2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its attempts at a bold exterior, often fell short of expectations. Its design, reminiscent of a rushed assignment, lacked the finesse seen in its competitors like the BMW X5. The aggressive front nose and sloping hood promised a dynamic look, but the design seemed to lose its way past the A-pillar, blending into the older GLE's silhouette. The flat taillights and contoured rear tried to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but the overall aesthetic didn't quite match the elegance of Mercedes' sedans and sports cars. Even in AMG trim, the GLE struggled to compete visually with rivals such as the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story. The 2021 redesign brought a more cohesive and streamlined look, with a luxurious interior that boasted high-quality materials and a striking red and black colour scheme. The centre console's twin arching grab handles, outlined with LED lighting, were a testament to the GLE's opulent design, although some elements like the gear selector felt flimsy.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more refined and sophisticated appearance. The third generation, introduced in 2020, carried over to 2021 with softened angles and lines that belied its large size. The GLS's interior was a marvel of modern design, featuring a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned nearly two-thirds of the dash. This tech-reliant setup was complemented by a range of standard features, including remote keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. The GLS offered three levels: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the AMG GLS 63, each with its own set of features and performance enhancements. The AMG GLS 63, in particular, stood out with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, including a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a leather stripe. The GLS's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious and technologically advanced SUV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S delivered 450 hp from a 4.0-litre biturbo V8. The GLE's air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and AMG Ride Control+, provided exceptional ride quality and handling. The E-Active Body Control allowed the GLE to lean into turns like a motorcyclist, enhancing its agility. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller vehicle, with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg. The hybrid EQ Boost system added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, improving throttle response and efficiency, though fuel consumption remained average for its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered impressive performance across its lineup. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 362 hp, while the GLS 580 boasted a 4.0-litre V8 with 483 hp. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivered a staggering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. All models included the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 280 km/h. The GLS's adaptive air suspension system provided a smooth ride, with adjustable ground clearance for better handling and obstacle clearance. The GLS's drive-mode settings, controlled via a steering-wheel-mounted dial, allowed for precise adjustments to throttle response, transmission mapping, and suspension stiffness, enhancing its driving dynamics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for recline and fore-aft adjustments, while the third row was accessible via a button at the rear doors. The Coupe body style, however, was limited to five passengers, with a sloping roofline that reduced rear headroom. Cargo capacity in the SUV was 630 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe offered 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with the seats down. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which replaced the clunky rotary/touchpad combo with a single touchpad and simplified interface.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided three rows of seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional captain's chairs. The third row, while not as spacious, was suitable for adults, a rarity in three-row SUVs. The GLS offered 355 litres of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded and 2,400 litres with both rear rows down. The GLS's interior featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a centre console with butterfly doors. The power-folding third row and toggles near the tailgate made cargo management convenient.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures for shortcuts. The MBUX system offered a simplified interface with search bars and larger type, making it user-friendly. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew functions and GPS lap timing. The GLE's head-up display and instrument panel were customizable, with sharp, crisp displays. Ambient lighting offered 64 colours, and the navigation system projected front camera feeds with overlay arrows for directions. The GLE also included a natural voice assistant, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with semi-automated driving features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touchscreen and trackpad for navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX voice-control system responded to "Mercedes" or "Hey Mercedes," understanding complex commands. The digital dash extended to the fully digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The GLS's technology, while extensive, was manageable once learned, offering a seamless integration of infotainment and vehicle controls.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating. It featured a range of safety and driver assistance technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced occupant protection, while the brakes and stability control offered additional safety measures.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.