2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS carried over from its third generation, which debuted in 2020. Originally introduced as the GL-Class in 2006, it was meant to replace the G-Class but instead found its niche among luxury family SUVs. The GLS featured softened angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned nearly two-thirds of the dashboard. The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features included remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. Various option packages added features like ventilated seats, heated armrests, and rear-seat tablets.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcasing a distinctive look compared to VW's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, differentiating it from the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was based on VW’s MEB platform and followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Its interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused design, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4's design was more akin to a hatchback, which might have affected its appeal to traditional SUV buyers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission, enabled the GLS 63 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. The GLS 63 also featured an adaptive air suspension system, multiple drive modes, and E-Active Body Control for a smooth and composed ride.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version, with a second electric motor, arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered increased power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty performance, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seating accommodated seven passengers, while optional second-row captain’s chairs reduced capacity to six. The third row, though less spacious, was still suitable for adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, though the center console was somewhat limited in size.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was more than several EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 did not have a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious from the driver’s seat, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The center console offered limited storage, with narrow compartments and a unique twist-grip gear selector.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required. The MBUX system also offered advanced voice control, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.” The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. This setup allowed for customizable displays but required a learning curve.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most physical controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system, activated by saying “Hello ID,” though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield, communicated information to the driver but was easily overlooked. Despite these quirks, the touchscreen was well-positioned with intuitive menus.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard driver aids included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2021 were Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding effectively to acceleration and deceleration.