Range Rover vs Mercedes: A Showdown of the Luxury SUV Titans
As a Range Rover owner and mechanic with years of experience, I have had the opportunity to witness first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of this iconic SUV. Today, we are going to pit the Range Rover against one of its closest competitors, the Mercedes GLS. So buckle up, because we are in for one heck of a ride!
Range Rover vs. Mercedes GLS: An Introduction
The Range Rover has always been the epitome of luxury and class. It’s hard not to be impressed by the bold lines, sophisticated interior, and exceptional off-road capabilities (if you don’t mind the occasional electrical glitch, that is). On the other hand, the Mercedes GLS offers a more understated elegance, a refined interior, and a smoother ride. Both are impressive SUVs, but which one comes out on top? Let’s dive deep into the features and specs of each to put an end to the debate once and for all.
Interior: The Battle of the Luxury
When it comes to luxury, both Range Rover and Mercedes know how to impress. Inside the Range Rover, you will find a spacious interior with premium leather seats, wood trims, and top-of-the-line tech features. However, the Mercedes GLS has one-upped the Range Rover with its standard three rows of comfortable seating, offering more room for passengers and cargo than its British counterpart. If you are looking for a little more legroom and space to stretch out, the GLS might be the better choice.
Engine Performance: Power and Efficiency
When it comes to engine performance, the Range Rover and the Mercedes GLS are relatively evenly matched. The Range Rover offers a choice between a 3.0L V6 engine producing 355 horsepower or a 5.0L V8 engine producing 518 horsepower. Meanwhile, the GLS offers a similar range of engines, with a 3.0L V6 producing 362 horsepower, a 4.7L V8 producing 449 horsepower, and a 5.5L V8 producing 577 horsepower. While both the Range Rover and the Mercedes GLS offer impressive engine options, it’s worth noting that the Range Rover tends to be much thirstier than the GLS, which features better gas mileage.
Off-Road Capabilities: The Ultimate Test
The Range Rover is known for its exceptional off-road capabilities, thanks to features such as an adjustable air suspension, terrain response system, and low-range transfer case. Meanwhile, the Mercedes GLS is not exactly designed for hairy off-road adventures. The GLS features a more street-friendly setup, with an optional air suspension and an all-wheel-drive system that can handle light off-roading but not much more. If you plan on taking the road less traveled, the Range Rover is certainly the better choice.
Technology: Features Galore
Both the Range Rover and the Mercedes GLS come with a ton of impressive tech features to make your driving experience more comfortable and convenient. The Range Rover boasts some incredibly cool tech features such as an optional rear-seat entertainment system, a full-color heads-up display, and a rearview mirror that doubles as a video screen. The Mercedes GLS, meanwhile, offers features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the Range Rover goes for over-the-top impressive gadgetry, Mercedes chooses for a more practical, polished tech approach.
Price: Luxury Comes with a Price Tag
There’s no denying that luxury SUVs come with a hefty price tag. The Range Rover starts at around $92,000 and can go up to $209,000 for the SVAutobiography. The Mercedes GLS base model is priced at around $77,000, but it can cost up to $132,000 if you go all out with every feature. The Range Rover may be more expensive, but it’s worth noting that it comes with better standard features such as air suspension, LED headlights, navigation, and leather upholstery.
Conclusion: A Battle with No Clear Winner
The Range Rover and the Mercedes GLS are both exceptional SUVs that offer a lot of luxury and style. While the Range Rover has better off-road capabilities, and more outlandish tech features, the Mercedes GLS offers more space, better gas mileage, and a smoother ride. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to what you value most: off-road capability or on-road performance. No matter what you choose, you are sure to end up with a top-of-the-line luxury SUV that will turn heads wherever you go.