2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing some of the rugged styling cues of its larger counterpart. It was designed as a unibody crossover, focusing more on urban and suburban environments while still appealing to weekend adventurers. The Bronco Sport featured a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of Land Rover designs, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. Its bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with minimal Ford branding, emphasized its unique identity. The interior was rugged yet tasteful, with a focus on functionality and convenience, offering a range of trim levels with varying degrees of luxury and practicality.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a more luxurious and athletic appearance. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sophisticated look, despite its SUV coupe design. The interior was sumptuous, featuring high-end materials like Nappa leather and brushed aluminum trim, complemented by ambient lighting for a refined driving experience. The GLE Coupe's design masked its complexity, with a focus on high-tech features and a minimalist aesthetic. While the lack of traditional controls could be challenging for newcomers, the vehicle's technology was designed to be intuitive over time.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It also featured a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its versatility on various terrains.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with EQ Boost, generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was complemented by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. The GLE Coupe offered multiple driving modes, including Sport+ for high-performance scenarios, and featured an adaptive damping control air suspension for a smooth ride. Its performance was impressive, with nimble handling and a taut, composed feel in urban and suburban settings. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and performance brakes further enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a formidable contender on winding roads.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its cleverly designed cargo space, capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered a wide range of accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 68 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. While the front cabin provided ample storage, some drivers found visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe, while technically seating five, was more comfortable for four passengers. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe's interior featured luxurious upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance fragrance system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect provided a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, and trail control technology assisted in off-road scenarios. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and digital instrument panel available on higher models.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included wireless charging, a Burmester surround-sound system, and an augmented video navigation feature. The MBUX Interior Assistant and head-up display further enhanced the vehicle's technological capabilities, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. All models featured all-wheel drive and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was equipped with advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The Intelligent Drive Package offered additional driver assistance systems, such as Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.