2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that offered a blend of practicality and elegance. Originally known as the GL-Class, the GLS was designed to replace the G-Class but ended up appealing to a different clientele due to the G-Class's enduring popularity. The GLS featured a more refined and less bulky appearance compared to its predecessors, with softened angles and a sleek design. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned most of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-forward approach. The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of standard and optional features that enhanced comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. The Velar exuded class and sophistication, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's iconic profile but in a more compact and sporty package. Its exterior was characterized by a sleek, almost liquid form, with subtle adjustments like a sloping roof and flush door handles that added to its streamlined appearance. The Velar's interior was equally stylish, though it sacrificed some practicality for aesthetics. The cabin featured high-quality materials and a polished black center stack, while the infotainment system was updated with the Pivi Pro interface, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with the GLS 450's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 stepped up with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, however, was the pinnacle of performance, featuring a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that churned out an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, despite the SUV's substantial weight. The GLS also boasted an adaptive air suspension system, multiple drive modes, and a hushed, composed ride, making it a versatile and dynamic performer.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, sharing its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offered a different driving experience. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the base engine provided adequate performance, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered more power, with up to 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque in the R-Dynamic HSE trim. The Velar's air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush ride, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS excelled in interior space and versatility, offering three rows of seating with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. The third row, while not as spacious, could still accommodate 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 a total of 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a center console with butterfly doors.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over practicality. Its interior was tighter, with reduced headroom for rear-seat passengers and limited visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, highlighted a focus on aesthetics over functionality. However, the updated Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a more intuitive interface.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, which included a massive touch screen and a trackpad for navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX system also offered a voice-control feature, activated by saying "Mercedes" or "Hey Mercedes," allowing for complex commands. The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, offering a customizable and tech-savvy experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout with fewer icons and more logical arrangements. The system included a voice assistant activated by saying "Hey Land Rover," and featured useful functions like a PM2.5 air filter, a heated windshield, and advanced navigation capabilities. The instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, though the driving assist display was less detailed compared to competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while not crash-tested by U.S. agencies, scored well in the European NCAP. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.