2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since its 2005 debut, maintained a modern and luxurious appeal. The 2018 refresh, which carried over into 2021, introduced a dual-screen center console that became a hallmark of Land Rover interiors. This model offered a variety of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, to the high-performance SVR Carbon Edition with carbon fiber accents and a powerful V8 engine. The interior was characterized by its premium materials and advanced technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a sophisticated choice for luxury SUV enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a sleek and athletic design, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, exuded a sporty yet refined aesthetic. Inside, the GLE Coupe was adorned with high-end materials like Nappa leather and a Dinamica suede headliner, complemented by a dual-screen infotainment system. The cabin offered a blend of luxury and technology, with features like ambient lighting and a Burmester surround-sound audio system, creating a sumptuous driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the base P360 mild-hybrid system, which combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking even more power, the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition took performance to the next level with a 575 hp and 516 lb-ft version of the V8. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, along with a height-adjustable air suspension and Terrain Response system, making the Range Rover Sport a formidable off-road and on-road performer.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, specifically the AMG GLE 53, was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, generating 429 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe also included a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, while the AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes ensured a dynamic driving experience. The GLE Coupe excelled in urban environments with its speed-sensitive steering and tight turning radius, while also delivering impressive performance on winding roads and highways.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children. The Range Rover Sport's interior combined space with luxury, making it a comfortable choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four adults. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe's interior featured luxury upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance fragrance system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen dedicated to infotainment. While the system was not always intuitive, it featured integrated dials for controlling various functions. The upper touchscreen allowed for easy navigation between menus and supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite a learning curve, the system offered a range of features for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single glass panel. The system included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, and an upgraded Burmester 3D audio system, providing a comprehensive and advanced technological experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and parking sensors. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were available as options. The Range Rover Sport also offered a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and driver drowsiness monitoring for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a protective tone before a collision, and the Emergency Call Service was available for the vehicle's lifetime. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist, providing comprehensive safety and driver support. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.