2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a notable styling refresh, augmenting its original design with new lighting elements, including light-up VW logos that mirrored the ones on the automaker’s ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo shone white, and the rear logo shone red, adding a contemporary flair. The inclusion of a front light bar connecting to the daytime running lights, which in turn were integrated into new LED headlights resembling those on a Ford Expedition, provided the Atlas with a new "face" devoid of European influences and full of American swagger. At the rear, the taillights seamlessly blended into a full-width light bar which also showcased the illuminated logo.

The Atlas featured new wheel designs for 2024 across all trim levels, starting with 18-inch alloy wheels on the base SE model, 20-inch wheels on most other trims, and 21-inch wheels on the SEL Premium R-Line. The Atlas Peak Edition, new for 2024, added an outdoorsy flavor with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, unique body cladding, and two exclusive colors: Avocado Green and Pure Gray. The interior also saw updates, particularly around the center console, with a free-standing infotainment touchscreen and a compact toggle shifter that created more storage space. Despite attempts to make the interior feel upscale, some materials and stitching on the high-end SEL Premium R-Line felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class exuded a soft sensuality typical of modern Mercedes designs. While some might find it borders on boring, its design aged well, especially when paired with upgrades like the 22-inch AMG rims. The test vehicle's new silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and Twilight Blue paint provided a counter-cultural alternative to the blacked-out trend. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a new Bahia Brown over Black color scheme with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, polished aluminum, and rich detailing—a hallmark of Mercedes interiors.

The GLS 450 trim featured sportier side sill trim with the AMG Line package, though it was prone to dirtying clothes on entry and exit. Its front seats were perfectly comfortable, offering heating, ventilation, massage programs, and an array of adjustments. The new steering wheel felt great but had sensitive touch controls that could get irritating. Second-row captain's chairs provided excellent thigh support but felt a little low. Spacious second-row legroom and a panoramic sunroof added to the luxury, although accessing the third row was a hassle, and it offered only adequate room for adults.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas streamlined its powertrain options, eliminating the VR6 and leaving only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine generated 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, surpassing the outgoing VR6 in torque but offering slightly less horsepower. The Atlas utilized the same EA888 engine found in various VW models, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

With improved torque, the Atlas accelerated quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, clocking 0 to 60 mph in around eight seconds for the FWD version and 8.3 seconds for the AWD. Although not blisteringly fast, the Atlas prioritized comfort and efficiency over outright performance. Ride quality remained steady compared to previous models, but the driving experience leaned more towards functionality than thrill.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, however, housed a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This allowed for swift, smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in a noteworthy 5.8 seconds. The mild-hybrid system's integrated starter-generator provided an instant 148 lb-ft of torque upon acceleration, enhancing the vehicle's responsiveness from a stop.

Equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive, the GLS 450 offered multiple driving modes to tailor the experience, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. It had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg. The driving experience was sublime, with the adaptive air suspension enabling the SUV to handle surprising agility on twisty roads, despite some minor oscillations on dips.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came with more standard features, such as a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. It offered seating for seven with a versatile second-row bench that could fold, recline, and slide, accommodating three child seats side by side. Optional second-row captain's chairs on higher trims reduced seating capacity to six. The Atlas excelled in cargo space, offering a substantial 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 96.6 cubic feet with both rows folded, surpassing most rivals except the Chevy Traverse.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class prided itself on its luxurious interior, featuring supple leather surfaces, heated and ventilated seats, and an expansive second-row with plenty of legroom. The third-row seats were less accessible and more suited to children. Cargo capacity in the GLS was practical but smaller than the Atlas, providing 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The GLS's cargo space, though significant, trailed behind that of the Atlas in every configuration.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas incorporated more standard technology, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The inclusion of wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto elevated its tech offerings. Higher trims like the SEL also benefitted from a head-up display and a Harman Kardon 12-speaker system, enhancing the driving experience. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for various controls was a drawback, lacking the tactile feedback found in physical buttons.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class featured the latest MBUX infotainment system with 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens placed side-by-side for a seamless look. The system offered improved graphics and various modes, although touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console could cause unintentional changes and distractions. Nevertheless, MBUX was praised for its intuitive operation, natural voice recognition, and helpful augmented reality for navigation, albeit slightly marred by those touch controls.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top marks in side crash testing. It came standard with the IQ.Drive suite, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety measures included automatic post-collision braking and an emergency crash response system.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the 2024 GLS-Class with a comprehensive suite of safety features, exceeding twenty significant ADAS. The systems were highly adjustable via MBUX, enhancing the user experience by minimizing false alarms. On-the-road performance of ADAS was smooth and unobtrusive, with effective forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked flawlessly, handling curves and different road scenarios without difficulty.