Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, was a vehicle that combined ruggedness with luxury. Its design, characterized by straight edges and a classic two-box shape, was a nod to its military origins. Despite its utilitarian roots, the G-Class became a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated environment with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a personalized driving experience. The G-Class was hand-built in Austria, and its extensive customization options made it a unique choice for those seeking both off-road capability and opulence.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's ability to blend heritage with modernity. Its design retained the iconic seven-slot grille, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was a two-row, five-passenger SUV, offering a range of trims from the base 4xe to the luxurious Summit Reserve. Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe provided a comfortable and upscale experience, with features like leather seats, wood and metal accents, and a spacious interior. Despite some hard plastic materials, the overall feel was one of comfort and capability, making it a suitable choice for families and adventure seekers alike.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class was equipped with dynamic driving programs, including a "G-mode" for off-roading, and offered adjustable suspension and three locking differentials for enhanced capability. The more powerful AMG G63 variant boasted 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its impressive performance, the G-Class had a fuel economy rating of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550 and 13/16 for the G63.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe stood out with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-liter V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 470 miles and an impressive 56 MPGe. It featured E Select powertrain modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency and performance. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also included regenerative braking and two off-road systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, its towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds, less than its gas-powered counterparts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The G550 featured comfortable seating, ample storage, and a tall roofline for excellent headroom. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds, making it both a luxury and practical choice.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe provided ample space for passengers, with 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet. The air suspension allowed for easy loading and unloading, and the interior offered plenty of head and legroom. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was a comfortable family vehicle, though it lacked a third-row option. Despite some hard plastics, the overall interior quality was high, with features like a heated steering wheel adding to its appeal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system, offering a customizable and immersive experience. The COMAND system, controlled via unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, provided a user-friendly interface. The G-Class included a Burmester Surround Sound system, WiFi, and standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, wireless charging was not available.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options through the My Pages feature. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included multiple screens, such as a 10.25-inch digital driver display and an optional front-passenger display. The McIntosh stereo system, available on higher trims, provided exceptional audio quality. While wireless charging was optional, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offered standard USB ports and optional rear-seat entertainment screens.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its size and weight required responsible driving to avoid potential hazards to pedestrians and other vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a comprehensive suite of standard and optional safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included additional features like intersection-collision assist and night vision. A hands-off driver assistance suite was announced but required additional hardware. The Grand Cherokee 4xe had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.