2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E surprised many with its blend of Mustang styling cues on a five-door electric crossover SUV. Despite its unconventional dimensions, the Mach-E's design, featuring galloping horse emblems and bold rear fender haunches, successfully tied it to the iconic pony car, boosting its popularity. Since its debut in 2021, Ford produced over 150,000 units, offering various trims like Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT, with prices ranging from $45,995 to $63,995, plus a $1,800 destination charge. The GT model, priced at $66,590 with Cyber Orange paint, showcased a distinctive look with unique bumpers and 20-inch wheels, exuding style and technology.

Inside, the Mach-E GT felt luxurious, with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats adorned with copper stitching. The cabin featured a high-end look with fabric on the dashboard and door panels, metallic and gloss-black trim, and dual display screens. The design and quality materials blended past, present, and future elements, making the Mach-E GT an appealing vehicle.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exhibited a modern design with a touch of sensuality, especially with the AMG rims and Twilight Blue paint. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured a new silver four-louver grille and polished metal accents, offering a counter-cultural appeal against the blacked-out trend. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a Bahia Brown over Black interior with Grey Oak trim, polished aluminum accents, and massaging front seats, creating a comfortable and luxurious environment.

The GLS 450, the most affordable version, came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. It offered a smooth driving experience with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The vehicle's adaptive air suspension and massive tires contributed to its athleticism, while the Off-Road menu in MBUX provided additional capabilities for adventurous driving.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of configurations with standard and extended-range battery packs, and single or dual-motor setups. Power ranged from 266 to 480 horsepower, with torque between 317 and 634 lb-ft, and a driving range of 224 to 312 miles. The GT model featured an extended-range battery and AWD, delivering 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a 270-mile range. The GT Performance Edition increased torque to 634 lb-ft, reduced range to 260 miles, and improved acceleration to 3.5 seconds. Driving modes like Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, along with Unbridled Extend for track use, enhanced the driving experience. The Mach-E GT impressed with its speed and handling, though the ride quality was firm.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, provided smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The mild-hybrid system added 148 lb-ft of torque for lively starts. A nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD system offered driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. The GLS 450 excelled in handling, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a fuel economy of 21 mpg combined. The adaptive air suspension and large tires contributed to its performance, while the brakes ensured smooth stops.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, as a crossover SUV, offered practicality with seating for five and 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a front trunk. The GT model featured eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats wrapped in black ActiveX leather and Miko suede. The interior included a tiered center console with ample storage. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a panoramic glass roof and supportive seating. The Mach-E provided 29.7 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.7 cu-ft with seats folded, plus a 4.7 cu-ft frunk.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with the AMG Line package, featured sportier styling but posed challenges with side sill trim. The interior offered comfort with leather surfaces, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row provided ample legroom, while the third row was snug for adults. Cargo space measured 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second, and 84.7 cubic feet with seats folded. Interior storage was decent, though the front center armrest bin was small.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen with Sync 4A infotainment, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included navigation, smartphone charging, and voice recognition. The Bang & Olufsen sound system and digital instrumentation display enhanced the experience. Phone As A Key technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with MBUX infotainment, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered improved graphics, natural voice recognition, and augmented reality navigation. However, touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console caused occasional frustration. The Burmester surround-sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E included Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 and BlueCruise hands-free driving. BlueCruise 1.2 added lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered extensive safety features, adjustable through MBUX. The ADAS provided effective forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist performed well on various routes, with only minor issues.