2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious, spacious SUV. The GLS's design softened its angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 included remote keyless entry, remote start, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine, heated-and-cooled front seats, massaging front seats, and more. The AMG GLS 63, with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, stood out with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), distinguished itself with subtle blue accents and a power port at the base of the windshield. When running on battery power alone, the Wrangler 4xe was nearly silent, save for the pedestrian notification system, which turned heads as it navigated Yosemite National Park.

Our test vehicle, a Firecracker Red Rubicon trim, came loaded with over $13,000 in options, bringing its price to $66,690. The Wrangler 4xe was also available in Sahara and High Altitude trims, with the Sahara starting at under $50,000. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained the classic Wrangler look, with blue seat stitching and special gauges for the PHEV powertrain. The interior featured more soft-touch materials than expected, with leather seats and padded door panels, while the controls were laid out in a functional format, including the transmission shifter, emergency brake, and manual transfer-case lever.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

The AMG GLS 63, our test model, came with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generating an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This power was channeled through a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission to all-wheel drive. All engines featured Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph, remarkable for an SUV weighing over 5,400 pounds.

The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension system allowed for adjustable ground clearance, enhancing both cornering and obstacle clearance. The SUV also featured multiple drive-mode settings, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, controlled via a dial and buttons on the sport steering wheel. Despite its size, the GLS handled like a smaller car, offering a composed ride even on rough roads.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. When used as a hybrid, the EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles.

The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. In Hybrid mode, the Wrangler 4xe's total 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque were available, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds. Electric mode kept the gas engine off unless extra power was needed, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations.

During a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its efficiency and versatility. It managed 20 miles on electric power alone before the gas engine engaged. Over the course of the trip, the Wrangler 4xe averaged 19.1 mpg, covering 757 miles, with 120.9 of those miles on electricity. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery during downhill driving, enhancing overall efficiency.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The GLS featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins, a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad, and a center console with butterfly doors. However, the center console was too small for larger items like purses.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to climb into, especially for shorter passengers, due to its high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim. Once inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a comfortable driving position with clear visibility. Manual front seat height adjusters helped find the best position, but the seats tended to lower over time with repeated use.

The center console offered limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, a 115-volt power outlet, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the back seat folded. However, the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window could make loading cargo challenging in tight spaces.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a massive touch screen and a central trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like “Find me a gas station” or “find me a seafood restaurant,” though it could be unintentionally activated by mentioning the car’s name.

The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel. The system offered a variety of display options, though it required a learning curve to master.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon’s technological advancements centered on its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. The Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was also available, and the Alpine sound system provided adequate audio quality despite wind noise.

The Uconnect system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, voice recognition, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and the five blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard allowed for easy monitoring of charging status.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a range of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems bundled in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights). The blind-spot warning system was particularly useful due to the Wrangler’s narrow side mirrors.

The Wrangler’s LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated Marginal by the IIHS. The Wrangler received a Marginal rating for small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver, with the vehicle tipping over in two different tests. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rating for rollover resistance.