2011 Range Rover vs. 2011 Mercedes GL550

If your in the market for a luxury all-terrain vehicle you are naturally looking at The Range Rover and possibly the Mercedes GL550. Of course we are biased, representing what we feel is the recognized leader, at the highest echelon of sport-utility vehicles. We feel so strongly that The Range Rover truely outclasses all other competitors, we put it head-to-head with the 2011 Mercedes GL550, judge for yourself.

2011Range Rover

• The Range Rover HSE naturally aspirtated engine produces 375bhp and 375-lb ft torque while the Supercharged engine reaches 510bhp and 624-lb ft torque.

• Both lines come equipped with a new six-speed automatic transmission optimised to provide class-leading response and control.

• Range Rover's Patented Terrain Response® technology helps the driver conquer gravel, grass, snow, rocks, and tarmac. By simply choosing the appropriate icon on the conveniently positioned selector, the engine, transmission, suspension, and traction settings are instantly reconfigured for optimum driveability. This driving technology takes yet another step forward with Gradient Acceleration Control and Hill Start Assist. Gradient Acceleration Control helps prevent situations where the vehicle might accelerate too quickly on a steep gradient (and Hill Descent Control has not been selected), allowing the driver time to regain control. Hill Start Assist automatically releases brake pressure on a steep gradient and helps prevent the vehicle from inadvertently rolling backwards.

• A Range Rover wouldn't be a Range Rover without an emence level of fine craftsmanship, luxury and innovation, starting with the softest, highest-quality leathers and veneers.

• First-class entertainment provided by a standard 720-Watt harmon/kardon stereo or the available 1,200-Watt harmon/kardon LOGIC7 surrond-sound system for the true audiophile.

• The Hard Disk Drive (HDD)-based Satellite Navigation system has been redesigned to make it easier and more intuitive to use. Other enhancements include faster route calculation, greater map coverage, and improved reliability. HDD offers improved access, new graphics, and more data storage capability. Navigation assistance includes off-road guidance with waymarking and contour lines display, while points of interest can easily be stored en route. HDD can easily be updated by your dealer, British Motor Car Distributors.

• One glance at the new virtual instrument panel reveals the very latest Thin Film Transistor (TFT)-LCD technology, a stunning advance in the clarity of driver information. The new 12 inch TFT-LCD virtual instrument panel uses the same technology found in high-quality computer laptops and can be both personalized and adapted to suit various driving conditions or personal preference. During night-time driving, for instance, the TFT-LCD virtual instrument panel's 'torchlight' setting highlights only the essential information on the speedometer and odometer. Additionally, when driving off-road, key dynamic information is displayed in the center of the TFT-LCD screen, complementing the main Touch-screen display and providing valuable ‘at a glance’ vehicle status.

• Available Adaptive Dynamics not only provides the best-ever Range Rover experience over rough roads, but it also enhances control at higher speeds while cornering or braking. Adaptive Dynamics is designed to predict the response to the driver's actions, and helps ensure that all occupants are transported in the greatest comfort and security, regardless of variations in road conditions.
• Bring your Range Rover to British Motor Car Distributors and the first required maintenance will be performed at no charge within your first 12 months or 15,000 miles (whichever occurs first). Range Rover also comes with a 4yr./50,000 mile full limited warranty.

Mercedes GL550

• One of our most advanced engines generates 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of peak torque, with an exceptional 75 percent of that torque on tap at just 1,000 rpm.
• The industry's first 7-speed automatic transmission remains one of the most versatile automatics on the market. A wider range of closely spaced gear ratios delivers the ideal response for virtually every driving condition, which means smoother cruising, immediate acceleration, and thanks to two overdrive ratios, improved highway fuel efficiency, too. Its driver-adaptive programming monitors your driving style and adjusts its shift points to match, while paddle shifters on the steering wheel let you enjoy manual-style control whenever you wish.
• Whatever the season or road condition, Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC™ all-wheel drive technology can provide an extra measure of confidence and control. Fully integrated with our standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), which maximizes the system's effectiveness in corners and in wet or slippery conditions, 4MATIC is always engaged and optimizing torque in every wheel. And to help ensure that power translates into control, 4MATIC incorporates our 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS), an advance that monitors for the first sign of wheel slip and adjusts power delivery accordingly. By continually ensuring that power is evenly distributed among the wheels with the best grip, 4MATIC can help keep the vehicle moving and under control even if only one wheel has traction.

• ADSII continually optimizes ride and handling by automatically selecting one of four damping profiles for each spring-strut every time a wheel changes its direction of up-down travel. Driver-selectable Standard, Comfort, and Sport modes change the thresholds of wheel/body movement at which the damping profiles are changed. Automatic 4-wheel level control includes driver-selectable ride height, which can raise the vehicle by up to 3.1 inches with the touch of a button, and automatic vehicle-speed-sensitive lowering, which can reduce the ride height by 0.6 inches at higher speeds.

• Featuring a color-LCD display, the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system gives you convenient control of audio, video, hands-free calling and navigation functions. Many features can also be accessed via the integrated steering-wheel controls. Enhanced Voice Control lets you control the phone, audio and navigation using everyday phrases, such as saying city names rather than spelling them out. It even screens out "ums" and "ahs" and understands "yeah" for "yes."

• Specifically engineered for the GL-Class, this premium digital sound system fills the cabin with 610 watts of beautifully balanced audio. No less than 11 strategically placed speakers plus the rich bass of a subwoofer deliver a wholly immersive listening experience through Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound technology. Digital Dynamic Volume Control impeccably and imperceptibly maintains the sound spectrum for consistent listening pleasure in varying driving conditions.

• When you purchase or lease a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle, it comes complete with our New Vehicle Limited Warranty, covering you in the event of defects in material or workmanship for 48-months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.