2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. It exuded class and elegance, with a design that was unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's sleek, sporty package was a scaled-down reference to the larger Range Rover's iconic profile, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive trapezoidal roof. The exterior was further enhanced by subtle design elements like the sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined yet blocky appearance. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and an exemplary fit and finish, with a polished black center stack and attractive white contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The GLE's design updates included clever Mercedes star logos on the grille and slight changes to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e, in particular, stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the GLE 450e's cabin exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. The interior offered a plethora of choices, with ten interior color options and five trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering characteristics that were a departure from traditional Land Rovers. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved cornering and braking. The Velar offered a base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 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 average response, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, depending on the trim. This powertrain enhanced performance while reducing emissions, making the Velar a compelling choice for luxury buyers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to various SUV shoppers. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450e impressed with its swift acceleration, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Its electric mode allowed for silent highway cruising at speeds up to 87 mph, while the transition between gas and electric power was seamless. The GLE's suspension provided a smooth ride, even on challenging road surfaces, and its sophisticated steering made it highly maneuverable.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. 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, were criticized for being illogical and potentially dangerous. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for passengers in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. While the GLE had an optional third-row seat, it was only suitable for young children. The GLE 450e came equipped with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added luxurious touches like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout with logical arrangements. It featured a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The system also included a 360-degree camera and off-road mode for enhanced functionality. However, the adaptive cruise control with steering assist was not as advanced as competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. The system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The "Hey Mercedes" voice command system was improved, and the head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel occasionally caused issues, such as unexpected volume changes.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar received a five-star rating in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) but lacked crash-test ratings from U.S. agencies. 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.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. These safety systems were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of security.