Mercedes GL-Class 2016: Effortless Luxury vs. Range Rover

For buyers weighing the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class against a Range Rover, the GL-Class offers a more refined, car-like luxury driving experience with advanced technology and a spacious interior. The Range Rover emphasizes off-road prowess and a rugged, commanding presence. Ultimately, the better choice depends on prioritizing on-road comfort and advanced features (GL-Class) versus ultimate all-terrain capability and iconic styling (Range Rover).

Choosing a large luxury SUV can feel like navigating a sea of impressive options. For many, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and the 2016 Range Rover stand out as prime contenders, each promising opulence, capability, and prestige. But when you dive beneath the polished exteriors, these two titans offer distinctly different approaches to luxury motoring.

The GL-Class, now known as the GLS, was Mercedes-Benz’s answer to the evolving demands of families who wanted the space and commanding view of an SUV without sacrificing the refined ride and sophisticated technology synonymous with the three-pointed star. It’s designed for effortless cruising on highways and comfortable urban journeys.

The Range Rover, on the other hand, has long been the benchmark for go-anywhere luxury. It’s a vehicle that manages to be equally at home on a muddy track as it is in front of a Michelin-starred restaurant. This dual-purpose capability is its defining trait.

Deciding between them isn’t about which is “better” in an absolute sense, but rather which aligns more closely with your personal driving needs, preferences, and lifestyle. This guide will break down what makes each unique, helping you make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vs. Range Rover: A First Look

For 2016, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (which would be renamed the GLS starting with the 2017 model year) represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz’s SUV offerings. It was praised for its comfortable ride, expansive interior, and the sheer array of technology packed within its doors. It was a true three-row SUV designed to carry up to seven passengers in considerable comfort.

The 2016 Range Rover, part of the fourth generation, continued its legacy as the ultimate luxury off-roader. Known for its iconic styling, opulent interior materials, and unparalleled ability to traverse demanding terrain, the Range Rover offered a distinct blend of ruggedness and refinement. Its unibody construction, a move made in earlier generations, significantly improved on-road manners compared to its body-on-frame predecessors, but its off-road DNA remained strong.

Here’s a quick overview of what each brought to the table in 2016:

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (2016):
Focus on on-road comfort and luxury.
Spacious, high-quality interior with advanced technology.
Smooth, refined ride.
Potent engine options, including AMG variants.
Generous cargo and passenger space for up to seven.

Range Rover (2016):
Unmatched off-road capability.
Iconic, distinctive styling.
Luxurious and well-appointed interior focused on premium materials.
Strong performance, both on and off pavement.
Sophisticated all-wheel-drive system (Terrain Response) designed for various conditions.

Design and Exterior Appeal

The exterior design of these two vehicles speaks volumes about their intended purpose and brand philosophy.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class presented a sophisticated, albeit somewhat understated, elegance. Its design was unmistakably Mercedes-Benz, featuring clean lines, a prominent grille with the iconic three-pointed star, and a substantial presence that clearly communicated its luxury status. It aimed for approachability and refined aesthetics, fitting seamlessly into upscale urban environments and family carpools alike. LED lighting elements were standard, adding to its modern appeal.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Exterior Highlights:

• Classic Mercedes-Benz styling cues.
• Large, commanding road presence.
• Refined and elegant lines.
• Standard LED daytime running lights and taillights.
• Available panoramic sunroof and power-deployable running boards.

The 2016 Range Rover, in contrast, exuded a more ruggedly handsome and commanding aura. Its design is instantly recognizable, characterized by its upright stance, clamshell hood, and distinctive floating roofline. The Range Rover’s aesthetic is one of understated power and timeless British luxury. It projects an image of capability and exclusivity, a vehicle that looks as comfortable navigating the Serengeti as it does pulling up to a valet stand. The 2016 model featured enhancements like updated LED lighting signatures and a revised grille.

2016 Range Rover Exterior Highlights:

• Iconic, boxy silhouette with a commanding presence.
• Distinctive floating roof and short front overhang.
• Rugged yet elegant detailing.
• Advanced LED lighting.
• Impressive approach and departure angles for off-roading.

Interior Luxury and Comfort

Stepping inside both vehicles reveals their differing philosophies on luxury.

