2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous features, had a window sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price expectations, the Summit's quilted leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology represented a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, had a design that was either desensitizing or not offensively styled. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe variant, with its 603-horsepower V8 engine, was shelved for 2022, leaving the AMG GLE 53 Coupe with a base price of $77,800 and a test vehicle MSRP exceeding $100,000. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and a high-tech appearance. The Nappa premium leather, Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim added to the luxurious feel. However, the lack of traditional controls and markings made it challenging for newcomers to operate the vehicle's technology. Despite this, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe's interior design and ambient lighting made it a pleasure to drive at night.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems. The V6 engine had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle, equipped with the V6 engine and 4WD, offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg during testing. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the Selec-Terrain off-road modes, including Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Quadra-Drive II 4WD system included an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting. The Quadra-Lift suspension offered up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Grand Cherokee L's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, making it easy to park and maneuver.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 429 hp at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, added extra power and helped conserve fuel. The EPA rated the GLE 53 Coupe at 19 mpg combined, with a test result of 18.5 mpg. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe included a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG sport exhaust system enhanced the engine's sound. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes maximized performance. The GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made it easy to maneuver in urban settings, though the optional AMG Performance braking system was difficult to modulate for smooth stops. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension effectively handled speed humps, but the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning were less forgiving on rough pavement. The GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed in city and suburban settings, with a reserve of performance for spirited driving. In Sport+ mode, the GLE 53 Coupe excelled on winding roads, with impressive grip, fade-free brakes, and controlled body motions. However, its size and weight were liabilities on challenging roads, and the loud exhaust note in Sport+ mode was not conducive to stealthy driving. In Sport mode, the GLE 53 Coupe was more rewarding to drive on less demanding roads.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with its Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seats were comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers had a storage console. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe technically held up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats with numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage were comfortable on the highway and supportive on winding roads. Forward visibility was fine, but rear visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom for adults, and the 27.5 cubic-foot cargo hold was generously sized. Folding the second-row seats expanded the cargo volume to 63.2 cubic feet. The GLE Coupe offered comfort upgrades, including a four-zone automatic climate control system, a Warmth and Comfort Package with heated armrests and rapid-heating front seats, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, which had some user-experience quirks but was easy to acclimate to. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system sounded terrific, especially for bass enthusiasts. Additional features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mercedes Me connected services, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was easy to use, with beautifully rendered graphics, logical menu structures, and multiple interaction methods. The natural voice recognition technology worked well, though the touchpad on the center console was easy to activate inadvertently. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, the steering assist felt artificial. The Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's aged structure and engineering.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle's lifetime. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The lane-keeping assistance technology was fine-tuned to operate transparently. The route-based speed adaption function for adaptive cruise control was a source of irritation. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.