Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class exuded a sophisticated modern charm, characterized by its soft, sensual design. While some might have found it borderline mundane, the aesthetic proved timeless, especially when enhanced with wheel upgrades. The GLS 450 we tested sported bright-finish 22-inch AMG rims that perfectly complemented the SUV’s new silver four-louver grille design, polished metal exterior accents, and striking Twilight Blue paint color. Despite the prevailing trend of blacked-out aesthetics, this combination stood out.

Inside, the GLS 450 impressed with its new Bahia Brown over Black interior color scheme, adorned with natural-grain Grey Oak, carried over from the previous year. The cabin featured contrast stitching, polished aluminum accents, and rich detailing typical of Mercedes interiors, making it a luxurious space for both drivers and passengers. The GLS 450, the most affordable version, came equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology.

Our GLS 450 test model included the AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, along with an Acoustic Comfort Package, 22-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and wood trim. It also had artificial leather on the dashboard and door panels, with second-row captain’s chairs as a no-cost option. These upgrades brought the MSRP to $97,730, including the $1,150 destination charge.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar followed a “reductive” design philosophy, aiming to simplify and modernize the SUV’s exterior and interior aesthetics. This concept, introduced with the Velar in 2018, was further refined for 2024. The Velar featured a new grille, updated headlights and taillights, fresh wheel choices, and revised exterior detailing. The new rear bumper emphasized the vehicle’s width, paired with a full-length upper stop lamp to give a lower and wider appearance.

Inside, the Velar boasted an updated 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a redesigned center console that eliminated physical controls for climate, stereo volume, and other functions, transitioning these to the touchscreen. Despite some substandard quality materials in the cabin, the overall design looked terrific. However, the omission of physical controls was seen as a misstep unless an active connected services subscription or an Amazon account was used for Alexa.

Our test vehicle, equipped with Dynamic SE trim, featured a more powerful turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, expensive paint and wheel upgrades, a Black Exterior Pack, and a Cold Climate Pack. As tested, the MSRP was $80,533, including the $1,275 destination charge.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class impressed with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in the GLS 450 model, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The integration of a mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter-generator delivered an additional 148 lb-ft of torque instantly, making the vehicle feel lively right from a stop. The GLS 450 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, providing ample power without the need for the more costly twin-turbo V8 options.

The nine-speed automatic transmission efficiently distributed power to all four wheels via the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes to tailor the dynamics to their preference. The GLS 450 also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and an official fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing resulted in 19.9 mpg.

The ride experience was described as quiet and quick, with a perfectly calibrated setup providing minimal complaints. While the Sport mode felt too responsive and the steering too heavy for some, the Individual mode allowed for a customized driving experience. The adaptive air suspension contributed to the vehicle’s agility on twisty roads, though it experienced unusual oscillations on dips in the pavement. Large Continental Premium Contact tires, sized 285/45 in front and 325/40 in back, provided excellent grip despite picking up some road grit.

In comparison, the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar’s test model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, generating 394 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Velars with this engine bore the P400 designation, while the less powerful 247-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder models were labeled P250. The P400 engine enabled the Velar to accelerate nearly two seconds faster to 60 mph than the P250, although it delivered a slightly lower fuel economy of 21 mpg compared to the P250’s 23 mpg. Testing yielded 19.5 mpg.

An eight-speed automatic transmission efficiently powered all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system, with ground clearance varying from 8.4 inches to 9.9 inches with the optional air suspension. Water fording capability ranged from 20.9 inches to 22.8 inches, depending on the suspension type.

The Velar offered standard Terrain Response driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, and Automatic modes, with an additional Dynamic mode for on-road performance. In Dynamic mode, the Velar P400 displayed its athleticism on mountain roads, with nimble and responsive handling. Quiet and soothing on the highway in Comfort mode, the Velar provided effortless passing power. However, urban driving in Comfort mode revealed a softer feel, with notable squatting during acceleration and nose diving during braking.

