2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class had a soft sensuality that characterized modern Mercedes designs, leaning towards a timeless elegance rather than immediate distinctiveness. It wore its age well, especially with upgraded wheels. The GLS 450 model we tested sported striking 22-inch AMG rims, a sophisticated silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and a gleaming Twilight Blue paint. Despite the trend towards blacked-out aesthetics, the Twilight Blue carried an air of classic luxury.

Inside the GLS 450, the new Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak trim carried forward its luxurious feel. Rich detailing, contrasting stitching, and polished aluminum accents exemplified the refined interior craftsmanship Mercedes is known for. The combination of leather upholstery, wood trim, and artificial leather on the dashboard and door panels created a luxurious cocoon, particularly for a base model.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 delivered a different kind of elegance. Sold in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 series, the XC90 lineup began with a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine in the B5, added a supercharger for the B6, and topped off with the Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid capable of 32 miles on electric-only power. With prices from $56,000 to $79,600 excluding destination charges, the XC90 offered a range of trims: Core, Plus, and Ultimate.

Our Ultimate trim Recharge T8 test vehicle, with a MSRP of $89,145, displayed subdued and earthy exterior colors fitting its luxury SUV status. Wheels up to 21 inches in diameter added to its stylish look without succumbing to the blacked-out trend.

Internally, the XC90 retained its rich materials despite a dated design. It offered options like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, and features like an Orrefors crystal shift knob added sophistication. Though less dramatically modern than the Mercedes, the Volvo allowed more customization for discerning buyers.

In terms of performance, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology in the GLS 450 trim didn't fall short. Producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, this model accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The integrated starter-generator added an extra 148 lb-ft of torque instantaneously, contributing to lively accelerations from stops.

A nine-speed automatic transmission paired with a variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and selectable driving modes, enhanced the GLS 450's versatility. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, it delivered a balanced performance.

Driving the GLS 450 was characterized by smoothness, quietness, and capability. Though the Sport mode sometimes felt overly responsive, the Individual mode allowed a mix of sporty suspension with comfortable settings. The adaptive air suspension and large Continental Premium Contact tires contributed to impressive handling, even on twisty roads, despite occasional oscillations on undulating surfaces.

In comparison, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kWh battery and a 107-kW electric motor. This setup produced a robust 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and an estimated 27 mpg in hybrid driving. In Power mode, it accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds.

Recharging varied from 12 hours on a standard outlet to less than half that time on a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet. Driving modes included Pure for electric-only, Power for performance, Hybrid for efficient vehicle management, and Off-Road increasing ground clearance to 9.9 inches with the air suspension.

During our tests, the XC90's climate control struggled on hot days in Pure mode, reducing electric range from 33 to 28 miles and hybrid fuel economy to 24.5 mpg. However, it excelled in suburban settings where electric-only driving was more feasible. While quick and powerful, the XC90 didn't offer particularly thrilling handling, and its ride was firmer than expected, with noticeable cabin vibrations.

The interior of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, especially with the AMG Line package, struck a balance between luxury and practicality. The front seats, with supple leather and ventilation, provided ultimate comfort. The new steering wheel, though comfortable to grip, had touch-sensitive controls that could be frustrating.

With the Exclusive Trim Package, the GLS 450 added massaging and heated rear seats. The captain's chairs offered excellent thigh support and ample second-row legroom, though access to the third row was cumbersome. The third row itself, while adequate for kids, was tight for adults, impacting second-row space when used.

Cargo space in the GLS-Class was generous. It offered 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in its base Core trim, was well-equipped. It featured power-adjustable, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. Higher trims added features like a heated steering wheel, massage seats, and better interior lighting. The panoramic roof with a one-touch control added to the luxurious feel.

The front seats were comfortable but had a learning curve for adjustments, catching on clothes at times. The Volvo also had a high seating position with good visibility. On hot days, the climate control struggled in Pure mode to maintain the desired temperature, which was better handled once the gasoline engine engaged.

The XC90 seated seven, or six with optional captain’s chairs. The third row, though tighter than the second, was usable for adults. Cargo space was slightly less than the GLS, with 65.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 85.7 cubic feet in total capacity when the third-row seats were folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class came with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. These screens, positioned horizontally, offered a modern and integrated look. The latest graphics and themes enhanced the user experience, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and console touchpad could sometimes be frustrating.

Despite these irritants, the overall intuitive operation of MBUX, including natural voice recognition and augmented reality navigation, made it an impressive system. The standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology delivered superb audio quality.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 incorporated a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology. This system provided Google Maps navigation, access to Google Play, and Google Assistant for voice recognition. It also allowed for seamless integration with Android devices, free for the first four years.

Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, and audio options ranged from a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system to a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup. The Volvo’s setup was user-friendly, with necessary physical controls complementing the touchscreen. The digital instrumentation panel and available head-up display added to its sophisticated tech offering.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class prioritized safety with an extensive list of over 20 significant features. You could customize many advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the MBUX, tailoring alerts and sensitivities to personal preference. Our experience showed that when adjusted properly, these systems performed admirably without causing irritation.

Adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and other ADAS managed Pacific Coast Highway curves and freeways well, with generally smooth and subtle operations. Only a single inconsistency occurred on a complex intersection, otherwise, the system worked flawlessly.

True to its brand, the 2024 Volvo XC90 excelled in safety, backed by outstanding crash-test ratings. The NHTSA awarded it five stars across the board, except for a typical four-star rollover rating. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2023.

However, in terms of advanced safety tech, the XC90 fell behind slightly. It offered standard safety features expected in modern luxury SUVs but lacked innovation in ADAS. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise and lane-centering, performed adequately but struggled on complex roads and poorly marked lanes. An error on freeway exits dented our confidence in Pilot Assist's capabilities.