2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GL-Class instead found its niche among practical yet affluent buyers, offering a luxurious, family-friendly alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS name was adopted midway through the second generation. Despite its size, the 2021 GLS appeared less bulky than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and clever design tricks. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's boxy past, maintaining the brand's family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale. After Ford sold Volvo to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the brand underwent a transformation, developing new platforms for its lineup. The current XC90, launched in 2016, stood as Volvo's flagship SUV, riding on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 model featured a sleek, forward-tilted stance, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of the classic 245 wagon. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover, and a clear crystal gear selector handle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three powertrains. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 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, cranked out 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission. All engines included Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. It featured an adaptive air suspension system, adjustable ground clearance, and multiple drive-mode settings, ensuring a composed ride and precise cornering.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains. The T5 models used a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 models combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. T5 models were front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, while T6 and T8 models were all-wheel drive only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8 achieved a combined 27 mpg on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range, while the extended range variant offered 26 mpg combined, 66 MPGe, and up to 36 miles of EV range. The XC90 provided a smooth driving experience, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured three rows of spacious seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The front and second-row passengers enjoyed ample headroom and legroom, while the third row, though less spacious, was suitable for adults. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The driver and front passenger had access to numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof, providing an airy, spacious cabin. The air-conditioning system performed admirably during a heat wave, ensuring a comfortable environment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable for connection. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" or "find me a seafood restaurant." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel, offering various display configurations.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen interface. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay functionality improved performance, though Android Auto was also available. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with an optional $1,650 Advanced package adding a head-up display, 360-degree surround view camera system, and advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system, offering exceptional surround sound staging. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional standard safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also offered stop-and-go cruise control and a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to maintain lane position and set speed or following distance with minimal driver intervention. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.