2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 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, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were signature elements that made the XC90 instantly recognizable. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, part of the third generation introduced in 2020, presented a more refined and svelte appearance compared to its predecessors. The softened angles and lines gave it a less imposing look despite its size. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash. The AMG GLS 63 variant added aggressive bodywork, quad-outlet exhaust, and a chrome, slotted grille inspired by the AMG GT supercar. The interior featured a performance-inspired flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a motorsport-inspired stripe, adding to its luxurious yet sporty feel.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with 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 model, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for the XC90's size. The Polestar tune upgrade 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 was weighed down by its hybrid system, resulting in only marginally better fuel economy.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension and multiple drive-mode settings, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for precise handling and a composed ride, even on rough roads.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it still relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row was suitable for full-size adults, a rarity among three-row SUVs. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 87.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power-folding third row and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the new MBUX infotainment system with a massive touchscreen and a simple trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The voice-control system, activated by saying "Hey Mercedes," could understand complex commands. The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system had a learning curve but made the extensive technology more manageable.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's 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 and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a host of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.