2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and the changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and featured 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance. The interior of our GLE 450e tester exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a variety of choices for both exterior and interior, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan continued mostly unchanged from its 2022 model. The SEL R-Line trim we tested featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Gray leather interior, but the choices were limited based on the trim level. The Tiguan's design was conservatively drawn but aging gracefully, with sporty 20-inch machined-finish wheels and adaptive front lighting. Inside, the Tiguan had quality leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, giving it an upscale look. However, some materials reminded us of its more affordable base price. The Tiguan's cabin felt solidly assembled, with a good mix of ride compliance and stability.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. Our GLE 450e tester had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and offered an estimated 40 miles of electric-only driving range. The transition from gas to electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system available. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD as standard, with various driving modes for different conditions. The Tiguan averaged 24 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle achieved 22.6 mpg. The powertrain provided adequate power for most situations, but the automatic transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts. The Tiguan's dynamic qualities were rewarding, with excellent tire grip and stable handling, though the brake pedal felt somewhat numb.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e had 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like 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. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. Our test vehicle also had options like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan provided a roomy interior, with FWD versions offering a standard third-row seat. Our SEL R-Line had comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard had questionable ergonomics, with touch-sensing controls that were difficult to use. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with generous legroom, headroom, and foot room in the back seat. The cargo area was spacious, with 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row in AWD models and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. FWD models had slightly less cargo space due to the third-row seat.

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 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, though the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could be problematic.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan had digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The larger display offered a sophisticated appearance and a wider array of data. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the system's user interface was complex, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks. The voice-recognition system did not perform well, often failing to connect.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with 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. Our test vehicle had the optional Driver Assistance package, adding 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.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan also had a robust set of safety features, including Front Assist with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, Side Assist with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Tiguan's safety technology worked well, with minimal false alerts and smooth performance. However, the crash-test ratings were incomplete, and the NHTSA noted a safety concern with the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test.