Perhaps the simplest way to describe the character of their differences is the way the buttons are operated. In the Range Rover, you must press on the bottom half of the button and rock it downward. Press only on the top half, and there's no response. On the other hand, press any part of a Mercedes button, and the desired action is smoothly achieved.
It's a small thing, but it's that sort of minor annoyance that can mar the luxury experience. This ergonomic irritation also was felt when we used the Range Rover's touch-screen command center. Not only is it a long reach from the driver's seat, situated high up in the center console, but it often wouldn't respond to our first jab of the finger and required a determined re-jab.
We further found the Mercedes's gauge cluster and digital readout more legible and their graphics more pleasing to the eye. The Rover's digital gauges lack contrast and are hard to read in the light of day--and what's with that cartoony water temp and fuel-gauge cluster? It's a jarring element and looks decidedly down-market.
Our test ML also had the better seats, as it was equipped with the Premium Package ($3750), which includes multicontour front seats, a power liftgate (nice bit of luxury), wood and leather steering wheel, and DVD navigation. The Rover, too, was fitted with better than standard 16-way adjustable seats as part of its Luxury Interior Package ($2750), but they didn't quite match the ML chairs for comfort and support. Other elements of this optional group are upgraded leather on the seats and door pulls, heated front and rear seats, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and the Adaptive Front Lighting System.
Though disappointing in some ways, the Rover pleased in many others. Being able to open the rear window without lifting the gate is a nice touch, and we prefer its electronic parking brake over the ML's old-style pedal. The coolbox in the center console definitely would be used, and the Voice Recognition option works well. And if there were small passengers to haul around, we'd also want the Rear Seat Entertainment Package ($2500), which features video screens in the rear of the front seat headrests and the capability to plug in video games and MP3 players as well as watch DVDs.
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