Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2012 Land Rover LR4 VS 2012 Mercedes GL-Class Near Scottsdale, AZ

The LR4 HSE offers an optional Surround Camera System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The GL-Class only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the LR4 and the GL-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The LR4’s corrosion warranty is 2 years and unlimited miles longer than the GL-Class’ (6/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

Land Rover pays for scheduled maintenance on the LR4 for 1 year and 15000 miles. Land Rover will pay for oil changes, tire rotation, lubrication and any other scheduled maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the GL-Class.

The LR4’s 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 40 more horsepower (375 vs. 335) and 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (375 vs. 339) than the GL450’s standard 4.7 DOHC V8.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Land Rover LR4 is faster than the GL450:

The LR4 stops much shorter than the GL-Class:

The LR4 offers an optional full size spare tire so your trip isn’t interrupted by a flat. A full size spare isn’t available on the GL-Class, it requires you to depend on a temporary spare or run-flat tires, either of which has mileage and speed limitations.

The LR4 HSE handles at .74 G’s, while the GL450 pulls only .70 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The LR4 HSE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the GL450 (28.3 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the LR4’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the GL-Class’ (37.6 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The LR4 is 10.5 inches shorter than the GL-Class, making the LR4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the LR4 HSE is quieter than the GL450:

The LR4 has .3 inches more front headroom, 2.1 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.8 inches more rear headroom, .3 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.9 inches more third row headroom and 2.1 inches more third row legroom than the GL-Class.

The LR4’s cargo area provides more volume than the GL-Class.

The LR4’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The GL-Class’ rear cargo window doesn’t open.

The LR4’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The GL-Class doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the LR4 HSE detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The GL-Class doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

Insurance will cost less for the LR4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the LR4 will cost $694 less than the GL-Class over a five-year period.