2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "Geländewagen" from 1979. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood, prominent corner lights, and robust doors that clacked loudly when locked. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The interior was luxurious, with a sci-fi aesthetic featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, enhancing the rugged yet opulent feel of the cabin.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport continued its legacy of elegance with a distinctive design featuring a steeply angled windshield, a gently sloping roofline, and trendy elements like pop-out door handles. The SV Carbon variant stood out with its two-tone hood and carbon fibre accents, complemented by 23-inch carbon wheels. The interior evolved from the previous generation, offering a minimalist aesthetic with some drawbacks, such as the removal of physical controls. Despite this, the Range Rover Sport provided top-notch materials and a variety of headliner options, ensuring a luxurious experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered three powertrains with varying outputs. The base S model featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with 355 horsepower, while the Dynamic SE added an electric supercharger for 395 hp. A plug-in hybrid variant provided 454 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque, with up to 85 kilometres of electric-only driving. The top-tier SV trims boasted a BMW-built 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 626 hp. The Range Rover Sport excelled in handling, thanks to its adaptive dampers and air springs, offering a smooth ride and impressive off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, though not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall yet short passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available behind the rear seats. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, slightly less than the Range Rover. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered generous space with ample legroom and headroom. The five-seat configuration included heated and electrically adjustable seats, with options for ventilation and power-reclining rear seats. Cargo space was 592 litres behind the rear seats, with 1,267 litres available when folded. The Range Rover Sport excelled in towing capacity, matching the G-Class at 3,500 kilograms. However, the lack of physical controls and narrow rear door openings were notable drawbacks.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Notable MBUX features included augmented reality navigation and voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment were also expected to be standard.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's 13.1-inch display offered advanced features like the Wade Sensing app and 4x4i app. Everyday tech included full-screen Apple CarPlay and a configurable instrument panel. The surround-view cameras and Meridian Signature stereo were highlights, though the lack of physical controls made basic functionality challenging.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was expected to include standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. However, it lacked front knee airbags and a hands-free driving system. The Euro NCAP awarded it a five-star rating, but no North American ratings were available.