2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, especially with the introduction of a four-door version. By 2021, the Range Rover was a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000, and with various upgrades and personalization options, it could reach upwards of $250,000. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean styling. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and a mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to its competitors. The base GLS 450 model had a refined look, while the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions added visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. The interior of the GLS 450, though basic by GLS standards, still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, providing a high-quality feel. However, the GLS 450's interior was perhaps too subdued for those seeking more opulence, yet it maintained a sense of quality and durability.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The Range Rover's adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although its steering was relatively slow and syrupy. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with assistance from the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The electric motor added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and its inline-six configuration offered smoothness ideal for luxury vehicles. However, the GLS 450's suspension lacked refinement, exhibiting poor body control and excessive motion over bumps. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was slightly less than some competitors.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for the small center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with a maximum cargo space of 59.8 cubic feet. The Range Rover's suspension kneel function facilitated loading, and the rear-seat center section could be dropped for longer items.

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 and fold for third-row access, and the GLS offered competitive legroom. Cargo space was 17.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS had power-folding seats and a power tailgate, making loading and unloading easy. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being too far to reach easily.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, and using the two 10-inch touchscreens while driving was distracting. The Range Rover included a head-up display, but it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during activities, and the iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner’s manual.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came 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 voice recognition system, activated by "Hey Mercedes," was the easiest to use, understanding normal speech well. The touchpad controller was cumbersome, and the navigation system had issues, such as suggesting longer routes. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature available in the S-Class sedan.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, but the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.