2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was designed to project a sportier image within the Range Rover family. Its tall stance was complemented by a shorter wheelbase and a chopped top, giving it a more athletic appearance compared to the traditional Range Rover. The large front air intakes and fake vents on the hood and fenders added to its sporty look, although from certain angles, the Sport appeared a bit too tall and narrow, lacking the wide, planted look of some other luxury SUVs. The lineup included SE, Dynamic SE, Autobiography, and SV Edition Two trims, with the Stealth appearance package available for the Dynamic SE. The SV Edition 2, the highest-performance model, featured unique elements like 23-inch carbon-fiber wheels and a carbon-fiber hood. Inside, the minimalist aesthetic was highlighted by red leather upholstery and sport seats with light-up “SV” inserts, although the high console and dash created a somewhat cramped feel.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of models, including the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices starting at $91,600. Our test vehicle, the GLS 450, came with the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding 21-inch AMG wheels and several luxury upgrades. The GLS 450's interior was similar to the smaller GLE-Class, featuring high-quality materials and detailing. However, body creaks were noted on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 came standard with artificial leather upholstery, with options for higher-grade leather and various interior trims. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, although it occasionally struggled with voice commands. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin and composed ride, making it easier to manage in urban settings compared to larger SUVs.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The base SE model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The Dynamic SE offered a higher output of 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, along with a plug-in hybrid powertrain rated at 454 hp and 487 lb-ft. The Autobiography trim could be equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 543 hp and 590 lb-ft or a BMW-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. The SV Edition Two used the same V8 but with 626 hp, making it the most powerful Range Rover model. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and had a top speed of 180 mph. The Range Rover Sport excelled in both on-road performance and off-road capability, with features like Terrain Response, hill descent control, and a two-speed transfer case available on certain models.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS 450 offered a balance of power and fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Dynamic Select system provided multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The standard Airmatic adaptive suspension contributed to a smooth ride and improved handling. The GLS had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, slightly less than some competitors. While the GLS 450's powertrain occasionally exhibited delays in responsiveness, it delivered a satisfying driving experience with a quiet cabin and composed ride.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was positioned between the Range Rover Velar and the full-size Range Rover in terms of size. It was a two-row, five-seater, offering more room than the Velar but remaining in the midsize range. Front-seat occupants found similar headroom to other midsize luxury SUVs, although the Acura MDX and Audi Q7 offered more legroom. The sloping roof did not significantly impact rear-seat headroom, and reclining rear seats were standard. The Range Rover Sport provided 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It had a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds for turbo-six and V8 models, with plug-in hybrids rated at 6,614 pounds.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as an option. The GLS was known for its comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, and an executive-style rear seat package. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated second-row captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third row. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 to 48.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet with the second row down. While storage locations were limited, the GLS offered a large glove compartment and covered cupholders.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Pivi Pro infotainment system was responsive, with natural-language voice recognition. The SV Edition 2 test car included “Body and Soul Seats” with embedded transducers for a unique audio experience. The Meridian audio system offered up to 29 speakers, depending on configuration.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a navigation system with augmented reality. The standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology provided excellent audio quality. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant that could execute various commands, although it occasionally struggled with voice recognition.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A 360-degree camera system and digital rearview mirror aided parking, although the parking sensors were overly sensitive. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS included nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, such as Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The Car-to-X Communication system prepared the GLS for future road hazard warnings. Parking was facilitated by sensors and a surround-view camera system. The GLS required active driver participation, with a hands-on system that performed well in most situations, although it struggled on curvy roads. The braking system occasionally applied excessive force when exiting highways.