2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that offered a blend of elegance and practicality. Originally launched as the GL-Class in 2006, it was designed to replace the G-Class, but the latter's popularity ensured its survival. The GLS, with its three rows and plush interior, became a sophisticated alternative for family transport, rivaling the likes of the Navigator and Escalade. The transition from GL to GLS during its second generation marked a shift towards a more refined design, with softened angles and a sleek appearance. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen, emphasizing its tech-centric approach.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following significant updates in 2021, carried over with minor tweaks. Available in four trims in Canada—Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline—the Atlas was priced between $41,595 and $57,695, excluding a $1,950 destination charge. The Execline trim, which we tested, featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale look. Despite its boxy design, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, though some materials felt subpar for its price range. The interior design was simple yet premium, but the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall quality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 4MATIC came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with Mercedes 4MATIC AWD. The AMG GLS 63, which we tested, boasted a hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, generating 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 280 km/h. The GLS 63 featured an adaptive air suspension system, offering adjustable ground clearance and precise handling.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, available on Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, produced 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 907 kg and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 L/100 km. The optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. The V6's fuel consumption was 12.2 L/100 km. The Atlas featured Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Active Control calibrations for various conditions. However, the V6 lacked power and refinement, and the ride quality was less than ideal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row was suitable for adults, a rarity among three-row SUVs. The GLS provided 355 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded, and 2,400 litres with both rear rows down. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, though the centre console was relatively small.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ease. The step-in height was low, facilitating entry and exit. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down. While storage areas were plentiful, many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. The Atlas's interior was roomy and accommodating, but the use of hard plastics detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a large touch screen and a trackpad for navigation. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though a USB-C cable was required. The MBUX system offered voice control, activated by saying "Mercedes" or "Hey Mercedes," and could understand complex commands. The digital dash extended to the instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, offering various display options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display standard and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and cumbersome controls. Voice recognition was hit-and-miss, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation.

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, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and an adaptive front lighting system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the parking sensors were overly sensitive. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.