2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, presented a balanced aesthetic that was neither offensive nor overly striking. Despite its resemblance to an athletic sneaker from certain angles, the vehicle's design was generally well-received. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and brushed aluminum trim, complemented by ambient lighting that enhanced nighttime driving.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, such as gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. The new wheel designs and colors, along with a rear VW logo that lights up, added to its modern look. While the ID.4 didn't have the traditional SUV profile, it still managed to stand out as an EV. The interior maintained a minimalist design with quality materials, including leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibers, and offered a spacious and practical layout.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel, resulting in an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in combined driving. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a balanced ride.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting and a more aggressive "B" setting, though it didn't offer one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe could technically seat five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system and a Warmth and Comfort Package.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone, along with three-zone climate control and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, a navigation system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Burmester surround-sound audio system was also standard. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 upgraded to a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen across all models, with software updates to improve responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly, lacking physical feedback. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and AI assistance, indicating navigation directions and drive mode changes.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though the route-based speed adaptation function could be irritating. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4's standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were standard Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.