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

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a more refined and streamlined appearance compared to its predecessors. The softened lines and reduced scalloping contributed to a lower drag coefficient, making it a class leader in aerodynamics. The front end underwent a significant transformation, enhancing its overall appeal. Inside, the GLE offered increased headroom and legroom due to an extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available. However, the special Emerald Green Metallic paint showed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium option.

The interior of the GLE was luxurious, with options like black leather upholstery and a fragrance system, although the latter was not to everyone's taste. The multi-contour front seats with a massage feature added comfort, but additional costs were required for heating and ventilation. The vehicle's technology was highlighted by dual 12.3-inch screens, although the steering wheel occasionally obstructed the view. Despite some minor issues, the GLE's interior was generally well-received, with features like the Burmester stereo and Acoustic Comfort Package enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar struck a balance between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover, offering a unique profile with its low roof and steeply-raked windshield. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs, which improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition featured sportier styling, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, along with standard 21-inch wheels.

Inside, the Velar's interior was a departure from its 1969 namesake, featuring high-quality leather and metal trim. The cockpit-like design created a more immersive driving experience, although it felt cramped compared to other SUVs. The Velar's avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, contributing to a claustrophobic feel. Cargo space was competitive but not class-leading, and the vehicle's towing capacity was respectable across different models.

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 offered sufficient power at speed, the engine 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, though not as smooth as competitors like the BMW X5. The GLE 350's fuel economy was commendable, achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the BMW X5 offered more power with similar efficiency.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a V8 engine in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar was not the quickest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S outperforming it. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined feel, but its chassis lacked the sharpness of other performance SUVs. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were supported by features like Terrain Response and All-Terrain Progress Control, although it lacked a low-range transfer case.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefited from an extended wheelbase, providing ample space in the second row. Depending on the configuration, 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 folded. The interior was dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent discomfort on long drives. However, the steering wheel occasionally obstructed the view of the screens, and the upgraded stereo caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize ones. Its avant-garde styling limited interior space, with less headroom and legroom compared to competitors. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design created a cramped feeling inside, and visibility was hindered by the tall hood and limited side glass. The vehicle's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting but offered exciting new features. The system was controlled via two 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display, providing options like augmented reality navigation. The voice control system, while impressive in the A-Class, was less effective in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's offerings, although it struggled at high speeds.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar used the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, and smartphone compatibility. The upper screen handled media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. The system received praise for its graphics and layout but was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE lacked testing data from the NHTSA and 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 driver-assistance systems struggled at high speeds, causing the vehicle to sway within its lane and become easily confused by road conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar also lacked safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options. The Velar's driver-assist tech was less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist offered.