2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

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 an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLB featured a long, flat hood, an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate, creating a visually symmetrical appearance. The focus was on maximizing interior space within its compact dimensions, highlighted by standard roof rails. The test model, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package, showcased style and attitude with 20-inch AMG wheels. Priced from $36,600, the GLB 250 4Matic test vehicle was loaded with options, including metallic paint, adaptive damping suspension, and a Burmester premium sound system, totaling $55,890. 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. The interior design combined high style with simplicity, though some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable status within the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover, once a utilitarian vehicle, had evolved into a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000. The test model, an HSE Westminster special edition, was priced at $106,715 and featured standard paint, wheels, and leather, with options like a wood-and-leather steering wheel and heated and ventilated seats. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless look with hallmark design cues and a clean, tapering style. Inside, the Ivory-color interior offered a high-contrast design with a mid-century modern ambiance. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models, it was manageable. The Range Rover's interior exuded luxury, though the second row lacked comfort. The SUV's design drew from its heritage, much like a Porsche 911, offering a blend of modernity and classic appeal.

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 and 258 lb-ft of torque. The SUV accelerated to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, though it felt quicker due to the engine's wide torque band and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The DCT powered the front wheels, with 4Matic AWD as an option, providing power to the rear wheels for optimal grip. The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, offered a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more dynamic experience in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine, the GLB delivered a fun driving experience, though the brakes faded prematurely during spirited driving. The fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA's 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered various powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The SUV featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. Terrain Response 2 traction control ensured off-road capability, though the test vehicle was not pushed to its limits. The Range Rover provided a commanding view and smooth power delivery, with near-total cabin silence. An adaptive air suspension offered a classic wafting ride, while maneuverability was aided by a tight turning radius and a surround-view camera system. The HSE Westminster required a measured approach on winding roads, with slow steering response and noticeable side-to-side wallow. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered more interior space than the larger GLC, with an optional third row of seats. It comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows. The second-row seat slid for additional space, and the test vehicle's front seats provided 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, thanks to the traditional SUV roofline.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, the back seat offered luxury features like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Luggage volume was 25 cubic feet, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

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 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 assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester sound system was a highlight.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured fully digital instrumentation and infotainment with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed keyless access, and the iGuide app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with safety features like a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and evasive steering assistance. However, crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance as standard. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.