2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a vehicle that combined ruggedness with luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, while inside, it featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel. The interior ambiance could be customized with multicolor ambient lighting, creating a unique atmosphere. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

The 2022 Volvo XC60, on the other hand, underwent subtle styling changes that enhanced its sporty appearance. The new front fascia with "air blades" and a reworked grille added a modern touch, while the hidden tailpipes and new wheel designs contributed to its sleek look. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 maintained its clean and uncluttered design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the interior was somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models, it offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel in the Inscription trim, adding a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produced 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted a robust suspension system with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class offered impressive off-road capabilities, with adjustable suspension and three locking differentials.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. The B5 powertrain delivered 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the B6 exclusively in all-wheel drive. The XC60 B5 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a calm and comfortable driving experience, with a quiet cabin and smooth ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was not only luxurious but also practical, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was spacious, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. The second row offered comfortable seating for three adults, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also featured a spare tire mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged appeal.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. It offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. The plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. Despite its somewhat pinched roofline, the XC60 provided good visibility and a commanding driving position. The interior was designed for comfort, with a focus on luxury rather than sportiness.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system, offering customizable layouts and colors. The COMAND system provided a user-friendly interface, with Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The Burmester Surround Sound system enhanced the audio experience, while Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. The G-Class also offered a rear-seat entertainment system and WiFi, though wireless device charging was not available.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech upgrade with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system. It included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The system featured Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps through the Google Play Store. The infotainment system was compatible with iPhones, though Android users could sync their profiles for added functionality. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a suite of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness. The active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received high safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.