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

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 alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. 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 spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 encompassed 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 stood out with aggressive bodywork, a quad-outlet exhaust, and a performance-inspired interior, including a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a leather stripe at top-dead-center.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, launched in 2005 and in its second generation since 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018, which carried over to 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a defining feature of recent Land Rover interiors. The 2020 model year saw the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant and the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Range Rover Sport offered trims including SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition. The base SE trim featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker Meridian sound system, a WiFi hotspot, and the dual-screen infotainment system. Higher trims like the HSE Silver added quad-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a 19-speaker Meridian sound system. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged V8 engine, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition offered an even more powerful V8 and performance-oriented features.

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 with 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, with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission. All engines included 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 zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. Its adaptive air suspension system adjusted ground clearance between 7.9 and 8.5 inches, enhancing both cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63 also featured double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, providing precise cornering. Multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for customizable driving experiences. The GLS's E-Active Body Control ensured a smooth ride, even on rough roads, and made the large SUV feel maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered various powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, available in the SE and SE Silver Edition, combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HST model featured the P400 powertrain, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid producing 398 hp and 472 lb-ft, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 generating 254 hp and 443 lb-ft.

The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition offered a more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Range Rover Sport's height-adjustable air suspension and Terrain Response system provided impressive off-road capabilities and maintained a level ride on paved surfaces. Most variants could tow up to 7,716 pounds, except the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured 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 adults. The GLS offered 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 power-folding third row and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality.

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 from five to seven, though it offered only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a large touch screen and a trackpad controller. 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” and could be activated by saying “Mercedes” or “Hey Mercedes.” The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system had a learning curve but offered extensive customization options.

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 managing the infotainment system. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but was not always intuitive and had a learning curve. The lower screen's dials controlled various functions, while the upper screen offered simplified navigation through reasonably sized icons. Despite some usability issues, the system provided a comprehensive range of features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional 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 stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and parallel and perpendicular park assist. A head-up display was also available.