2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough that they might go unnoticed by most. 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. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a variety of interior color choices and trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 offered three powertrains, including the B5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology, the B6 with a turbocharged and supercharged engine, and the Recharge with a turbocharged PHEV powertrain. The Recharge model featured an 18.8-kWh battery pack providing an estimated 35 miles of electric driving. Prices ranged from just under $46,000 to over $76,000. Our test vehicle, the XC60 Recharge Ultimate with the Dark exterior theme, included Thunder Grey paint, a Climate Package, air suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The XC60 Recharge looked stylish with its 20-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. The interior featured classic Scandinavian minimalism with black leather, wood trim, metal accents, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof, making it a luxurious and comfortable space.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including 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 featured 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. The GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, and the transition between gas and electric power was seamless. The GLE 450e's suspension was supple, and the steering was sophisticated, making it easy to maneuver despite its size.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque. The estimated electric driving range was 35 miles. The XC60 Recharge featured several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD. In Pure mode, the XC60 Recharge covered 38.3 miles on electricity alone. The XC60 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Power mode provided a sportier feel, while the Hybrid mode offered a balance of performance and efficiency. The XC60 Recharge averaged 54.6 mpg during our evaluation, and the Charge mode allowed the battery to recharge while driving, adding 20 miles of battery range on a 50.8-mile trip.

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, which compared favorably with competitors like the BMW X5 but fell short of 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. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was best suited for carrying four people, though it could accommodate five if necessary. The front seats provided outstanding comfort with Nappa leather upholstery, heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The back seats were also comfortable but offered limited legroom for taller passengers. The XC60 Recharge provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The cargo area included a netted space for the charging cord and buttons to lower the suspension for easier loading. The XC60 Recharge also featured a ski pass-through panel for carrying skis.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 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 overly sensitive, causing unintended volume changes.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in. The system included four years of complimentary access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, and supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The voice-recognition system was impressive, accurately responding to various commands. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system provided exceptional audio quality. The infotainment system's interface was intuitive, and the climate system could be operated by voice commands.

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. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was equipped with a full suite of safety features, including Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. Pilot Assist performed well on multi-lane freeways, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The XC60 also featured Oncoming Lane Mitigation to help avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. The XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids earned top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).