Very few people would ever count out models that would come from both Mercedes and Land Rover assemblies. Although the former definitely packs more pop compared to the latter in terms of vehicles sold annually, the latter is not far behind anyway. Meanwhile, if you’re someone who loves going outdoors and getting the feel of the untamed terrain you probably need two models from both manufacturers like the Ranger Rover Sport HSE (Land Rover) and the Mercedes GL450 (Mercedes). Just like every similar entry, there’s always one big question that has to be answered. Which is the better performer overall? Read on and find out.
Range Rover Sport HSE
Price: 59000 USD
The Range Rover is essentially an SUV that packs everything in its 5500 pound frame. Featuring a massive 4.4 liter V8 engine, the Range Rover can accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 7.5 seconds. Those jaw-dropping numbers are possible because of the technology that it borrowed from both Jaguar and the Aston Martin. Additionally, the Range Rover is good enough to compete with some pickup trucks out there when it comes to payload capacity since it can handle as much as 7000 lbs. of weight. The car is decent when it comes to paved roads but it wasn’t necessarily built for that kind of terrain because when you go out for some adventure-driving, you can easily call on its Active Roll Mitigation, Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, Terrain Response (ARMDSCHDCTR) to make things easier for you.
When it comes to its exterior, the Range Rover has an urban and comfortable design that is pleasantly welcoming. Basically, the Range Rover does not have any pretenses and its design is simple without going overboard. The interior on the other hand offers a classy oak or cherry-trimmed cockpit that gives a very comfortable feeling to whoever is inside. The Range Rover only has two rows but the good thing is that there is enough space for several people to fit inside.
The sound system of this car is simply a treat to the audiophile and that’s because of its 14-speaker Harman/Kardon speaker system. Also, the Range Rover offers the DVD navigation for those who aren’t very good in directions. The downside of this model is that it’s a bit too expensive for the things that it offers however if you’re talking about the Aston Martin and Jaguar technology that it has incorporated, perhaps the price is justified.
Mercedes-Benz GL 450
Price: 56000 USD
The GL 450 has an acceleration that is pegged at 7.2 seconds from 0-60 mph and that’s obviously better than its Land Rover counterpart. The model is also equipped with an Airmatic suspension that is responsible for regulating the ride height that is crucial on bumpy and unpredictable road conditions. When it comes to the engine, this vehicle has a bigger fuel capacity than the Land Rover because it boasts of a 4.6 liter V8 engine. Meanwhile, the exterior design of the GL450 is great in every sense of the word and the fact is its design makes the automobile smaller than it actually is.
On a different note, the GL450’s interior features leather covering although I was a bit disappointed with the interior space that is available inside. However, if you have claustrophobia it’s never a good idea to spend more than five hours in the second row because of the space or lack thereof that is available or again, lack thereof. I personally thought that the GL450 is too expensive for the things that it offers. Yes it’s faster than the Range Rover but it fails when it comes to interior space, fuel mileage, and payload capacity. With that being said, my vote goes to the Range Rover for the overall better performance.
