2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class presented a significant refinement over its predecessors with a smoother, less angular design. The softened lines and elimination of most edges and scalloping likely contributed to a drag coefficient decrease from .32 to .29, elevating its aerodynamic superiority within its class. The most notable aesthetic change was its revised front end, which rendered the vehicle more handsome yet unassuming.

Internally, the GLE-Class extended its wheelbase by 3.1 inches, yielding additional headroom and legroom. This enhancement allowed Mercedes to introduce an optional third-row seat for the first time in its midsize SUV lineup (though this particular feature required further verification). The interior, though mostly impressive, was marred by the orange-peel effect on the special Emerald Green Metallic paint, detracting from its premium feel.

Pricing for the GLE 350 began at $53,700 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system increased the base price by $2,500. My test vehicle, loaded with several optional features like black leather upholstery, Air Balance Package, multi-contour front seats, and various comfort enhancements, saw its price escalate swiftly to a total of $78,370, inclusive of destination fees. Despite the luxury features like a Burmester stereo and designo black flamed trim, certain options, like the illuminated running boards and heated/cooled cupholders, seemed less justified.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban exhibited the polarizing design characteristic of modern Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. While the Suburban’s conservative aesthetic characteristics allowed previous generations to age gracefully, the current design adopted a more divisive approach with small headlights and expansive, ornate grilles. Borrowing from the Camaro, the Suburban’s design language stretched over its large frame was met with mixed reviews. Thankfully, the interior told a different story with familiar control placements and an enviable amount of passenger space. The radio and climate controls were presented conventionally, contributing to ease of use despite reflective chrome accents causing visibility issues.

The Suburban’s trim levels ranged from LS to the luxurious High Country variant. Standard features on the LS included an intuitive infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, power front seats, and tri-zone climate control, while higher trims like the Premier and High Country added sophisticated amenities like adaptive suspension, leather upholstery, and advanced driver assistance systems. Our High Country test model included a Deluxe package, panoramic sunroof, and rear-seat media system, although it still utilized some hard plastics that belied its luxury SUV designation.

The GLE 350’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, adapted from the A-Class sedan, generated 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Its twin-scroll turbo system aided in delivering sufficient power at speed, though it struggled with sluggishness from a standstill due to noticeable turbo lag and the vehicle’s hefty almost 5,000-pound weight. The start-stop system also lagged in refinement, impairing otherwise smooth and powerful performance. While the 9-speed automatic transmission was competent, it lacked the fluidity found in BMW’s 8-speed alternative. Despite this, the GLE 350 managed respectable fuel efficiency, achieving 19 mpg in the city and 26 highway.

In comparison, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a broader range of engine options starting with a standard 5.3-liter V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The more formidable 6.2-liter V8 pushed 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, with the 5.3-liter variant seeing a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering package. Our test model featured the new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel, outputting 277 horsepower and a robust 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. These specs ensured impressive pickup and V8-like torque, providing strong performance both from a standstill and on the highway. However, its auto stop-start system was intrusive, albeit easy to disable.

While the Suburban saw improvements like an independent rear suspension contributing to a smoother ride, it retained some truck-like handling quirks. Braking confidence was high with responsive and powerful brakes, but body roll and sensitivity to crosswinds illustrated the vehicle’s underlying truck-based architecture. Nonetheless, it remained smooth across various driving surfaces, bolstered by amenities like the adaptive air suspension in higher trims.

The expanded wheelbase of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class notably enhanced its interior space, particularly benefiting second-row passengers with the potential option of a third-row seat. Cargo capacity ranged from 33.3 to 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row, extending to a substantial 79.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The layout inside was modern and welcoming, dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens blending seamlessly into the dash, complemented by a contentious though largely effective steering-wheel-controlled interface.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban truly excelled in cargo capacity, offering an astonishing 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Even with all seats in use, it provided 93.8 cubic feet of space, with 41.5 cubic feet available behind the third row—a cargo capacity superior to many smaller crossovers. Passenger comfort was paramount, with commanding views and generous head and legroom across all rows. Our test model’s second-row captain's chairs added to the spacious feel, reinforced further by a controversial yet innovative power-sliding center console, whose functionality, however, left room for efficiency improvements.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class dazzled with its MBUX infotainment system. Built around dual 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display, the MBUX system initially appeared complex but soon revealed itself as intuitive and highly customizable. Enhanced by natural voice controls akin to Siri or Alexa, the system allowed for features such as augmented reality-assisted navigation and gesture controls, making it a standout technology suite despite occasional unreliability in pre-production models.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GMC’s user-friendly infotainment system. With crisp graphics and logical menu layouts, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an available navigation system—though the former rendered this somewhat redundant. Key convenience features, such as a head-up display and optional rear entertainment system, alongside a wireless device charging pad, ensured the Suburban met modern in-car tech expectations comprehensively.

While the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class lacked crash-testing data from the NHTSA or IIHS, its comprehensive suite of autonomous safety features promised robust protection. Unique offerings like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to enhance driver alertness and comfort. However, high-speed functionality of adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems proved inconsistent, contributing to a mixed safety experience.

In comparison, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, and pedestrian detection, among other safety features. Optional advancements like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a surround-view camera system were available, though some of these were standard on competitors. Uniquely, Chevrolet’s rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat offered novel and practical safety alerts through seat vibrations, adding a layer of intuitive safety communication.