The interior of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a masterclass in contemporary luxury and family-friendly utility. It’s a space designed for comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge technology. High-quality materials like supple leather, real wood trim, and soft-touch plastics abound. The dashboard is dominated by a large central infotainment screen, with physical controls for climate and audio situated logically below. The seats are supremely comfortable, and the third row is surprisingly usable for adults on shorter journeys, an advantage over many competitors. Air suspension, standard on most trims, contributes to an exceptionally smooth ride.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Interior Features:

• Spacious cabin accommodating up to seven passengers.
• Premium leather upholstery and wood trim options.
• User-friendly infotainment system operated via a rotary dial and buttons.
• Generous legroom and headroom in the first two rows, adequate in the third.
• Excellent cargo space, especially with the third row folded.
• Advanced climate control, often with multi-zone functionality.
• Standard COMAND infotainment system.

The 2016 Range Rover’s interior is designed to rival the finest luxury sedans, with a focus on craftsmanship and an almost bespoke feel, while still maintaining a sense of command. Materials are top-tier, including hand-stitched leather, genuine wood veneers, and metal accents. The cabin feels more driver-centric and enveloping than the GL-Class. Despite its off-road pedigree, the interior is a sanctuary of calm and luxury. The seats are plush and supportive, offering excellent comfort for long journeys. The technology interface, though advanced, is designed to be intuitive, with a large touchscreen dominating the center console. While it also offers a third row in some configurations, it’s generally considered less accommodating than the GL-Class’s.

2016 Range Rover Interior Features:

• Sumptuous leather and authentic wood finishes.
• Driver-focused cockpit with a commanding view.
• Intuitive touchscreen infotainment system.
• Plush, supportive seating for up to seven (optional third row).
• High-quality sound insulation for a serene cabin.
• Optional features like heated steering wheel, massaging seats, and rear-seat entertainment.

Performance and Powertrain Options

Both SUVs offer potent powertrains, but they deliver their power in different ways and cater to different priorities.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class was available with a range of gasoline engines, all paired with a smooth-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission and the brand’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Standard models typically featured a strong twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing around 362 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the GL 450 offered a potent twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 engine delivering approximately 449 horsepower. For the ultimate performance, the Mercedes-AMG GL 63 featured a hand-built twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 generating a colossal 550 horsepower, paired with a sportier AMG-tuned 7-speed transmission.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Engine Options:

• GL 350d (Diesel – though less common in some markets, a strong option): 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel (240 hp, 455 lb-ft)
• GL 450: 3.0L V6 Biturbo (362 hp, 384 lb-ft)
• GL 550: 4.7L V8 Biturbo (449 hp, 516 lb-ft)
• AMG GL 63: 5.5L V8 Biturbo (550 hp, 560 lb-ft)

The 2016 Range Rover also offered a choice of robust engines, providing ample grunt for both on-road acceleration and off-road crawling. The standard engine was a supercharged 3.0-liter V6, available in two states of tune: 340 horsepower or 380 horsepower. For those desiring more V8 power and torque, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 was available, producing around 510 horsepower. Both engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that worked seamlessly with the sophisticated permanent four-wheel-drive system and advanced Terrain Response technology.

2016 Range Rover Engine Options:

• 3.0L V6 Supercharged: 340 hp and 380 hp variants available.
• 5.0L V8 Supercharged: Approximately 510 hp.

While both provide strong performance, the GL-Class’s V8s (especially in the GL 550 and AMG GL 63) often felt more powerful in straight-line acceleration due to their higher horsepower and torque figures. The Range Rover’s V6s are exceptionally refined, and the V8 provides thrilling acceleration, but the GL-Class often had an edge in brute force, particularly in its AMG iteration.

Off-Road Capability

This is where the two vehicles diverge significantly, and it’s often the most critical deciding factor for buyers.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is an SUV with advanced all-wheel-drive capabilities, but it is fundamentally designed for on-road comfort. Its 4MATIC system is excellent for traction in slippery conditions (snow, ice, rain) and provides a confident feel on gravel or light trails. However, it lacks the sophisticated off-road hardware, such as sophisticated multi-mode terrain management systems with adjustable ride height for extreme obstacles, that the Range Rover possesses. The GL-Class is designed to handle the occasional unpaved road or inclement weather with grace, not to conquer rugged wilderness.

GL-Class Off-Road Strengths:

• Excellent traction in snow, rain, and light off-road conditions with 4MATIC.
• Comfortable air suspension can absorb minor bumps.
• Higher ground clearance than a typical car.

GL-Class Off-Road Limitations:

• Lacks dedicated off-road driving modes.
• Limited suspension articulation for extreme articulation needs.
• Not designed for severe off-roading or rock crawling.

