2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Ford Bronco was a nostalgic nod to its roots, drawing inspiration from the original 1966 model. It embraced a retrofuturistic design, blending classic elements with modern technology. The Bronco's exterior featured a single-piece grille with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a rugged body with removable doors and fender flares. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, it offered a range of wheel and tire options, including the off-road-ready Sasquatch package. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with contemporary tech, featuring a color touchscreen, digitized instrument cluster, and durable materials. The interior was designed for practicality, with reinforced grab handles and ample storage space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, retained its iconic boxy design, reminiscent of its military origins. The G-Class exuded luxury and ruggedness, with a classic two-box design and straight body lines. Inside, it offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials and a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system. The G-Class was known for its customization options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles extensively. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-roader, with features like adjustable suspension and locking differentials. It was a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant accessories.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All models featured standard four-wheel drive. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with features like the Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires and advanced suspension systems. On-road, it provided a rugged, truck-like driving experience, with the 2.7-liter engine delivering smooth power delivery.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G550, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for its size. The G-Class offered a comfortable ride on pavement, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and rigid rear axle. It also boasted off-road capabilities, with adjustable suspension and locking differentials. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

The 2021 Ford Bronco emphasized modularity and practicality. Its removable doors came with dedicated storage bags and easy-to-use electrical connections. The Bronco's design allowed for easy repair and replacement of parts like fenders and bumpers. Inside, it featured intuitive controls for off-road settings and auxiliary equipment. The Bronco's interior was designed for durability, with reinforced grab handles and ample storage options. It offered a comfortable second row, especially in the four-door model, and clever features like trail sights on the hood for managing roof-mounted cargo.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior. It provided 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin featured comfortable seats, ample storage, and a tall roofline for excellent headroom. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class retained its spare tire on the tailgate, a convenient and stylish feature.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured the G.O.A.T. system, offering up to seven drive modes for various terrains. It came with Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch display. The Bronco offered a range of tech options, including a 10-speaker B&O sound system, voice-activated navigation, and wireless device charging. Safety features like a rear-view camera and auto high-beam headlamps were available in higher trim levels. The Sasquatch Package included Bilstein shock absorbers for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable for layout and color, creating an immersive experience. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive operation. It offered a rear-seat entertainment system, multiple USB and 12-volt outlets, and standard WiFi. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Mercedes me connect services for three years.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, with more options available in higher trims. The Base model included airbags, while the Big Bend and Black Diamond trims could add the Mid Package, featuring Ford Co-Pilot 360 with pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The High Package added a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations. However, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class prioritized safety with its robust body-on-frame construction. It included standard safety systems like a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class's active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, requiring careful understanding. While the G-Class had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, its size and weight provided inherent safety advantages in certain crashes.