLB exuded a special feel with dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and a blend of MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats, though some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable status within the Mercedes lineup.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, in its second generation since 2014, carried over the refreshed design from 2018, featuring a dual-screen center console that defined its interior. The model offered a variety of trims, including SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition, each with distinct features. The base SE trim included leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker Meridian sound system. Higher trims like the HSE Silver added quad-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a 19-speaker Meridian system. The HSE Dynamic boasted a supercharged V8 engine, while the Autobiography offered high-end luxury with 22-way adjustable seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR models focused on performance with a more powerful V8 and sport seats. The Range Rover Sport's interior was marked by its dual-screen setup, though it required a learning curve, and earlier models had bugs. The system featured integrated dials for various controls and a simplified upper touchscreen for infotainment, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB was available in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though the wide torque band and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission made it feel quicker. The 4Matic AWD system distributed power to the rear wheels as needed, with an Off-Road mode locking a 50:50 power split for traction. The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, offered a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more responsive experience in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine, the GLB provided a fun driving experience, though the brakes faded prematurely during spirited driving. Fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 26 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered various powertrains, starting with the base P360 mild-hybrid system, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HST model featured the P400 powertrain with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e hybrid producing 398 hp and 472 lb-ft, and the diesel V6 making 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims had a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, while the SVR models had an enhanced V8 with 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various terrains. The Range Rover Sport excelled off-road and offered impressive on-road handling, with most variants capable of towing up to 7,716 pounds, except the SVR, which towed 6,613 pounds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered more interior space than the larger GLC, with an optional third row of seats, a feature not available in other Mercedes SUVs except the GLS. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating, large windows, and an optional panoramic sunroof. The second-row seat could slide to adjust space for third-row passengers or cargo. The test vehicle's front seats had power adjustments but lacked heating and ventilation, which were available as upgrades. The second-row seat was best for two passengers due to the vehicle's narrow width. Cargo space was 22 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded, thanks to the traditional SUV roofline.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it offered only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space when in use, making it suitable for children. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, with luxurious appointments, while the third row was tight. The cargo space was adequate for road trips or extra bags, but more spacious options were available.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, priced at $2,200, upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system, standard on the GLB, included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with natural voice recognition technology. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, using a forward-facing camera for turn-by-turn directions. The Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester sound system was a highlight, providing excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen for infotainment. The system had a learning curve and earlier models had bugs, but integrated dials on the lower screen controlled various functions. The upper touchscreen had simplified icons for menu navigation and supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A real volume button was included, though its placement was less convenient. The system was not the most intuitive, but it was functional.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a Pre-Safe front collision preparation system. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. The GLB had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Other available features included a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and park assist. A head-up display was also available.