2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while not particularly striking in its exterior design, offered a sense of promise with its aggressive front end. However, past the A-pillar, it retained a resemblance to its predecessors, lacking the refined proportions seen in competitors like BMW or Audi. Despite its shortcomings in exterior aesthetics, the GLE's interior was a different story. The 2021 redesign brought a more cohesive and streamlined look, with a luxurious interior that boasted high-quality materials and a bold color scheme. The cabin was a testament to Mercedes' attention to detail, offering a sense of opulence that rivaled even the most prestigious SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded a timeless elegance, drawing from its rich heritage while maintaining a modern appeal. Its design, with hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and clean lines, gave it a distinguished presence. Inside, the Range Rover was a sanctuary of luxury, with an Ivory-color interior that provided a mid-century modern ambiance. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained relevant, offering a blend of classic and contemporary elements that appealed to those seeking a sophisticated SUV experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a marvel of engineering, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems that set it apart from its competitors. The GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took performance to another level with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S pushed the envelope further with 483 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE's hybrid system, powered by a 48-volt battery, enhanced performance without significantly improving fuel efficiency. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, making it a versatile and capable SUV.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 hp. Its four-wheel-drive system and Terrain Response 2 traction control ensured off-road prowess, while the adaptive air suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The Range Rover's performance was characterized by a smooth power delivery and a quiet cabin, making it a pleasure to drive at a leisurely pace. However, its handling was less agile than the GLE, with a tendency to wallow on winding roads. The Range Rover's fuel economy was comparable to the GLE, with the mild-hybrid model achieving an average of 18.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, while the cargo capacity ranged from 34 to 75 cubic feet, depending on the configuration. The GLE Coupe, with its sloping roofline, provided less cargo space and a more confined rear passenger area. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with intuitive controls and a simplified interface.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were luxuriously comfortable, while the second row lacked support and adjustability. Despite its shortcomings, the rear seat offered amenities like quad-zone climate control and heated seats. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The Range Rover's clamshell tailgate and suspension kneel function facilitated loading, but overall practicality was compromised by its design.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system offered a range of features, including seat kinetics, ambient lighting, and a natural voice assistant. The GLE's technology suite was extensive, with options like a head-up display, navigation with augmented reality, and semi-automated driving functions.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's technology was centered around the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which utilized three digital displays. While the system offered numerous features, it was not entirely intuitive, requiring users to familiarize themselves with its functions. The Range Rover also included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience. Despite its complexity, the Range Rover's technology was comprehensive and catered to tech-savvy users.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. It offered a range of optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional safety packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, but the adaptive cruise control was noted for its slow response. Overall, the Range Rover's safety features were effective, but some advanced technologies were only available as options.