2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past designs, characterized by box-shaped cars and wagons from previous decades. Even as the company evolved, it retained its family-friendly, safety-oriented ethos, now presenting itself as a near-luxury brand. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, sits on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and serves as Volvo's flagship SUV.

The 2022 XC90 showcased an athletic stance and a sleek profile, with its body tilted slightly forward as if ready to launch. The long roofline and pronounced wheel arches added to its streamlined yet robust appearance, while the snub nose and upright grille paid homage to classic Volvo design. Superior fit and finish underscored its upscale aspirations, and the LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" design offered a whimsical nod to its Swedish roots.

Inside, the XC90 embodied "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" design principles, featuring natural wood and metal trims that exuded authenticity. Impeccable details such as a sliding wood tambour cover and a crystal-clear gear selector handle elevated the interior to luxury status. Volvo, intending to go leather-free by 2030, offered tailored wool blend upholstery as an alternative to Nappa leather, which was mandatory for ventilated front seats. While some found the wool blend comfortable, traditionalists might have preferred the leather option.

Mercedes-Benz took a more subtle approach with the base GLS 450 model, steering away from the ostentatious designs of competitors like Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Unlike BMW X7 or Lexus LX, the GLS avoided an overly conspicuous grille. However, higher-end variants like the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 600 embraced more dramatic aesthetics, featuring elements like flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, prominent exhaust tips, and massive wheels.

Our test vehicle, although basic for GLS standards, still impressed with its leather upholstery, panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. Intricate speaker grilles and rectangular air vents added to the SUV's rugged yet refined interior. Both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated into an upright dashboard, reinforcing the high-quality feel.

The XC90 offered a variety of powertrains. The T5 models came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. T6 models utilized a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models employed an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on T5 models and all-wheel drive standard on T6 and T8 models.

Fuel efficiency varied across versions, with T5 FWD models achieving an EPA rating of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, while T5 AWD models rated at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. T6 models were rated at 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The T8 hybrid had a combined gas rating of 27 mpg and 55 MPGe, with an 18-mile electric range. An extended-range variant improved to 26 mpg combined, 66 MPGe, and up to 36 miles of electric range.

The driving experience was exceptional, with minimal body roll and responsive acceleration, particularly in the top-tier T8 Inscription extended range model. The electric motor smoothed out power delivery, making the XC90 both spirited and enjoyable to drive.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 utilized a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft provided by the electric motor in short bursts. The electric motor also powered most accessories, reducing the engine’s workload, and assisted with an advanced start/stop system.

Expectations included additional models like the GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, each featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, peaking at 603 hp in the AMG variant. All GLS models came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Despite being a large SUV, the inline-six engine in the GLS 450 provided ample power and smooth operation, thanks to its inherent balance. However, the air suspension system didn’t meet luxury expectations, exhibiting excessive motion over bumps and corners. The towing capacity for the GLS 450 was quoted at 7,700 pounds, which was competent but lagged behind competitors like Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

The XC90 offered flexibility with six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations. Access to the third row was straightforward, requiring only a one-handed slide and fold of the second-row seats. The third row was best suited for children due to limited legroom and thigh support.

For cargo, the XC90 could accommodate up to 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the third row increased capacity to 41.8 cubic feet, and folding both the second and third rows expanded it to 85.7 cubic feet. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the powertrain.

Interior storage was well-appointed with ample door pockets, seatback pockets, console storage, and a spacious glove compartment. The panoramic moonroof added an airy feel to the already spacious and comfortable cabin. The climate control system, put to the test during a heatwave, performed admirably, ensuring the interior remained a haven from the weather.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS catered to seven passengers with its standard 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat, optional six-seat configuration replacing the bench with captain’s chairs. The second-row seats slid forward to provide easier access to the third row and could move fore and aft as a whole to extend legroom by 3.4 inches.

The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.7 cubic feet with both rows stowed away. The air suspension system facilitated loading and unloading by lowering the vehicle’s height. Although Mercedes provided convenient one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, the GLS trailed behind larger competitors like Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator in total cargo capacity.

Some ergonomic issues were present, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach and the presence of seemingly purposeless grab handles on the center console. Nonetheless, the GLS was well-equipped for transporting both people and cargo efficiently.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, housed on a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, impressed with tablet-like functionality and familiar gestures. However, it occasionally lagged and felt overwhelmed, proving more efficient when connected to Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered sharp graphics and easy customization. The Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and an advanced air cleaner.

The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins setup, renowned for its excellent surround sound performance. Volvo provided two USB-A ports in the front and two USB-C ports in the rear, along with a WiFi hotspot and a complimentary trial for the Volvo Care smartphone app.

Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system featured dual 12.3-inch displays for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supported by Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system boasted impressive graphics but lacked the augmented-reality navigation available in other models, and its routing occasionally miscalculated trip times.

The voice recognition system worked efficiently with the command “Hey Mercedes,” avoiding the cumbersome touchpad controller. The 13-speaker Burmester audio system provided crisp sound quality, with a head-up display available as an option.

Volvo, renowned for its safety, implemented numerous standard safety features in the 2022 XC90, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system enhanced highway driving by maintaining lane position and speed with minimal driver intervention.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Additional advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were optional and could enhance the vehicle’s safety profile.

At the time of publication, crash-test ratings for the GLS were not available from the IIHS or NHTSA.