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

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since its 2005 launch, 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-end Autobiography and performance-focused SVR Carbon Edition. Each trim level added layers of luxury and performance, with features like a supercharged V8 engine in the HSE Dynamic and carbon fiber accents in the SVR Carbon Edition.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated luxury compared to its flashier competitors. The base GLS 450 had a subtle design, while the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a luxurious feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, providing a modern and high-quality interior experience. However, some ergonomic issues, like the touchscreen's reach, were noted.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, available in the SE and SE Silver Edition, delivered 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims produced 518 hp, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition boasted 575 hp. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds, except for the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, supported by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup provided 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine offered smooth performance, but the air suspension's body control was lacking, leading to excessive motion over bumps. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, slightly less than some competitors. The anticipated return of the GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, with their 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engines, promised more power, with the AMG version reaching up to 603 hp.

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, but 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 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension facilitated easier loading and unloading, but some ergonomic issues, like the touchscreen's reach, were noted.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured 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 had a learning curve and some bugs in earlier models, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system's dials provided versatile control over various functions, but the overall user experience could be improved.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, which was the most user-friendly. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The lack of augmented-reality navigation, available in other Mercedes models, was a notable omission.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. Some features, standard on less expensive vehicles, required additional cost.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were optional. The GLS also included unique features like Crosswind Assist and Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a potential collision. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.