2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. However, the potential for a performance-tuned SVR model with a twin-turbocharged V8 and more vibrant exterior details was anticipated. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim added to the sophisticated ambiance. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient of 0.29. The interior boasted a high-tech appearance with sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery, offering a luxurious and fragrant cabin experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a compact crossover, maintained its status as the automaker's best-selling model in the US. The redesign took a conservative approach, with subtle changes like new taillights and relocated door handles. The headlights were narrower and more menacing, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece. The Coupe version retained its steeply sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback. The grille differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300 counterparts, with the AMG featuring vertical bars reminiscent of a pinstriped baseball uniform. Inside, the GLC's interior was sumptuous, with two-tone Sienna Brown and Black leather upholstery and an optional wood-and-metal dash treatment. The cabin was filled with screens, buttons, ambient lighting, and vents, offering a gadget-heavy experience. The GLC's interior was class-leading for those who appreciated a tech-laden environment.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine was available in early-build 2023 models but was expected to return in a future SVR model. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV achieved an average of 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route, with a maximum of 25.1 mpg on the highway. The new vehicle architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and the adaptive damping air suspension adjusted up to 500 times per second. The Range Rover Sport excelled off-road, with features like Terrain Response, All Terrain Progress Control, and a wading depth of 35.4 inches. However, it struggled to match the performance of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. A plug-in hybrid AMG GLC 63 was expected in 2025. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLC 43 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system, providing faster shifts and better torque handling. The performance suspension offered improved handling but a firmer ride. The AMG GLC 43 included standard four-wheel steering, enhancing its sporty nature. The GLC's performance models were not recommended for commuters due to the rougher shifts and firmer suspension, but enthusiasts would appreciate the sporty handling.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle had a full-size spare, reducing storage space under the cargo floor.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expandable to 52.6 cubic feet. The Coupe's hatchback-like configuration allowed for more space when the rear seats were folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Pivi Pro infotainment platform was designed to learn user habits but was found to be confusing and frustrating. The native digital assistant struggled with voice commands, and the system's functionality was inconsistent. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit centered around an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. The voice command system was responsive, and the GLC included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Standalone tech options included an Advanced USB package.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driving assistance systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were found to be slow and untrustworthy, especially on freeway curves.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active lane-keeping assist.