2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Mazda CX-90

In the luxury market traditionally dominated by German marques, Mazda emerged as a worthy contender with the 2024 CX-90. The brand managed to elevate its design and material quality past that of Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, edging closer to the luxury arms of those competitors like Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus.

The CX-90 took design cues from its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, and super-sized them. Measuring over 200 inches in length, it presented an imposing yet elegant façade. Its prominent grille, wide-set front end, and sizable wheels (ranging from 19 to 21 inches) demanded attention. Complemented by tasteful chrome trim, the CX-90 was able to maintain a sophisticated look despite its heft.

The real treat was inside the cabin, especially in higher trims. The top-tier models boasted interiors that could rival top luxury cars. Brown suede upholstery on the dash, wood inlays on the center console, and matte black plastics instead of glossy ones contributed to an upscale and tasteful environment. Despite a range of trims, each benefiting from Mazda’s stylish and delicate design language, it was clear that the CX-90 aimed to provide luxury at a competitive price.

Mazda offered the CX-90 in multiple trims, including the CX-90 Turbo, PHEV, and Turbo S models. For the more discerning buyer, the Turbo S, starting at over $50,000, was the crown jewel, promising true performance.

Detecting aesthetic changes in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class required a keen eye. The headlights and taillights were slightly sharper, and new black fender flares adorned the wheel arches. The grille received a fresh touch with nifty chrome inserts, and the optional AMG Line package added a sportier flair. Standard 19-inch wheels could be swapped for optional 21-inch versions for those desiring a bolder look.

The GLE coupe, only available in the sporty Mercedes-AMG variant, offered a sleeker, albeit less spacious, cabin, aligning with its performance-focused demeanor.

Inside, the GLE maintained a quintessentially Mercedes-Benz ambiance. While not as futuristic as the all-electric EQ series, the cabin featured plenty of leather and soft-touch surfaces. The open-pore walnut trim was especially eye-catching, although its pairing with Bahia Brown seating in the test model was reminiscent of retro wood-paneled rooms. Opting for a lighter color scheme could remedy this issue.

Mazda’s 2024 CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, with the first-ever plug-in hybrid option aimed at enhancing both fuel economy and performance. Alongside the PHEV, buyers could choose between two versions of an all-new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base model offered 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, but it was the upgraded I6 in the Turbo S trims that truly impressed.

The 3.3-liter I6 in the Turbo S delivered a powerful 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All-wheel drive became standard across the lineup, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with the Sport mode unleashing an exhilarating roar from the engine. However, the transmission occasionally struggled, especially in Sport mode.

The PHEV combined a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, yielding a total of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric range of 26 miles and an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe, though it couldn’t match the Turbo S for sheer auditory drama.

Both powertrains excelled in handling, with the CX-90 navigating tight corners with surprising agility for a three-row SUV. Thanks to Mazda’s commitment to driving enjoyment, the CX-90 succeeded in delivering a spirited experience reminiscent of the MX-5 Miata, even while fulfilling family duties.

The GLE-Class offered various powertrains, starting with the entry-level GLE 350's 255-horsepower engine, the mid-range GLE 450's 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, and the top-tier GLE 580's 4.0-liter V8. Our test vehicle, the 450e, featured a new plug-in hybrid setup that blended efficiency with performance.

Under the hood, the 450e's 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine produced 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque when working with the electric motor. Although slightly slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its heavier 23.3-kWh battery, the 450e offered an impressive 48 miles of electric-only range, exceeding expectations.

Charging the 450e was convenient, with an 11-kW onboard charger allowing full recharge in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger. Additionally, it could utilize a 60-kW DC fast charger for quick pit stops on road trips.

While the GLE 450e may not have thrilled driving enthusiasts with its lighter steering and body roll, it provided a smooth and comfortable ride, particularly suited for leisurely commutes.

The Mazda CX-90 offered a variety of seating configurations to match its array of trims. Lower-level Turbo and PHEV models could seat eight passengers with three-across seating in the second and third rows. Higher trims sported captain's chairs, making for a more common seven-seat configuration.

The Turbo S included two-seat arrangements in the third row. The base model seated seven in a 2-3-2 layout, while the Premium and Premium Plus models accommodated six passengers in a 2-2-2 arrangement.

Cargo space differed slightly based on seat configurations. Models with two-seat third rows offered 75.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, with 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 40.1 cubic feet behind the second row. Three-across third-row models had a slightly reduced total capacity of 74.2 cubic feet.

Despite improved space compared to the outgoing CX-9, the CX-90 fell short of competitors like the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander in cargo capacity. Nonetheless, clever storage solutions and luxurious materials made the interior comfortable and practical.

The GLE 450e compensated for its less exciting driving dynamics with a wealth of interior luxuries. Standard heated front seats were upgraded in our tester model with ventilation and a massage function. Added heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced comfort. The cabin remained impressively quiet, even on noisy highways, and featured a top-notch Burmester stereo system.

Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet when the second row was folded. The non-PHEV models offered slightly more cargo capacity. Additionally, the GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds and featured the new Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology for easier trailer handling.

Mazda emphasized safety and distraction-free driving with its technology suite. The Mazda Connect infotainment system eschewed touchscreens in favor of physical controls, including a rotary dial and hard buttons on the center console. While the intention was to reduce distractions, this setup often proved frustrating in practice.

The CX-90’s saving grace was its personalization software, using facial recognition to adjust seats, mirrors, and settings to individual profiles. It also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, utilizing touchscreen controls for these popular systems, adding a touch of modern convenience.

The GLE-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. Although the screen was smaller than those in some other Mercedes models, it was still effective, with an intuitive menu structure and touchpad control on the center console.

Voice commands via “Hey, Mercedes” and a highly functional augmented reality navigation system rounded out the user-friendly features. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, connectivity issues marred our experience. USB-C ports throughout the cabin ensured devices remained charged.

The CX-90 came standard with Mazda’s comprehensive i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warnings and lane-keeping assist bolstered its safety credentials.

While crash test ratings were not yet available, the previous CX-9 earned top marks, suggesting strong performance from the CX-90.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the GLE with advanced safety features, some of which were optional. Standard blind-spot monitoring could be upgraded to active intervention capabilities. The Driver Assistance Package Plus included adaptive cruise control with steering assist, lane-keeping assist, and lane-change assist.

The GLE received top marks from the IIHS in crashworthiness, collision avoidance, and mitigation. However, it lacked a full overall rating from the NHTSA, despite a five-star side crash rating and four-star rollover rating.