PROS Stonking acceleration from the twin-turbo V-8, smoothest start-stop system around, impressive ride and handling balance.
CONS Lazy transmission tuning, properly expensive, heavier and less involving than a similarly capable sports sedan or wagon.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty. AMG GLE 53 makes 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft.Standard 48-volt EQ Boost system adds 21 hp and 184 lb-ft.MBUX infotainment system.
PROS Modern, luxurious interior appointments Turbocharged inline-six engine is smooth and powerful MBUX infotainment is one of the best in the business
CONS Choppy ride on less than perfect surfaces Body style heavily restricts rear visibility
Pros Ear-shattering V8 engine EQ Boost system improves efficiency Muscular styling Luxurious, spacious cabin Much-improved infotainment system Race Mode delivers precise steering
Cons Can't fully mask its size It can't fully defy physics Ride will be too firm for some Requires expensive optional extras Infotainment system can be intimidating at first
“The Velar plugs a gap in, er, Land Rover's range of Range Rovers. It's bigger than the Evoque but smaller than the Sport ”
PROS Achingly stylish inside and out. Improved engines and plug-in option make the heavy-duty bits more competitive. Relaxed and refined, yet unusually superb off-road.
CONS Infotainment screen not quite Land Rover’s latest and greatest. Expensive once you start speccing it
The Range Rover Velar is a stylish, refined and seriously appealing coupé SUV. If you keep to small wheels, it's a comfy companion while our favoured S trim gets plenty of kit. It’s best to stick to the cheaper trims and engines – once you start moving up the range, the price rises into the realms of better-resolved cars, such as the Audi Q8 and BMW X6.
PROS Decent economy with diesels and plug-in Smooth and punchy D300 engine Good off road
CONS Average rear leg room Wallowy handling Some cheap plastics inside