Unfortunately, due to loan agreement restrictions, off-roading with the Velar was not possible during testing. On paper, the Velar appeared competitive in off-road capability, though perhaps not to the same degree as its Range Rover Sport and full-size Range Rover siblings.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class with the optional AMG Line package introduced sportier styling, including side sill trim that complicated entry and exit. Despite this minor inconvenience, the test vehicle offered substantial comfort with supple leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, massage programs, and a wide range of adjustments. The elevated driving position afforded excellent outward visibility, though the new steering wheel with touch-sensing controls was a source of irritation.

The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats to the already comfortable second row, enhanced by a four-zone automatic climate control system and a standard panoramic sunroof. Accessing the third row was somewhat cumbersome, either requiring wriggling between captain’s chairs or waiting for the powered mechanism to move the right-side chair. The third row itself was snug for adults but adequate for children.

Interior storage across all three rows was decent, with practical cargo space. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a generous 84.7 cubic feet when both rear rows were folded.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had flush-mounted handles that powered out upon unlocking, though the design risked facial impact with the upper corners. Entry into the front seats was challenging for taller individuals due to angled windshield pillars and small openings, but the new-for-2024 seat cushions with added support ensured eventual comfort.

The test vehicle, equipped with 14-way power-adjustable leather seats, benefited from the Cold Climate Pack, adding ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated windshield, and a headlight power-wash system. The new two-tone Cloud over Ebony interior with genuine wood veneers exuded quality, despite lower-quality plastic on the door panels and issues with the floor mat alignment.

Rear seats comfortably accommodated two adults with excellent support, decent legroom, and air conditioning, enhanced by a panoramic glass sunroof. In-cabin storage was adequate, with considerable door panel bins and a storage tray under the wireless smartphone charger panel.

Opening the standard power liftgate revealed 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 62.7 cubic feet with the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat. This configuration provided ample storage, though less than the GLS’s maximum capacity.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class featured the latest MBUX infotainment system, with a dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment touchscreen. This horizontal arrangement offered a sophisticated and high-tech look, contrasting recent Mercedes models that separated the displays. The GLS's MBUX had enhanced graphics with various themes and modes, and despite some issues with touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console touchpad, it was considered a benchmark for automotive technology.

The GLS's MBUX stood out with its intuitive touchscreen operation, natural voice recognition, augmented reality navigation, and an impressive Burmester surround-sound system.

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar took a significant step with its next-gen Pivi Pro infotainment system. The larger 11.4-inch touchscreen now featured over-the-air software updates, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and an improved user interface. However, the single screen also housed climate control, stereo volume, and window defrost/defog functions, complicating usability.

Pivi Pro’s new sidebars with shortcut icons aimed to streamline operations, but the small, hard-to-read icons and lack of a resting place for precision tasks challenged usability. Despite the added complexity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered a simplified alternative for tech-savvy users. The Velar also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, standard and high-fidelity Meridian sound systems, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

Our test vehicle's HUD proved useful for safety systems communication, but the absence of a surround-view camera was noted.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). These systems could be customized through MBUX, allowing drivers to adjust their sensitivity and alert settings for less intrusion. The forward-collision warning system, lane-departure warning system, and lane-keeping assist proved effective without being overly intrusive.

During testing, the GLS handled various road conditions and bends smoothly, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist providing a seamless experience. While there was a brief moment when lane-centering assist disengaged at a complex intersection, the overall technology performed commendably.

For the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, standard ADAS included adaptive cruise control and Steer Assist, which combined lane-centering and adaptive cruise control for semi-autonomous driving. While adaptive cruise control functioned well, Steer Assist fell short, often adding unwanted inputs and struggling with road bends. Unplanned steering actions, like darting when transitioning from sunlight to shadow or misjudging turn lanes, added stress to driving.

Indicators for speed-limited functions and autonomous features were clear, enhancing driver awareness. However, the shortcomings of Steer Assist deterred from an otherwise competent ADAS package.