2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and ambient cabin experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous settings.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, on the other hand, was a plug-in hybrid that maintained the classic Wrangler look with minimal differences, such as a "4xe" badge and blue accents. Its silent operation in electric mode turned heads, especially in natural settings like Yosemite National Park. The Wrangler 4xe was available in various trims, including the Rubicon, Sahara, and High Altitude, with prices starting below $50,000. Inside, it retained the traditional Wrangler feel with some modern touches like blue stitching and PHEV-specific displays. The interior was practical, with robust grab handles and functional controls, though it lacked the luxury and refinement of the G-Class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 was a powerhouse with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs for various terrains. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for its 5,551-pound weight. It boasted a sophisticated suspension system, offering a smooth ride on pavement and confidence in off-road conditions. The AMG G63 variant took performance further with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing for versatile driving experiences. The Wrangler 4xe could travel up to 21 miles on electric power alone, with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. It accelerated to 60 mph in six seconds and had a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe excelled in off-road conditions with its upgraded 4WD system and electronic lockers, though its aerodynamic inefficiency affected highway performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was roomy, with comfortable seating and ample storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, required expensive packages. The G-Class's exterior spare tire was both a styling cue and a practical feature.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe had a more utilitarian interior, with high door sills and limited storage space due to its design. It offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Wrangler's interior was functional, with features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel available in the Cold Weather Group. However, accessing cargo could be challenging due to the swing-out tailgate design. Despite these limitations, the Wrangler's interior was comfortable and offered good visibility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable and complemented by a Burmester Surround Sound system. The COMAND system offered intuitive controls, including Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel. The G-Class also provided connectivity options like WiFi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though it lacked wireless charging.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe came with a Uconnect infotainment system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe also offered useful features like charging time estimates and charging indicator lights. However, the sound system struggled with wind noise on the highway.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of safety features, including active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. Its size and body-on-frame construction provided safety advantages in some crashes, though it had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe included advanced driving assistance systems like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection and a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA.