2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to 1948. The original Defender was known for its rugged, utilitarian design, characterized by round headlamps, a boxy cabin, and a flat windshield. The new Defender retained these iconic elements while modernizing its appearance with half-round LED headlights and a structural grille. The interior was a blend of exposed structure and luxury, featuring leather-upholstered seating and a digital instrument panel. The Defender's design was both authentic and high-quality, with real metal and leather surfaces enhancing its appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a more contemporary and athletic design. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sleek appearance. The interior was luxurious, with Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience. Despite its complexity, the GLE Coupe's interior was designed to be user-friendly, with a focus on comfort and style.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup with 395 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with Terrain Response were standard, making it capable both on and off-road. The Defender boasted impressive off-road specs, including a 30.1-degree approach angle and 35.4 inches of wading depth. On-road, it was quick, with the 3.0-liter model reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It also had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, enhanced by EQ Boost. It had a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a smooth ride. The GLE Coupe excelled in urban settings with its speed-sensitive steering and tight turning radius. In Sport+ mode, it delivered thrilling performance, though its size and weight were noticeable on challenging roads.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized a unibody platform with four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The interior offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with up to 78.8 cubic feet available in the 110 model.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, while the back seat offered ample legroom. The cargo hold provided 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Comfort features included heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, as well as a four-zone climate control system.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, enabling remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, aided off-roading. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video navigation, and an upgraded Burmester sound system.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender lacked crash-test ratings but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking aid. It underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its reliability in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, providing a high level of driver support.