2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors. The softened lines and reduced edges contributed to a lower drag coefficient of .29, making it a class leader in aerodynamics. The front end saw the most significant visual transformation, giving the vehicle a handsome yet 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 special $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle.

The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The price could quickly escalate with various options, such as black leather upholstery for $1,620, a cabin air purifier for $350, and multi-contour front seats with a massage feature for $1,100. Despite the luxurious additions, some features like heated and ventilated seats required additional costs. The overall interior was lovely, but certain options like the $650 illuminated running boards and $180 heated and cooled cupholders seemed excessive. The final price of the test model reached $78,370, including a $995 Delivery & Destination fee.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS carried over from its third-generation introduction in 2020. The GLS, originally the GL-Class, evolved to offer a more pragmatic and luxurious alternative to the G-Class. The current GLS featured softened angles and lines, making it appear less bulky. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin with a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant controls.

The GLS was available in three levels: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the AMG GLS 63. The GLS 450 included standard features like remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. The GLS 580 added V8 power, heated-and-cooled front seats, and 21-inch wheels. The AMG GLS 63, with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, stood out with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The GLS 63 also featured an adaptive air suspension system, multiple drive-mode settings, and a hushed, composed ride thanks to E-Active Body Control.

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 the engine 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 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's starting price of $56,200 made it competitive, but the X5's standard turbocharged inline-6 offered more power and better performance. The GLE 350's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph. All engines included Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension and multiple drive-mode settings provided exceptional handling and a composed ride.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. The GLE 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. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping, though the steering wheel's position often blocked part of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, but the bass caused noticeable vibration through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. The third row was less spacious but still suitable for full-size adults. The GLS had more cargo space behind the third row than the BMW X7, with 17.4 cubic feet expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. The total cargo space reached 87.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed plenty of storage compartments, and the center console featured butterfly doors, though it was too small for a purse.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting at first glance. The system included two giant 12.3-inch screens and a comprehensive HUD. The voice control system, similar to Siri and Alexa, was less effective in the GLE compared to the A-Class. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS also came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The voice-control system responded to "Mercedes" or "Hey Mercedes" and could understand complex commands. The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system had a learning curve but made the technology more manageable once mastered.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Attention Assist monitored eye contact and head position to anticipate drowsiness, and Seat Kinetics adjusted seating positions to prevent cramping. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were less effective at high speeds, often causing the car to bounce around the lane and get fooled by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a host of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also came standard with a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.