2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4's design was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn't quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, in contrast, offered a more subtle and less flashy look compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The GLS 450 avoided gaudy grilles and chrome-laden designs, presenting a more refined appearance. Higher-end models like the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 600 added visual drama with flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and chrome accents. The interior of the GLS 450, even in its basic form, exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, framed nicely by the upright dashboard, contributing to a high-quality feel.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup made it the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's RWD configuration provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered increased power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned more for comfort than sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the electric motor adding 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth and ample power, making the SUV feel agile despite its size. The air suspension offered a comfortable ride but exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive bouncing and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility and a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard. However, rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in maintaining cabin heat during cold weather.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version offered individual captain’s chairs in the second row. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, with the bench seat sliding as one piece to increase legroom. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading and unloading. Despite its spaciousness, the GLS had some ergonomic issues, such as a touchscreen that was difficult to reach and grab handles with no clear purpose.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced most physical controls, which proved difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. While some features felt gimmicky, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with a head-up display as an option. The MBUX system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and small touchpads on the steering wheel. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, understanding normal speech well. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and difficult to use. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good graphics, but the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation response.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance systems like Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.