2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a more refined and smoother exterior compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and reduced edges, contributing to a lower drag coefficient of .29. This design change was claimed by Mercedes to make it a class leader in aerodynamics. The front end underwent the most noticeable transformation, enhancing its overall handsome appearance. Inside, the GLE offered increased headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, allowing for an optional third row, although this feature was not available in the test model. The interior was generally well-received, with luxurious options like multi-contour front seats with a massage feature, although some features like heated and ventilated seats required additional costs. The tester's Emerald Green Metallic paint, however, showed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover maintained its reputation for luxury and capability, rooted in its origins as a rugged off-roader. The current generation, introduced in 2012, offered various trims including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with both standard and long wheelbase options. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with its dual 10-inch screens, was a highlight, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional features included a 19-speaker Meridian audio system and a front console refrigerator. Higher trims like the Autobiography and SVAutobiography added more luxurious touches, such as massaging seats and unique styling elements, making the Range Rover a top choice for those seeking both luxury and off-road capability.

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, possibly exacerbated by the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent, though not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350's fuel economy was competitive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the X5 offered more power with similar efficiency.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, producing 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, offering 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic's V8 produced 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 air suspension and load leveling provided a comfortable ride, and its off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Terrain Response System, offering various drive modes for different conditions.

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 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 discomfort on long drives. However, the steering wheel's position often obstructed the view of the screens, and the upgraded Burmester stereo caused unwanted vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with standard seating for five or four with optional second-row captain's chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover's unique two-piece power liftgate facilitated loading large items and created a convenient tailgate setup. The front row featured a center-console compartment and space beneath the digital control panel for additional storage. Both front and rear doors had ample cargo compartments and cupholders.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, highlighted by two 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display. The system offered augmented reality navigation and natural voice control, although the latter was less effective in the GLE compared to the A-Class. The driver-assistance tech was improved but still had issues at high speeds, where it struggled to maintain a steady course.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo system consisted of two touchscreens, with the top screen handling navigation, phone, and stereo functions, and the lower screen managing climate controls and Terrain Response settings. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu. The Range Rover also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE lacked testing data from NHTSA and IIHS but offered a comprehensive 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 the lane and become easily confused by road conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as 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 competitors provided more standard equipment.