2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy automobiles of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. Retaining its family-friendly, safety-concerned image, Volvo had ventured into the upscale market, almost touching the definition of luxury. After being sold to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding by Ford in 2010, Volvo re-invented itself, producing modern vehicle platforms that emphasized safety and comfort, encapsulating these traits in models that came later.

The original XC90 debuted as a 2003 model, witnessing incremental updates until the 2015 model. The new-generation XC90, launched as a 2016 model, represented Volvo’s flagship SUV based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.

The 2022 XC90 possessed an athletic and appealing profile, tilted toward the front as though always ready to surge forward. Despite its extensive greenhouse, the sleek roofline concealed the bulk and height efficiently. Its pronounced wheel arches added an element of sportiness, and the snub nose design reminded old Volvo 245 wagon fans of the classic upright grille. Superior craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident, with the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights nodding to its Swedish roots.

Inside, the XC90 personified "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" concepts. Natural wood and metal finishes created an authentic aura. Luxurious touches, like the sliding wood tambour cover on the center console and the clear crystal gear selector handle, conveyed the luxury status. While Volvo aimed to eliminate leather by 2030, the 2022 XC90 still offered Nappa leather, especially necessary to access ventilated front seats. Our test model had leather seats, which turned out beneficial during a humid week. Volvo’s alternative "tailored wool blend" upholstery promised durability and easy maintenance, though it didn’t cater to everyone's taste.

In the 2022 lineup, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 stood out, sidestepping the SUV coupe design aversion. Although the test vehicle's aesthetic bore similarity to an athletic sneaker, its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork rendered it presentable.

Mercedes bade farewell to many of its V8 models in 2022, with the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe's 603-hp twin-turbo V-8 being a notable absentee. Priced from $77,800, excluding the destination charge, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe augmented to over $100,000 with options.

The AMG GLE 53 Coupe reflected luxury inside, adorned with high-end materials and a hi-tech vibe. The dual-screen setup for instrumentation and infotainment, Nappa leather, Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and steering wheel, alongside brushed aluminum trim, enriched the cabin. At night, ambient lighting enhanced the driving pleasure.

Despite the tech complexity, the interior maintained an illusion of simplicity. For novices, figuring out the controls could be daunting due to a lack of traditional markings. Yet, over time, users adapted, finding the best ways to interact with their GLE seamlessly during drives.

The XC90 catered to diverse driving needs with its three powertrain choices. The base T5 models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. T6 models packed a stronger punch, with a supercharged and turbocharged iteration generating 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier T8 models, equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combined the supercharged/turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, yielding a robust 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque.

T5 models offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD), while T6 and T8 models defaulted to AWD. The T8’s electric motor independently powered the rear wheels. All XC90 variants utilized a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 required Premium (91-octane) gasoline and was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway for FWD, and 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for AWD. T6 AWD models achieved 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway. The T8’s hybrid setup granted 27 mpg combined on gasoline, and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range, contrasting the extended-range model’s 26 mpg gasoline combined, 66 MPGe, and 36-mile EV range. Charging the battery took about five hours via a Level 2 charger.

Despite being a large SUV, the XC90 handled with agility akin to a smaller vehicle. Minimal body roll and controlled handling characterized its driving dynamics. Our extended range T8 Inscription displayed spirited acceleration, the electric motor effectively eliminating turbo lag, delivering a seamless drive. It wasn't a hot rod but possessed ample excitement for enjoyable driving.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe housed a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, boasting 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. Complemented by EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, it convincingly added power when necessary while aiding fuel conservation. The EPA indicated 19 mpg combined, though our test vehicle reported 18.5 mpg.

In city driving, speed-sensitive, variable-ratio steering simplified maneuvering and parking. However, the optional AMG Performance braking system hindered smooth stops. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension comfortably tackled speed humps, though the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning felt harsh on rough surfaces.

The GLE Coupe's taut, nimble feel prevailed across urban, suburban, and highway settings, offering comfort and quietness, with performance prowess apparent when desired. In the Sport+ mode, it excelled in dynamic terrains like Deer Creek Canyon Road, ensuring superior grip, fade-resistant brakes, and controlled body motions. Despite its size and weight, it performed commendably in different driving modes, advocating its versatility.

Offering flexible configurations, the XC90 supported six or seven-passenger arrangements, contingent on choosing captain’s chairs or a three-across second row. Accessing the third row was effortless with a one-handed maneuver, suitable mainly for kids due to limited legroom and thigh support.

Cargo capacity behind the third row was 15.9 cubic feet, extending to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded. Flattening both rows unlocked 85.7 cubic feet. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds per trim. Ample storage solutions, door pockets, seat back pockets, console space, and a spacious glove compartment made it family-friendly. The panoramic moonroof bolstered the airy ambiance, and the efficient air-conditioning proved reliable amid extreme heat.

Technically seating five, the GLE Coupe was comfortably suitable for four unless kids occupied the rear bench. The multi-contoured, sport-bolstered front seats offered power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort. While forward visibility was good, rearward views were impeded, making rear cameras indispensable.

The rear seat surprisingly allowed ample space for adults’ legs and feet, and the 27.5 cubic feet cargo hold comfortably stowed luggage. Folding the rear seats expanded this to 63.2 cubic feet. Comparing it to the traditional GLE, the Coupe sacrificed space for style, a trade-off some might overlook.

Luxury comfort upgrades, including heated armrests, rapid-heating front seats, rear heated seats, four-zone climate control, and the Air Balance fragrance system, further reinforced the premium feel.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, despite pioneering tablet-like functionality post-Tesla, showed slow responses and occasional glitches during our test. Connecting via Apple CarPlay improved the experience, though we didn’t test Android Auto. The nine-inch, portrait-oriented touchscreen, positioned for minimal eye diversion, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offering customization, demonstrated Volvo’s tech consistency.

The Advanced package offered a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system upgrade impressed audiophiles, particularly its Gothenburg Cathedral surround sound staging. With convenient USB-A and USB-C ports and a WiFi hotspot, connectivity was user-centric. The Volvo Care app granted remote functionalities free for four years.

The standard Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) system on the GLE Coupe showcased dual 12.3-inch screens under a single glass panel, providing digital instrumentation and touchscreen interactivity. It encompassed navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mercedes Me connected services, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

Despite its seemingly complex interface, MBUX excelled in usability, aided by smartphone-like handling. The natural voice recognition system, activated by “Hey Mercedes,” competed well with Alexa, Google, and Siri. The touchpad on the center console, however, was prone to accidental activation, a minor inconvenience. Valuable options included MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

Volvo's legacy of safety was pivotal, having announced the Vision 2020 plan, aiming to eliminate serious injuries or fatalities in new Volvo cars by 2020. Although not fully realized, the commitment continued. The 2022 XC90 embodied numerous safety features, including 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. The Pilot Assist system effectively combined several safety technologies, enhancing highway safety with minimal driver input but necessitating hands on the wheel.

The XC90 garnered the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, attesting to its stringent safety standards.

The 2022 GLE Coupe extensively equipped safety features, like forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound, which protected hearing during a collision. The Emergency Call Service provided long-term free access via an SOS button.

Opting for the Driver Assistance Package added 15 advanced systems, including adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. These systems exhibited precise, refined functionality, ensuring a balanced intrusion into driver control. Route-based speed adaption on adaptive cruise control, however, could irritate users.

Crash-test data for the GLE Coupe was unavailable, but the standard GLE received top marks from IIHS and NHTSA, indicating similar safety performance.