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

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated and refined appearance compared to its more ostentatious competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes confidently avoided the flashy grilles seen on models like the BMW X7, opting for a more subtle design in the base GLS 450. However, for those seeking a bit more flair, the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered enhanced visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS 450 maintained a luxurious feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting, though it lacked some of the more extravagant options available in higher trims. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, providing a high-quality yet robust interior experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that was unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's sleek, sporty profile was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature design elements like the trapezoidal roof and flush door handles. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Velar's cabin was stylish yet understated, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite its compact size, the Velar's interior was well-crafted, though it sacrificed some practicality for its striking design.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the electric motor. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth and ample power, making it a suitable choice for a luxury SUV. However, the suspension left something to be desired, as it exhibited excessive body motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 offered a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a more agile and responsive driving experience compared to larger Land Rover models. 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 provided a plush ride, and its Terrain Response system offered multiple driving modes for various conditions, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the bench with individual captain’s chairs. The GLS provided excellent second-row legroom, thanks to its long wheelbase, and offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured power-folding seats and a power tailgate for easy loading, though some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a more compact interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its sleek design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for being impractical. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was praised for its improved interface and functionality, offering features like voice activation and a heated windshield.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, which was found to be the most user-friendly. However, the navigation system had some quirks, such as suggesting inefficient routes, which detracted from its overall reliability.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and improved functionality. The system featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield, among other useful features. The instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, though the driving assist display was less detailed than some competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. However, many advanced driver-assistance features were optional, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Crash-test ratings from U.S. agencies were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.