2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The Land Rover Range Rover is the definitive word in “ultra-luxury sport utility vehicle.” It’s the perfect example of a no-compromise SUV, delivering superlative cabin space, luxury appointments, power, and capability.

Believe it or not, the current fourth-generation Range Rover is getting long in the tooth. A fifth-generation Range Rover is around the corner, so how has Land Rover kept its flagship SUV relevant? With incremental updates through the years. In addition to new infotainment and safety technologies, Land Rover has continued to expand the powertrain lineup, to the point where there are now six different powertrain options. So does the Range Rover continue to set the standard for 4x4 luxury? Read on to find out.

The “S” in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class name is meant to connect the SUV to the S-Class flagship sedan. In this sense, the GLS is the S-Class of SUVs, and it delivers on that positioning. The 2021 GLS-Class has three rows of spacious seating, and puts comfort above all else. The GLS can hold groceries, weekend bags, antique desks purchased from a roadside consignment shop—all things that would require a lot of negotiating in the S-Class sedan.

The GLS-Class is one member of a growing fraternity of full-size, three-row, luxury SUVs. Their ranks include the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80, and the more recent BMW X7. The GLS sets itself apart with a higher standard of luxury, and impressive performance… if you’re willing to shell out the cash.