2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Volvo XC90

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy cars of the past, maintaining its family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale. After Ford sold Volvo to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the brand underwent a significant transformation, developing new vehicle platforms from scratch. The 2022 XC90, launched as a 2016 model, was the company's flagship SUV, riding on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. It had a sleek, forward-tilted stance, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of the classic 245 wagon. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo had committed to going leather-free by 2030, but the XC90 still offered Nappa leather seats as an option.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that was hard to notice at first glance. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights had minor updates. LED headlights were standard, with multi-beam LED headlights as an option. The GLE 450e test vehicle was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which filled out the wheel wells nicely. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded class and luxury, with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery and natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior color choices and trims, making the cabin one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 models were all-wheel drive only. All XC90 models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8 had an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range, while the extended range variant had a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, a 66 MPGe rating, and an EV range of up to 36 miles. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, as well as the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S featured a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower, giving it sports car-like speed. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, developed a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450e could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and had an estimated EV range of 40 miles. The transition from gas to electric power was almost undetectable, and the transmission was seamless. The GLE 450e's suspension was supple and capable, absorbing bumps and ruts with ease, and the steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 could carry up to 15.9 cubic feet of luggage behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, making the XC90 a comfortable sanctuary from the weather.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered seating for five, with plenty of stretch-out space in the first and second rows. The cabin had a light and airy feel, with excellent outward visibility. Behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row, the GLE had 33 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The GLE's 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 power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, MX-Tex faux leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. Additional options included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, a head-up display, and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures like pinch, pull, and swipe. However, the system was sometimes glitchy and slow to respond. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned close to the driver's line of sight, minimizing distraction. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy customization and crisp graphics. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade available. The vehicle included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a pair of 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, 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 accidentally activated, causing issues like sudden volume increases.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with a comprehensive list of 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. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane with minimal driver intervention on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE also offered a comprehensive lineup of active 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 during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.