2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, introduced for the 2020 model year, continued into 2021. Initially launched as the GL-Class in 2006, it was meant to replace the boxy G-Class. However, the G-Class' popularity kept it around, and the GL-Class found its niche among pragmatic, affluent customers. The name changed to GLS midway through the second generation.

Despite being a large SUV, the 2021 GLS appeared less bulky than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and lines. Inside, it featured a futuristic cabin with a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant 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. It also offered wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Burmester premium sound system.

Optional packages for the GLS 450 included the Convenience Package ($1,750) with ventilated front seats and four-zone climate control, the Warmth & Comfort Package ($1,320) with heated armrests, and the Executive Rear Seat Package ($2,200) with a tablet for rear-seat controls and wireless device charging. The GLS 580 added V8 power, heated-and-cooled front seats, massaging front seats, illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and five-zone automatic climate control, along with 21-inch wheels.

The AMG GLS 63, our test model, stood out with aggressive bodywork, quad-outlet exhaust, and a chrome, slotted grille inspired by the AMG GT supercar. Inside, it featured a performance-inspired flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a leather strip on an Alcantara wheel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, on the other hand, continued Jeep's tradition of adhering to time-tested design cues and familiar styling elements. The iconic seven-slot grille returned, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was a two-row, five-passenger SUV, unlike its gas-powered counterparts, which offered three-row versions.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe's trim lineup included the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. A new High Altitude package was announced at the 2022 New York International Auto Show, adding extra style to the Grand Cherokee.

Our test car, an Overland trim level, featured a silver exterior with a contrasting black roof and 20-inch wheels. All 4xe models had signature surf blue tow hooks at the front, and trail-rated trims had blue accents on their badges. Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe felt incredibly comfortable, even in base trim. The Overland trim offered leather seats, wood and metal accents, heated and ventilated front seats, and bronze contrast stitching across the steel gray upholstery. However, there was a noticeable amount of hard plastic materials, particularly below the hip point, which raised concerns about durability and noise.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured 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, equipped with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivered 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent through a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission to all-wheel drive. All engines came with 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, with a top speed of 174 mph. The adaptive, adjustable air suspension system allowed for ground clearance adjustments between 7.9 and 8.5 inches, enhancing cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63 also featured double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, providing precise cornering.

The GLS had multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, controlled by a dial and buttons on the sport steering wheel. The E-Active Body Control option ($6,500) ensured a smooth ride over rough roads, making the GLS easily maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe's standout feature was its plug-in hybrid powertrain. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine paired with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain outperformed the company's 5.7-liter V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe had a total driving range of 470 miles and achieved 56 MPGe. However, once the battery was depleted, the vehicle returned an EPA rating of 23 miles per gallon.

The battery pack provided 25 miles of all-electric driving range, four more than the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. An electronic front-axle disconnect helped save fuel by disengaging the engine from the front wheels when not needed. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured E Select powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave. Regenerative braking and Max Regen setting allowed for one-pedal driving.

Jeep offered two off-road systems: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. The latter included an electronic limited-slip differential, a two-speed transfer case, and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's electric powertrain provided immediate torque, making throttle control easier in slow-speed maneuvers. The Select-Terrain traction system offered modes for Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand. The Trailhawk trim boasted 10.9 inches of ground clearance and a maximum wading depth of 24 inches. However, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds, less than the V6- and V8-powered models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, but optional second-row captains’ chairs reduced capacity to six. The third row was less spacious but still suitable for full-size adults. The GLS had 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 rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered counterpart, did not offer a third row of seats. However, the existing seats provided plenty of space for passengers. Folding the second row down increased cargo space from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet. The available air suspension allowed for quick height adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite testing the Grand Cherokee 4xe in hot conditions, the standard heated steering wheel would be appreciated in colder weather.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the new MBUX infotainment system, with a massive touch screen and a simple 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.” 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 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an android-powered interface with customization options. The My Pages feature allowed for personalized screen layouts. The Grand Cherokee 4xe had multiple screens, including a 10.25-inch front-passenger display, a frameless 10.25-inch digital driver information display, and optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens running Amazon’s Fire TV for Auto. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, was one of the best in the industry.

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. 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 had a full array of front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a blend of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Jeep announced a hands-off driver assistance feature suite, but it required additional hardware and was not available to early buyers via an OTA update. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Grand Cherokee 4xe.