Range Rover Velar and the Mercedes GLE450: Which is the better SUV?

The Range Rover Velar and the Mercedes GLE450 stand out as premier contenders in the luxury SUV market, each having unique features and capabilities. The Velar exudes style and sophistication, appealing to those who seek a blend of elegance and off-road prowess. On the other hand, the GLE450 embodies luxury and performance, offering a spacious interior and advanced technology. 

In this article, we delve into the key attributes of each SUV to determine which is the better SUV.

Range Rover Velar: An overview

The Range Rover Velar is a fancy SUV that fits between the smaller Evoque and the larger Range Rover Sport. It’s stylish and cool but not as common as other cars. This makes it even more special. It was introduced in 2017, and it’s all about looking good while still being tough enough for off-road adventures. The Velar is like the fashionable kid in the luxury SUV world. It’s sleek and refined but can handle rough roads like a champ. Even though it’s not as popular as some other SUVs, the charm sets it apart.

It’s not just about looks, though. Thanks to its advanced features, the Velar can hold its own off-road. It competes with other luxury SUVs, offering a premium experience without breaking the bank. Despite being one of the cheaper models in the Range Rover family, it still has plenty of features and a comfy ride. The recent update gives it a fresh look outside and a more straightforward design inside. Overall, the Velar is a stylish SUV that’s ready for any adventure you throw its way.

• Engine and Performance 

The Range Rover Velar has different engines depending on the model, each offering a unique blend of power and efficiency. The P400e plug-in hybrid is at the forefront, achieving an impressive 0-60mph acceleration in just 5.1 seconds when its petrol engine and electric motor work in tandem. It can cover up to 40 miles in electric mode on a single charge. For those prioritizing performance, the D300 diesel boasts a robust 296bhp six-cylinder engine, propelling the Velar to 60mph in a seamless 6.1 seconds. If budget-friendliness is key, the D200 four-cylinder diesel provides strong acceleration without breaking the bank. Petrol enthusiasts have options, too, with the P250 and P400 models available. Towing capacities range from 2,000kg to 2,500kg, ensuring the Velar is ready for any adventure.

• Fuel Efficiency

The Range Rover Velar offers varying fuel efficiencies depending on the engine type. Petrol models are thirsty, averaging around 30mpg, while diesel engines provide better mileage, exceeding 40mpg on long journeys. The plug-in hybrid version boasts an impressive official economy figure of over 100 mpg, but achieving this requires diligent charging and short trips. Its small petrol engine and heavy battery pack make it less efficient on longer journeys. Despite this, the plug-in hybrid Velar is a top choice for company car drivers due to its low CO2 emissions, resulting in more favourable tax benefits. While the Velar may not be the most fuel-efficient SUV, it offers options for drivers seeking a balance between performance and economy.

Interior

The Range Rover Velar’s interior has a modern look, embracing a trend towards sleek screens and fewer physical buttons. Instead of the usual switches, the centre console now features a large 11.4-inch curved touchscreen infotainment display, giving the car a futuristic feel. While this touchscreen setup looks impressive, it comes with some usability challenges. Tasks like adjusting the temperature or selecting drive modes, which used to be simple, now require navigating through menus on the screen. Some find this less intuitive than the traditional buttons.

Even with these, the Velar’s interior maintains its luxurious vibe, with spacious seating and premium materials. Despite the front seats occupying some space, the back seats still offer decent roominess, although taller passengers might find headroom a bit tight due to the sloping roofline. When it comes to storage, the cabin might feel a bit tight, even with the additional centre console storage. However, the boot makes up for it with its generous area, beating out many competitors in overall capacity. Plus, there’s a space saver under the floor, which is better than being stuck with just a repair kit in case of emergencies. A special mention goes to the optional Meridian sound system, which delivers music that sounds like a concert rather than just another car stereo. 

Overall, the Velar’s interior update is a bold move towards modernization and digital integration. While it adds a high-tech and stylish touch to the cabin, it also brings some usability issues that may frustrate specific drivers. 

Mercedes Benz GLE450

The Mercedes-Benz GLE stands as the brand’s midsize luxury SUV, sought after by those desiring greater interior room than the smaller GLC. While primarily designed as a five-seater, an optional small third-row seat provides flexibility. In the 2024 model, the GLE receives substantial enhancements. These include refreshed styling, an elevated level of luxury within the cabin, an improved infotainment system, and introducing a new plug-in hybrid powertrain choice.

• Engine and Performance 

The Mercedes GLE450 boasts a formidable engine and impressive performance figures. Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This combination churns out a robust 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for spirited driving and effortless acceleration. When put to the test, the GLE450 doesn’t disappoint. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just around 5.5 seconds, showcasing its athletic prowess. 

But the GLE450 isn’t just about straight-line speed. Its adaptive air suspension ensures a smooth and composed ride, whether cruising on the highway or navigating twisty back roads. Plus, with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as standard, the GLE450 offers excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. The Mercedes GLE450 impresses with its potent engine, swift acceleration, and balanced performance.

• Fuel Efficiency 

Fuel economy varies depending on the version of the GLE you choose. The GLE 450e is the most fuel-efficient option. It’s a plug-in hybrid, and we managed to drive it about 59 miles on a full battery before it switched to regular hybrid mode. That’s better than most plug-in SUVs. After the battery ran out, our GLE still achieved 28 mpg in combined driving, which is impressive. Additionally, the GLE 450e has the perk of using DC fast charging, giving it an advantage over other plug-in hybrid competitors.

• Interior

The interior of a Mercedes-Benz GLE screams luxury. It’s fancy and made with top-notch stuff. Inside, there’s tons of space for everyone. But since the GLE sits high, especially on those big 21-inch wheels, it’s smart to add running boards for shorter folks to hop in and out easily. When you’re behind the wheel, you feel like the boss. The touchpad controller is easy to use and gives you quick access to important stuff, but watch out for accidentally touching the steering wheel pads.

The touchscreen is bright and snappy, making it easy to use. Even though some menus can be confusing, the main stuff is easy to find. The navigation system is cool because it shows directions on a live camera feed. The sound system is awesome, making every song sound amazing. While other SUVs may have hands-free driving, the GLE shines with stuff like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, making driving easier without getting in the way.

Range Rover  Velar Vs. Mercedes GLE450

Regarding passenger comfort, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 offers more room for front and backseat occupants than the Land Rover Range Rover Velar, which taller individuals could particularly appreciate. Regarding convenience, both vehicles have similar gas mileage, resulting in comparable stops at the gas station. In terms of dimensions, while the Range Rover Velar is wider than the GLE 450, it’s slightly shorter, potentially making parking easier.

Performance-wise, the GLE 450 surpasses the Range Rover Velar in towing capacity, but the latter has a slightly higher horsepower. Regarding the powertrain, the Range Rover Velar has a slight edge in torque transmission. Lastly, regarding utility, the GLE 450 offers more seating and cargo space, making it a better choice for passengers and hauling loads. At the same time, the Range Rover Velar might suffice for those with fewer passengers and less cargo.

Conclusion 

Regarding luxury SUVs, the Range Rover Velar and the Mercedes GLE450 offer impressive features. The Velar boasts style and off-road capabilities, while the GLE450 provides ample space and powerful performance.

Choosing between them depends on personal preferences. If you prioritize elegance and ruggedness, go for the Velar. If you value comfort and advanced tech, the GLE450 is your best bet. Both SUVs promise a luxurious driving experience that elevates every journey.