2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that offered a blend of elegance and practicality. Originally known as the GL-Class, the GLS evolved to cater to affluent families seeking a spacious, comfortable alternative to the likes of the Navigator and Escalade. Despite its size, the GLS appeared more refined and less bulky than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and clever design elements. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen, emphasizing its tech-centric nature. The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of standard features and optional packages to enhance comfort and style.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while focusing on everyday usability. With a modern retro design reminiscent of Land Rover, the Bronco Sport was a unibody crossover aimed at urban drivers with a penchant for weekend adventures. Its design featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and minimal adornments, making it trail-ready. The Bronco Sport's bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with its tasteful Ford badge, added to its distinctive look. The interior was rugged yet functional, with a focus on practicality and convenience, including an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, delivering 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 4MATIC stepped up with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, producing 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, generated an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. All engines included Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The GLS 63 featured an adaptive air suspension system, offering adjustable ground clearance and precise handling.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport provided two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more robust 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, complemented by a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for adults. The GLS boasted 355 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded, and 2,400 litres with both the second and third rows down. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a centre console with butterfly doors.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its cleverly designed cargo space, capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass, an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table, and a 400-watt inverter. The front cabin provided ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a large touch screen and a trackpad for navigation. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX system included a voice-control feature, activated by saying "Mercedes" or "Hey Mercedes," allowing for complex commands. The digital dash extended to the instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, offering customizable display options.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The base audio system had six speakers, with a Bang & Olufsen sound system available on higher trims. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system offered multiple G.O.A.T. modes, with additional off-road capabilities in the Badlands model. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on all trims except the Base, and higher trims included a digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included automatic parking assist, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional safety tech included lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The GLS was equipped with a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a voice-activated navigation system. All Bronco Sport models had AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes. The IIHS awarded the Bronco Sport a Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating.