2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease emphasized the vehicle's width and stability. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, highlighting Volvo's commitment to simplicity and quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a more polarizing design. While the aggressive nose and sloping hood promised something great, the design seemed to lose its way past the A-pillar, making it almost indistinguishable from older models. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped mitigate its minivan-like tendencies, but it lacked the pitch-perfect proportions of its competitors. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, but it still couldn't match the visual appeal of rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures, with features like twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for such a heavy vehicle. The T6, with a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for keeping up with traffic. The Polestar tune boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and added weight, which negated its speed advantage.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle with a complex suspension and engine setup. The base GLE 350 used a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 featured self-leveling air springs with adaptive dampers. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems provided advanced handling capabilities, including the ability to lean into turns. The GLE 53 Coupe had an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, while the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered even more power with twin-turbo V8 engines. The GLE's hybrid system provided additional horsepower and torque, seamless auto stop-start functionality, and improved fuel efficiency, with the GLE 450 returning 21/26/23 mpg. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with precise steering and the ability to tow up to 7700 pounds.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated all climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for defrosters, volume, and seek controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a roomy two-row configuration with an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. The second-row seats had power controls for recline, fore-aft, and headrest adjustments. The Coupe variant seated five and had less cargo capacity due to its sloping roofline. The new MBUX infotainment system simplified usability with a single touchpad and a more intuitive interface. The GLE's interior featured seat controls on the doors, rocker switches for the suspension, and shortcuts for driving modes on the steering wheel. The ambient lighting, head-up display, and natural voice assistant added to the vehicle's overengineered yet well-executed design.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The four-zone climate control and the Bowers & Wilkins stereo system with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power were standout features. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked the customization options of competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, which could read hand gestures. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, Seat Kinetics for automatic seat adjustments, and a natural voice assistant. The head-up display and instrument panel were highly customizable, and the ambient lighting offered 64 colors. The navigation system projected the front camera feed with overlay arrows and street names. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous electronic features, made the GLE's technology suite comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for its crash test performance, headlights, and standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for additional protection.