Out of all vehicle classes, the SUV segment is definitely the most highly-contested and unforgiving segment in the entire U.S. - with dozens of top-notch competitors going all-out to win over buyers. Mercedes-Benz is one of them, and as we all know, the German automaker prefers to do its business over on the luxury SUV side.

Composed of 6 different petrol-powered models - leaving electric models for another occasion, Mercedes-Benz’s current 2022 SUV lineup is extremely versatile both in terms of pricing and capabilities, and several other high-end competitors emerge in the form of BMW, Audi, and Volvo, to put them to the test.

Mercedes-Benz SUVs aren’t just well-built though, and they actually double as enjoyable driver’s cars and surprisingly capable off-roaders. There’s also a set of particular strengths that are more specific to each model, as well as significantly different power plants and tech setups to choose from. Let’s get into the details.

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Mercedes-Benz SUVs Are Quick

2023 Mercedes GLA
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes’ 6-model SUV lineup ranges from compact crossovers to full-sized 7-seaters, and even though some are faster than others, all of them provide plenty of pulling power that makes stepping on the gas quite enjoyable. The entry-level 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-class and GLB-class SUVs - which start at $37,000 and $39,000 respectively, both come with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. When equipped with Mercedes’ 4Matic AWD system, the GLA can sprint from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds, while the GLB takes about a tenth of a second longer due to its additional weight.

Next up are Mercedes-Benz’s mid-sized SUV models - The 2022 $43,850 GLC-class and the $56,150 GLE-class, which crank up quite a bit more power. The GLC 300 is the only available trim for 2022, and it sports a 2.0-liter turbo 4 that makes 255 horsepower along with 273 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 6.1-second 0-60 mph runtime when equipped with AWD. The entry-level GLE 350 has the exact same engine, but in its heavier case, it takes an entire second longer to scoot from 0-60 mph. However, Mercedes also offers a hybrid inline-six option as well as a hybrid V8 found in the range-topping 2022 GLE 580, more specifically, it’s a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 with mild hybrid drive and standard AWD. the GLE 580 produces a total output of 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, enabling a super quick 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.9 seconds.

Finally, towards the top of the range, you'll find the more expensive 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS and G-Class models. The range-topping GLS 580 - which starts at just over $100,000, comes with the same engine as the GLE 580, but its larger size and added weight make it 3-tenths of a second slower, enabling a 0-60 mph runtime of 5.2 seconds. In the G Wagon's case, the non-AMG version comes with a sole power plant: a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 that produces 416 horsepower along with 450 pound-feet of torque. It starts at $140,000 and takes 5.6 seconds to sprint from 0-60 mph.

It’s also worth mentioning that every single SUV model in Mercedes-Benz’s 2022 lineup comes with either an 8-speed or a 9-speed DCT automatic transmission, as well as optional or standard 4Matic AWD. For those that remain unsatisfied with the performance of Mercedes’ regular SUV models, every single one also offers an array of AMG-powered variants that provide a huge boost in performance, though they’re considerably more expensive too.

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Most Mercedes-Benz SUVs Are Amazing Off-Roaders

2022-mercedes-benz-g-class-professional-line-exterior-front-view
via Youtube

Aside from some extreme versions of the 2022 G Wagon, Mercedes doesn’t manufacture its SUVs with hardcore off-roading in mind, which is why they don’t come with the rugged hardware you might find in other SUVs that specialize in rock climbing. However, when equipped with AWD, every single Mercedes-Benz SUV model actually fares relatively well off the pavement, courtesy of several selectable drive modes and reasonable ground clearance. From the smaller GLA to the larger GLS, all models can tackle your overlanding needs with ease, but we’d recommend sticking to mild trails in most cases, since the suspension setups of most models prioritize comfort over heavy-duty capabilities.

For the most hardcore of off-road enthusiasts out there - and those with deep pockets, Mercedes-AMG has also unveiled the 2022 G63 4x4 squared, which is the most extreme G Wagon ever manufactured. It comes standard with ridiculous ground clearance, plenty of power, and a vast array of off-road hardware that prepares the 2022 G63 4x4 squared for any trail ahead.

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Mercedes-Benz SUVs Are Also Practical

2022 Mercedes GLS450 - interior
via CarHP

Mercedes-Benz SUVs aren’t just cool because they offer speed and relative off-road capabilities, they’re also cool because they do so while being impressively practical. All models can comfortably accommodate up to 5 people, and in the case of the GLB and GLS, that number increases to 7. Furthermore, they all provide plenty of interior storage cubbies and overall cargo space, and in most cases, Mercedes also offers hybrid power train alternatives to significantly boost fuel economy.

Looking at Mercedes-Benz’s 2022 SUV Lineup as a whole, it’s easy to spot the differences between each model, which translate to vastly different prices that range between about $37,000 and $300,000. One thing’s for sure though, no matter which Benz SUV you pick, you can expect enticing performance and more off-road prowess than meets the eye.

Source: Mercedes-Benz