Spec Comparison: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Mercedes-Benz GLS vs BMW X5

Jeep has announced price cuts across its range as a result of the new GST regime and has also introduced an entry-level petrol trim of the Grand Cherokee. At Rs 75.15 lakh, the Jeep Grand Cherokee petrol pits itself against the Germans – the Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 and the BMW X5 35i. We compare the cars, spec-by-spec, to find out how the Jeep fares.

Exterior

While the Jeep grand Cherokee is large in every sense, the five-metres-plus Mercedes GLS takes the cake when it comes to sheer bulk. The added length also means that the Mercedes can accommodate full-size adults in the third row as well while the Jeep and the BMW X5 come as five-seaters only. But in terms of second row comfort, the Jeep does carry an edge over the Germans, especially as it is the widest of them all.

In terms of styling, the Jeep offers something different than the now common Mercedes and BMW faces. It also looks more rugged than the Germans with the squared wheel arches and the boxy dimensions.

Interior

All three are top-of-the-line SUVs from each of the manufacturers and hence are quite luxurious. Creature comforts like three-zone air-conditioning with separate blowers for rear passengers, power seats in the front with reclining seats in the second row, power mirrors with auto dimming function are all standard. You get panoramic electric sunroofs, cruise control, steering mounted audio controls among others, as a part of the standard package.

All three get display screens of the infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB and other connectivity options along with satellite navigation as standard. All three are equipped with dual front and side airbags for safety along with the electronic stability programs embedded in the engine management systems.

Engine and Gearbox

The Jeep is powered by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine that develops 285bhp of power and 347Nm of torque and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the most powerful of them all with 329bhp of power and 480Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre V6. The BMW isn’t too far behind with its 3.0-litre six cylinder engine pumping out 306bhp of power and 400 Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic.

But then, the Jeep is the best by a country mile when it comes to off-road capabilities. It makes the Germans look like pavement-prowlers in spite of both of them having serious off-road equipment like four-wheel drive, off-road modes, ride height adjustment etc. While the Germans will love the highways on weekend tours, the Jeep Grand Cherokee will let you go off the highway with equal elan.

Conclusion

The Jeep Grand Cherokee petrol, with its pricing, stands right between the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLS petrol versions. While its on-road manners are at par with the Germans, the off-road capabilities push it higher up the list. But then the Mercedes gets seven seats while the BMW offers more power than the Jeep. The Grand Cherokee does score on that rare quotient, but so do their dealerships when compared to the Germans.