2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive appearance and unique sound. While it closely resembled a regular Wrangler, the 4xe stood out with its "4xe" badge, sky blue accents, and a power port at the windshield's base. When operating on electric power alone, the Wrangler 4xe was nearly silent, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention during its journey through Yosemite National Park. The test vehicle, painted in Firecracker Red and equipped with Rubicon trim, boasted over $13,000 in options, bringing its price to $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler look, with blue seat stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The interior was functional, with controls laid out for practicality, and featured robust grab handles for off-road adventures. While it offered more comfort than previous models, luxury and refinement were not its focus.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE, particularly the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, presented a more refined and athletic design. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sleek appearance, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. With the discontinuation of the V8-powered AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe became the top variant, priced at $77,800 before options. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and ambient lighting. The cabin's design masked its complexity, with a lack of traditional controls, but users could acclimate over time. The GLE Coupe's interior was both sumptuous and technologically advanced, offering a blend of comfort and sophistication.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, delivering a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered an estimated 21 miles of electric-only driving and a combined fuel economy of 49 MPGe. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe achieved 20.8 mpg on a road trip to Yosemite, with regenerative braking helping to extend its electric range. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Wrangler 4xe's steering and wind noise were notable on highways.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE, specifically the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with EQ Boost, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 19 mpg combined, with a test result of 18.5 mpg. The GLE Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD, and various driving modes. Its performance was enhanced by an AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes. The GLE Coupe excelled in urban environments with its speed-sensitive steering and tight turning radius, while its performance capabilities shone on winding roads, offering a balance of comfort and agility.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality, with high door sills and grab handles aiding entry and exit. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering a high vantage point. While the front seats were adjustable, storage space was limited due to the center console's design. Rear-seat space was adequate, with amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo capacity was 27.7 cubic feet, with a swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window. The Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability over cargo convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offered seating for up to five, though four was more comfortable. The front seats were highly adjustable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear-seat space was generous, and the cargo area measured 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GLE Coupe's interior featured luxury upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, the system showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe also provided helpful charging indicators and trip summary data, aiding in managing its plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. It included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features like gesture recognition and augmented video for navigation enhanced the system's capabilities, though some features were of questionable value.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. While effective, the Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection and a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, enhancing driver support and collision avoidance. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.