2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a design that was neither offensive nor overly striking, with its Selenite Grey paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling was reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, especially from a front three-quarter view. Inside, the GLE offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen setup for instrumentation and infotainment added a high-tech feel, although the lack of traditional controls could be challenging for newcomers. However, with time, drivers could acclimate to the vehicle's technology, making it a more enjoyable experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Grey with silver 23-inch wheels, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport's design included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights. The interior featured sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery, offering a blend of luxury and eco-consciousness.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine's EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency. The GLE's performance was enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Off-road. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension contributed to a nimble and composed driving experience, especially in urban settings. However, the GLE's size and weight were noticeable on winding roads, and the performance exhaust system was loud in Sport+ mode.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available, offering 434 horsepower. The Range Rover Sport's new vehicle architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and the adaptive damping air suspension adjusted up to 500 times per second. The SUV's Dynamic driving mode, cornering brake control, and roll stability control enhanced its handling. However, the Range Rover Sport felt tall and heavy on twisty roads, and the steering lacked involvement. Off-road, the SUV excelled with its advanced suspension and impressive ground clearance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. 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. Comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. The SUV featured a power liftgate and controls for lowering the air suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology. Optional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system and an augmented video feature for navigation.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was also available.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional systems related to driver assistance and collision avoidance. The Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist systems were particularly impressive. The GLE Coupe was based on the standard GLE, which received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was slow to respond, and the steering assist technology was unsatisfactory, especially on highway curves.