2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E attempted to bridge the gap between traditional Mustang styling and modern electric vehicle design. Despite its four-door configuration and rear hatch, the Mach-E retained a Mustang-like appearance with its thin headlights, elongated hood, and large oval grille. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, featuring sequential turn signals. The vibrant exterior color palette, including the eye-catching Grabber Blue, further reinforced its Mustang heritage. Inside, the Mach-E's minimalist interior was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen, reminiscent of Tesla's design approach. The cabin featured decent quality materials, though some buyers might have been disappointed by the absence of leather upholstery, with even the top trims offering only synthetic ActiveX material.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, showcased a rugged, boxy design that harked back to its military roots. Its straight body lines and two-box design were unique within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, offering a retro appeal. The interior boasted a tasteful design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The cabin's ambient lighting could be coordinated with the instrument panel colors, creating a personalized atmosphere. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features, making it a status symbol among the elite.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to deliver sporty performance, living up to the Mustang name. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The most powerful configuration, the AWD GT Performance Edition, boasted 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to its low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels resulted in a less comfortable ride. The Mach-E offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—along with the option for one-pedal driving and customizable propulsion sounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G550 model, was a powerhouse with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4WD, with Dynamic Select driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The G550 could sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for its 5,551-pound curb weight. The G-Class offered a supple ride with its double-wishbone independent front suspension and rigid rear axle. The AMG G63 variant took performance further with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class had a compact turning circle and impressive off-road capabilities, though its fuel economy was notably low.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had a station wagon-like packaging with a low driving position and roofline. It offered less interior space compared to the Tesla Model Y, which provided more headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity. The Mach-E had 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and 29.7 cubic feet with it in place, along with a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk. The interior featured a storage bin under a flip-up armrest and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, equipped with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and practical, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was spacious, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. While the G-Class offered heated seats as standard, ventilated seats were part of expensive packages. The spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged styling.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates. The 15.5-inch touchscreen was a standout feature, though its text-heavy design was less intuitive. The system included a large volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate controls. Premium, GT, and First Edition models came with a nine-speaker B&O sound system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment. These customizable screens, combined with ambient lighting and a Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive experience. The COMAND system was controlled via unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel. The G-Class offered a rear-seat entertainment system, multiple USB and 12-volt outlets, and standard WiFi, though it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. It came with standard driver-assist features like automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Drive Assist, enabling hands-free driving on highways, was slated for a future OTA update.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while unrated by NHTSA and IIHS, offered a suite of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class's size and weight provided inherent safety advantages, though its active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt.