2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a design that was neither offensive nor groundbreaking. Its Selenite Grey paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sleek appearance, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker from certain angles. Despite the absence of the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe variant, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe maintained a luxurious interior with high-end materials like Nappa leather and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen setup added a high-tech feel, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's iconic profile. Its sleek, sporty form was enhanced by features like flush door handles and a distinctive grille. The Velar's interior, though slightly less opulent than previous models, still offered high-quality materials and a polished black centre stack. The design choices, such as the absence of a discrete parking brake control, highlighted a focus on aesthetics over practicality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost mild-hybrid system added efficiency and power, achieving a fuel consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE's performance features included a nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD, and adaptive air suspension. It offered multiple driving modes and excelled in both urban and challenging terrains, though its size and weight were noticeable in tight corners.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower centre of gravity and improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp, while the optional 3.0-litre inline-six with a mild-hybrid system provided up to 395 hp. The Velar's ride was smooth, with an optional air suspension enhancing comfort. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models, focusing more on street performance.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though four was more comfortable. The front seats offered numerous adjustments and features like heating and massage. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and the cargo space ranged from 655 to 1,790 litres. Visibility was a challenge, necessitating the use of available cameras.

The Velar's interior was tighter, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was 552 litres, expanding to 1,358 litres with seats folded. The lack of a discrete parking brake control was a notable design flaw, complicating basic operations. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a simplified interface and useful features.

The GLE's MBUX infotainment system featured dual 12.3-inch screens, navigation, and smartphone integration. It was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and optional upgrades like a Burmester sound system. The touchpad on the centre console was a minor inconvenience.

The Velar's Pivi Pro system exceeded expectations, offering a logical layout and customizable features. Voice activation, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation were highlights. The system was reliable, with standard features like a Meridian sound system and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added advanced systems like Active Lane Change Assist. While crash-test results for the Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with standard safety features like emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control, though U.S. crash-test ratings were not available.