2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while adequate in appearance, did not quite capture the stunning aesthetics often associated with the brand's sedans and sports cars. Its exterior design, with an aggressive nose and sloping hood, promised something great but fell short past the A-pillar, resembling its predecessors too closely. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to mitigate its minivan-like tendencies, but the GLE struggled to match the pitch-perfect proportions of its competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. Even in AMG trim, the GLE's styling was overshadowed by rivals such as the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. For 2021, Mercedes redesigned the GLE Coupe to align with the standard GLE, resulting in a more streamlined and cohesive look. The interior was a masterpiece of quality, layout, and texture, with a bold red and black colour scheme that outshone even luxury SUVs from Porsche and Audi. The centre console featured twin arching grab handles outlined with LED lighting, and the use of wood, metal, leather, and suede upholstery was a delight to touch. Despite some flimsy gear selector and turn signal stalks, the GLE exuded a sense of luxury and pampering, though it required significant options to truly feel opulent.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, in its base GLS 450 form, presented a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to its chrome-laden competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided gaudy grilles, opting for a more refined look. However, buyers seeking visual drama could opt for the AMG GLS 63 or the Maybach version, which featured flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and chrome accents.

Inside, the GLS offered a luxurious experience, with options for added features like reclining rear seats in the Maybach model and performance-oriented interiors in the AMG version. The standard interior, while basic by GLS standards, still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, framed nicely by the upright dashboard. Overall, the GLS 450's interior was high quality, though perhaps too subdued for some tastes.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile vehicle, offering a complex suspension and engine setup. The base GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 and AMG models boasted advanced air suspensions like AIRMATIC and AMG Ride Control+. These systems provided adaptive dampers, self-leveling air springs, and even the ability to lean into turns with E-Active Body Control. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe included an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, though it wasn't as exhilarating as expected.

The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, added 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, enhancing the driving experience without significantly improving fuel efficiency. The GLE 350 produced 255 hp, the GLE 450 offered 362 hp, and the AMG GLE 53 delivered 429 hp. The AMG GLE 63 S topped the range with a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 producing 450 hp. All GLE models featured 4MATIC all-wheel drive and impressive towing capabilities of up to 3,500 kilograms. The driving experience was exceptional, with the GLE handling like a smaller sedan and offering remarkable ride quality and steering.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup provided ample power, with the electric assist seamlessly integrated. The GLS 450's inline-six engine offered smooth performance, making it a suitable choice for a luxury SUV.

However, the GLS's suspension left room for improvement. While it featured standard air suspension capable of adjusting ride height, the test car exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners. The GLS 450's towing capacity matched the GLE at 3,500 kilograms, though some competitors offered more. Overall, the GLS 450 provided a comfortable ride but lacked the refinement expected from a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models configured as two-row SUVs. An optional third row allowed seating for seven, with power controls for second-row passengers. The Coupe body style accommodated five passengers, though the rear space felt constricted due to the sloping roofline and large rear tires. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe offered slightly less space, with 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all rows folded.

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. Seat controls, suspension settings, and driving mode shortcuts were easy to use, though the steering wheel thumbpads required some adjustment. Overall, the GLE's interior was well-designed and user-friendly.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version offered individual captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, with the bench seat sliding as one piece to increase legroom. The GLS boasted excellent second-row legroom, thanks to its long wheelbase.

Cargo space in the GLS was competitive, with 355 litres available with all seats in place and 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's air suspension made loading and unloading cargo easier, and the power-folding seats and tailgate added convenience. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen's distance from the driver and the centre console's grab handles lacking a clear purpose.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures. The system allowed for easy control via touchpad or thumbpad, with search bars and larger type simplifying navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for track enthusiasts, while Seat Kinetics adjusted seating positions for comfort. The GLE also offered a head-up display, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and advanced navigation with augmented reality. The natural voice assistant responded to "Mercedes" and learned new commands over time. The GLE's technology was extensive, offering more features than most users would fully utilize.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and voice recognition. The system offered multiple control options, with voice recognition proving the most user-friendly. The GLS's graphics were impressive, and the augmented-reality navigation feature was standard. However, the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes, undermining confidence in its reliability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating. It offered a range of safety and driver assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and semi-automated control. The GLE also included Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for added protection in a crash.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured standard safety equipment like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Additional features included Crosswind Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, and Pre Safe. However, some advanced driver-assistance features were optional, requiring additional cost. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.