2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever addition, and 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, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The wheels, though a $1,100 option, filled out the wheel wells nicely. Mercedes offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors in total.

Inside, the GLE 450e exuded class and luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. These interior options added $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the sticker price, but were considered money well spent. Mercedes provided ten interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum, black piano lacquer, gray oak, and brown linden wood. The cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series. The B5 had a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for extra performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most performance and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the $1,195 destination charge.

Our Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim featured seven-passenger seating, the Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch for its 5,000-pound towing capacity. The MSRP was $89,145, including the destination charge. The exterior paint palette was subdued and earthy, aligning with the SUV's practical, safe, and sustainable image. Various wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter were available, with most versions featuring a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal. The interior design, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, especially in Ultimate trim. Volvo offered wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather in various colors, with an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim adding a touch of class.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit different SUV shoppers, 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. Engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, developed a combined output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, with the ability to operate as a silent-running EV on the highway at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition from gas to electric power was almost undetectable, and the transmission was seamless. The regenerative brakes occasionally felt numb, but overall, the GLE exceeded performance expectations. The cabin was incredibly quiet, and the suspension absorbed bumps and ruts with ease. Despite its size, the GLE felt maneuverable and easy to place on the road, with sophisticated steering.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model's supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The battery and electric motor offered 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard household outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet.

The XC90 offered Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road modes, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance when equipped with the optional air suspension. Battery modes included Charge, Hold, and Auto. During testing, the XC90 provided 28 miles of electric range in Pure mode and 24.5 mpg in combined driving. The XC90 performed well in everyday use, with the gas engine providing lively performance when needed. However, the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement, and the cabin allowed more noise than expected for a luxury SUV. The steering was not sharp or communicative, and the suspension allowed more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal for enthusiastic driving.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for adults in the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. Outward visibility was excellent, and the rear-facing cameras were a helpful addition. The GLE 450e provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding 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 and was suitable only for young children.

Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, MX-Tex faux leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive trim added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, online music streaming, and augmented reality navigation. The Pinnacle trim included massaging front seats, rapid heating front seats, a head-up display, heated and cooled front cupholders, LED intelligent lighting, star pattern logo projectors, and Mercedes' Air Balance cabin-air fragrance and purification system. Additional options included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and heated rear seats.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof with one-touch swipe control added natural light. Plus and Ultimate trims offered a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, upgraded interior lighting, an integrated booster child seat, and rear door sunshades.

The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though their winged shape could catch on shorts when entering the SUV. Once inside, the XC90 was exceptionally comfortable, with a commanding driving position and good sightlines. The climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode on a hot day. The XC90 seated seven people, or six with second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was tight for adults but more accommodating than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat dropped.

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 control on the steering wheel could inadvertently increase the music volume when maneuvering.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, after which subscription payments were required. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with a three-month complimentary subscription for SiriusXM. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system with various modes. The 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and head-up display were available, along with a surround-view camera and standard front and rear parking sensors.

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 did not overreact to common driving occurrences.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the XC90 a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as some rivals. The SUV included Pilot Assist, which paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but it struggled with curves, rural roads, and lane markings. Pilot Assist made a significant error during testing, shaking confidence in the technology.