2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, while not the most striking SUV in its class, offered a refined and luxurious interior that was a significant improvement over its predecessors. The exterior design, though somewhat uninspired compared to rivals like the BMW X5, was complemented by a streamlined and cohesive interior. The GLE's cabin was a masterpiece of quality and design, featuring a bold red and black colour scheme, high-quality materials, and innovative features like twin arching grab handles with LED lighting. Despite its exterior shortcomings, the GLE's interior provided a sense of luxury and comfort that was hard to match.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic with its rugged design and signature elements like the seven-slot grille and removable doors. The plug-in hybrid version was nearly indistinguishable from its gas-powered counterparts, save for some blue decals and the charging port. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of leather and plastic materials, with features like a dramatic front passenger grab handle. While the interior quality was consistent with the Wrangler's rugged image, it lacked the opulence of the GLE. The Wrangler 4xe's design was more about functionality and maintaining its off-road capabilities than luxury.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a 362 hp turbo 3.0-litre inline-6. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, enhancing throttle response and efficiency. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller vehicle, offering exceptional ride quality and steering. It could tow up to 3,500 kg, making it a versatile choice for various driving needs.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a unique blend of power and efficiency, with an electric-only range of 35 km. The Wrangler 4xe retained its off-road prowess with features like a Rock-trac transfer case and solid axles. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain offered modes for hybrid, electric, and e-save operation, enhancing its versatility. While not the quietest or best-handling vehicle on the road, the Wrangler 4xe's performance was impressive for a plug-in hybrid SUV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered spacious interiors with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The SUV provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was limited to five passengers and offered less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack without sacrificing interior space. The second-row headroom remained consistent with standard Wrangler models, while legroom was only slightly reduced. Cargo capacity was slightly compromised, with 784 litres available with the seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler 4xe's compact dimensions made it easier to manoeuvre in urban settings, and its optional power-retracting roof added convenience for open-air driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture controls and personalized shortcuts. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking, while the GLE offered a range of comfort features like seat kinetics and ambient lighting. The GLE's technology suite was extensive, providing more electronic features than most users would fully utilize.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe came with Uconnect 4C on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The system was intuitive, with hard buttons and dials for essential functions. The Wrangler 4xe included off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages for efficiency management. While it lacked some of the flashy tech found in other vehicles, the Wrangler 4xe's infotainment system was practical and easy to use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety suite included advanced features like Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, enhancing occupant protection in a crash.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its safety ratings with the standard Wrangler, receiving a Good rating in most crash tests but a Marginal rating in the driver's side small overlap front test. Safety features were limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear park assist standard only on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude. Optional safety packages added features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.