2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its boxy, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class featured a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with straight body lines and a robust appearance. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The cabin's multicolor ambient lighting allowed for a personalized atmosphere, enhancing the vehicle's luxurious feel. Despite its transformation into a luxury icon, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for both urban and rugged terrains.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its familiar broad, rounded face and large expanses of sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights, integrated into a darker trim element. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the Range Rover's cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, giving it a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements adorned the interior, providing a sense of luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin made it a standout in the luxury SUV segment, offering a refined experience that rivaled more expensive alternatives.

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 sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted a robust suspension system, with a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The G550's off-road capabilities were impressive, with adjustable suspension and three independent locking differentials available as options. For those seeking more power, the AMG G63 variant offered 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its performance prowess, the G-Class had a fuel economy of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550 and 13/16 for the G63.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, providing smooth and effortless power delivery. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm driving experience. Standard rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The Range Rover's Terrain Response system optimized off-road performance, ensuring it remained a capable all-terrain vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and functional interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was roomy, with comfortable seats and ample storage options. The tall roofline provided excellent headroom, and the standard sunroof added to the airy feel. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover excelled in interior space, with generous room in the first two rows and excellent outward visibility. The front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered ample space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row provided adequate space for smaller passengers, with USB-C charge ports available. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 93 cubic feet with the second row down. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension height made loading cargo easier.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system, offering customizable layouts and colors. The COMAND system provided intuitive control, with Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The Burmester Surround Sound system delivered an immersive audio experience. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi, though wireless charging was absent.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover introduced a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a suite of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results were unavailable, the Range Rover's safety features performed well during testing.