Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision had undergone a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, available only in China and North America, positioned itself between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick’s lineup. The 2021 Envision was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a more premium crossover styling that gave it a planted appearance on the street. It featured a more sculpted look compared to its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, but wasn’t as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision came in three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut in this model year, offering upgraded exterior elements and a unique interior trim pattern.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, despite the SUV coupe trend, managed to look proportionate and detailed. The test vehicle’s Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it an athletic sneaker-like appearance from a front three-quarter perspective. Mercedes had shelved many V8-powered models for 2022, leaving the AMG GLE 53 Coupe with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe was as luxurious as expected, featuring high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and a high-tech appearance. The cabin was dark but contrasted with brushed aluminum trim and ambient lighting, enhancing the driving experience at night.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This was a downgrade from the previous model’s 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the weight savings didn’t compensate for the power loss. The Envision offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel efficiency improved, with the FWD model achieving 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. AWD versions fared slightly worse. The Envision’s drivability was comfortable but not particularly engaging, with noticeable engine and road noise.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, generating 429 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing power and fuel efficiency. The EPA estimated 19 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe included a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a smooth ride. The GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed, with impressive grip and braking performance, especially in Sport+ mode.

The 2021 Buick Envision, despite its aesthetic improvements, didn’t enhance cabin functionality. The longer wheelbase didn’t translate to more space, with less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row. Rear-seat passengers also experienced reduced legroom and headroom. Cargo capacity was 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was low compared to other luxury SUVs. The driver-centric cockpit limited the front passenger’s access to controls, and forward visibility was poor. However, the Envision offered standard heated seats, power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe could technically seat five, but four was more comfortable. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing comfort and support. Forward visibility was good, but rear visibility was challenging. The back seat provided ample room for adult passengers, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Additional comfort upgrades included a four-zone climate control system, heated armrests, and an in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch and displaying necessary functionalities. The driver could use an available 8.0-inch driver information display for quicker access to information. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included navigation, driver massage, HD Radio, surround-view camera, HUD, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D surround-sound system.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included Buckle to Drive, forward-collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane change alert, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE Coupe’s safety systems were refined and accurate, with lane-keeping assistance and route-based speed adaptation. Crash-test results were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.