2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90, S90, and V90 Cross Country. The interior remained largely unchanged, featuring a clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover that was subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and changes to the headlights and taillights were minimal. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which cost an additional $1,100. Mercedes offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors in total. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, natural grain brown walnut trim, and a host of comfort features.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S models. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S featured a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 hp. The GLE 450e combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power was sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e offered an estimated electric-only range of 40 miles and could operate as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE's steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size, and the AMG models offered even quicker reflexes.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with the seats down. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional options included ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, a head-up display, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air software updates were also enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though Android users benefited more from the Google integration. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch, a control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, causing occasional issues.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive and effective during everyday driving.