The 2016 Range Rover, conversely, is engineered from the ground up to be a supremely capable off-roader. Its standard permanent four-wheel-drive system is complemented by Land Rover’s renowned Terrain Response system. This technology allows the driver to select specific modes (like Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl) that optimize engine, transmission, differentials, and chassis settings for the given surface. The air suspension can raise the vehicle significantly, providing ample ground clearance for tackling obstacles and water fording. This capability is what sets the Range Rover apart in the luxury SUV segment.

Range Rover Off-Road Strengths:

• Industry-leading off-road capability.
• Standard Terrain Response system optimizes vehicle for any surface.
• Adjustable air suspension for significant ground clearance.
• Advanced all-wheel-drive system with locking differentials (depending on specification/model).
• CoG (Center of Gravity) and articulation designed for extreme terrain.

Range Rover Off-Road Limitations:

• Requires driver understanding to maximize its potential.
• Can be intimidating to the inexperienced off-roader.

Technology and Infotainment

Both manufacturers loaded their flagship SUVs with technology for 2016, but the implementation and user experience differed.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class featured Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND infotainment system. Controlled primarily via a large rotary dial and physical buttons on the center console, it offered navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, audio controls, and access to vehicle settings. While robust, the interface could feel a bit more dated compared to some competitors, particularly when compared to the sleeker, more integrated systems found on newer models or in the Range Rover. Nevertheless, it was functional and provided access to a wealth of features, including an optional rear-seat entertainment system.

2016 GL-Class Technology Highlights:

• COMAND infotainment system with a 7-inch display.
• Navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming, and hands-free calling.
• Optional Bang & Olufsen or Harman Kardon premium sound systems.
• Driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist were available.
• Active multi-contour seats with massage function were optional.

The 2016 Range Rover utilized Land Rover’s InControl Touch infotainment system. This system featured an 8-inch touchscreen display and aimed for a cleaner, more integrated look. It offered standard navigation, smartphone integration (though not full Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as we know them today), and various connectivity features. While the InControl system represented an improvement over previous Land Rover interfaces, some reviewers noted that it could occasionally be slow to respond or a bit less intuitive than the systems from German rivals. However, the overall cabin ambiance, combined with features like an optional head-up display and surround-view cameras, contributed to a highly sophisticated technological environment.

2016 Range Rover Technology Highlights:

• InControl Touch infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.
• Navigation, Bluetooth, and audio streaming capabilities.
• Optional Meridian premium audio systems.
• Advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, and autonomous emergency braking.
• Optional heated and cooled seats, and an optional heated windshield.

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Practicality and Space

When considering a large luxury SUV, practicality is paramount. Both vehicles excel in different aspects of this category.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a true family hauler. With its standard three-row seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The second row offers generous legroom, and the third row, while best suited for children or shorter adults on longer trips, is more accommodating than many competitors, including the Range Rover. Cargo space is also a strong suit, with a significant amount of room behind the third row, and a cavernous area when the rear seats are folded flat. Power-folding second and third rows were available features, further enhancing convenience. The GL-Class also boasts a higher maximum towing capacity than the Range Rover, making it a better choice for those who regularly tow large trailers or boats. The U.S. 2016 GL-Class had a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds.

2016 GL-Class Practicality:

• Standard 3-row seating for up to 7 passengers.
• Usable third row for adults on shorter trips.
• Vast cargo volume, especially with rear seats stowed.
• Higher maximum towing capacity (e.g., 7,500 lbs in the US).
• Easy ingress and egress, especially with optional running boards.

The 2016 Range Rover is also a practical vehicle, but its focus leans slightly more toward the luxurious experience for its occupants than maximizing pure passenger or cargo volume. It can seat up to seven with the optional third-row bench, but this setup is considerably tighter than in the GL-Class, best reserved for children. The standard configuration is for five passengers, who enjoy an incredibly comfortable and opulent experience. Cargo space is ample for a weekend getaway or weekly shopping, but consistently trails the GL-Class when all seats are occupied or when maximizing volume. The Range Rover’s towing capacity is respectable, often around 7,700 pounds in the US, which is comparable to the GL-Class but doesn’t offer a significant advantage.

2016 Range Rover Practicality:

• Comfortable seating for 5 as standard, optional for 7 (tight third row).
• Posh and spacious cabin for front and second-row passengers.
• Generous cargo