2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a modern yet somewhat understated design. It featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, reminiscent of the A-Class and CLS-Class models. The taillights had square LEDs, but the overall design was not dramatically different from previous models. While the GLC was not unattractive, it lacked visual excitement, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires and vertical-bar grille, added some flair, and the GLC Coupe’s fastback roof provided a touch of elegance. Despite its high price, the GLC's exterior design did not stand out in parking lots.

Inside, the GLC boasted one of the best interiors in its class, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The interior featured a continuous sweep of stained gray ash wood, padded leather seats, and cold metal speaker covers. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous smaller displays, and a 12.3-inch display option for the instrument cluster. The steering wheel was updated with more buttons and a thicker, softer feel. The interior's quality and the new technology made the GLC's cabin a highlight.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover continued its legacy of luxury and capability. Originating from Land Rover's rugged off-road vehicles, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 underpinnings. The current generation, introduced in 2012, offered various trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with options for standard or long wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with two 10-inch screens, provided Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Optional features included heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system. The HSE trim added 20-way power-adjustable front seats and upgraded leather upholstery. The Autobiography trim made many options standard, including massaging front seats. The SVAutobiography featured unique styling and nearly every available feature. The Range Rover's luxurious interior and extensive feature list made it a top choice for those seeking comfort and capability.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive, was reprogrammed for improved performance. The GLC 300 felt more responsive than previous models, but its engine still lagged behind competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offered impressive performance. The AMG GLC 63 models, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered up to 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Despite the powerful AMG options, the GLC 300's handling and steering were disappointing, with body roll and vague steering detracting from the driving experience. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

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 hp 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, producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid powertrain was available, 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, the performance variant, featured 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's engines provided a blend of power and efficiency, with the V8 options delivering exhilarating performance. The electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling ensured a comfortable ride, while the Terrain Response System offered exceptional off-road capability.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with modern Mercedes vehicles. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, became intuitive with practice. The GLC's interior accommodated four adults comfortably, but the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: standard and long. Both versions provided standard seating for five, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 34.5 cubic feet with them up. The LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet of total cargo space. The Range Rover's hands-free power liftgate featured a unique two-piece configuration, facilitating loading and tailgating. The front row offered a convenient center-console compartment and ample door storage.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX system, which included augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. The system could suggest destinations and display Yelp reviews. While some features were limited in functionality, the touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. Optional wireless device charging was available. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and additional driving modes.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo system consisted of two touchscreens, with the top screen handling navigation and the lower screen managing climate and vehicle settings. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu. While the system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, it offered a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring top ratings in all crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star rating. New for 2020, Exit Warning Assist used blind-spot-monitoring sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars. Other features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover included 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 were optional rather than standard.