2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges. This change contributed to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29, making it a class leader according to Mercedes. The front end saw the most significant transformation, giving the vehicle a handsome, if unoffensive, appearance. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test model showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle design, with no gratuitous styling changes or aerodynamic trickery to distinguish it from other versions. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, making it nearly invisible unless pointed out. This approach was appreciated as it kept the design clean and appealing. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured a gorgeous Firenze Red paint, black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, quality materials were evident, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it provided ample power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The start-stop system was notably inelegant, detracting from the overall driving experience. Despite these issues, the engine was smooth and powerful, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that, while not as refined as BMW's 8-speed, was still competent. The GLE 350 4Matic offered competitive fuel economy with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to stay in EV mode, likely due to factors like climate control use and hilly terrain. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, showing a significant improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, though the regenerative brakes were grabby, making smooth stops difficult.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefited from an extra 3 inches in wheelbase, providing a spacious second row. Depending on options, it offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. Seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping, though the steering wheel position often blocked part of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, though it caused some vibration through the brake pedal.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV had a compromised cargo area due to the battery placement, reducing space to 27.5 cubic feet behind the back seat. The raised cargo floor also made it easy for items to fall out when opening the tailgate. Despite this, the SUV comfortably seated five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear passengers. The test vehicle included 4-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof, enhancing the interior experience. However, practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting but ultimately rewarding once mastered. The system included two 12.3-inch screens and a comprehensive HUD, offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. While the voice control system was less effective than in the A-Class, the overall technology package was impressive, with gesture control that actually worked and better driver-assistance tech than BMW.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and could be frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting it up, the system occasionally behaved unexpectedly, with delayed reactions and a lack of haptic feedback. While touchscreen technology was necessary to manage the vehicle's complexity, it often led to befuddlement and bemusement, making it a challenging experience for technophobes.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to prevent driver fatigue. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems were less effective at high speeds, causing the vehicle to bounce around the lane and struggle with unexpected road conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport also lacked crash-test ratings but came with advanced driver-assistance systems. The steering-assist system and lane-keeping assist were too aggressive, causing head-toss and abrupt corrections. Despite these issues, the vehicle's heavy weight and adaptive air suspension provided a sense of security, though the technology could be distracting.