2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent a subtle exterior makeover that was easy to miss, even for trained eyes. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more noticeable when compared directly to the previous model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, scored a seven out of ten for its exterior design. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim, offering a high-quality cabin experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lit up. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, similar to other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with various models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. The interior maintained a minimalist design with quality materials, offering a comfortable experience even in the base ID.4 Standard model.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with AMG-badged models like 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, providing sports car-like speed. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric mode offered an estimated 40-mile range and could operate at highway speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, though the regenerative brakes felt slightly numb. The GLE 450e excelled in performance, with a quiet cabin and supple suspension, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while dual-motor AWD models offered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked handling prowess. Regenerative braking allowed coasting in default mode, with a more aggressive "B" setting available. The ID.4 provided a familiar driving experience for EV newcomers, though it lacked one-pedal driving.

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, suitable only for young children. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power sunroof. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front and rear legroom and headroom. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it excelled among entry-level EVs. The ID.4 offered towing capabilities of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. The system offered touch commands, a control pad, and touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons. 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 provided clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could be inadvertently activated, causing issues like sudden volume changes.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user interface featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel lacked physical feedback, making them distracting. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, though it could be easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving, providing an extra layer of safety without overreacting to common driving situations.

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' "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.