Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of ten versions, with prices spanning from $63,600 to $134,500, including a destination charge. Assembled in Alabama, the base model was the GLE 350, featuring rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At the higher end, the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe came with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e variant, a plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 49 miles of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the base GLE 350, and included the Exclusive Package and the Manufaktur Edition Package, bringing the MSRP to $79,100. The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive features like paint, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its luxurious interior with quality materials and advanced technology, the GLE's exterior design was considered bland, though the Coupe version was an exception with its improved styling.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The 2027 model continued the legacy of the 2023 version, positioned between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The Bolt EV prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance, with the RS model adding gloss black exterior trim. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space. The cabin, dominated by hard plastic surfaces, maintained a budget feel, though the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area lacked padding for door armrests, but the Bolt provided ample storage and a practical layout.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system, produced 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. Despite being a luxury crossover, the GLE 450 was equipped for off-roading and towing, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, making it less enjoyable in city and mountain driving. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode, and the brakes were grabby in typical driving situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, but the GLE excelled as a long-distance road tripper with a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. Its motor, sourced from Chevy's Equinox EV, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, achieving 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt was agile on curvy roads due to its low center of gravity. The EPA estimated a range of up to 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed, allowing a recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C charging ports. The GLE provided thoughtful storage, with 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and a maximum of 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats were also upright, with plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The Bolt offered 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and the release latches were easy to reach. While there was no frunk, the Bolt provided ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system offered lush graphics, a biometric authentication system, and a digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and an augmented-reality video function for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running on a Google-based operating system. Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, requiring Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and sharp graphics. The Bolt's navigation system could help find charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and more. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist and touch-sensing steering wheel rim were notable features. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature and automated lane-change assist functioned inconsistently. The GLE had not received a safety rating from NHTSA, but IIHS named it a "Top Safety Pick+" for 2025.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.