Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar appearance, with only slight styling changes that made its front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. A thin slot was added behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The model continued to straddle the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, with Chevrolet offering only a single body style for 2027. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance, with the RS model adding minimal gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. 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 storage space in the center console. Despite the hard plastic surfaces dominating the cabin, the Bolt maintained a budget feel, with thin padding at elbow touch points and sturdy plastics, although the center console felt flimsy. The base LT trim offered cloth upholstery, while the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE, in its fourth generation, received more extensive styling changes, including a star motif for the lights and grille. The headlights and taillights were transformed into three-pointed stars, with additional stars scattered across the grille. These changes applied to both the standard GLE SUV and the GLE Coupe, which featured a sleeker appearance with a lower roofline. However, the styling updates did not significantly enhance the looks of either body style, resulting in a discordant collection of features. The GLE lineup included both standard and AMG performance models, with the latter boasting sportier styling elements such as larger air intakes and prominent exhaust tips. Inside, the dashboard was rearranged to accommodate the standard door-to-door Superscreen display, while fit and finish met Mercedes' high standards. Material quality varied depending on the trim level, with entry-level models featuring MB-Tex artificial leather upholstery and grained plastic, while higher trims offered wood trim and real leather upholstery. The Manufaktur Interior Package added vibrant upholstery color options for those seeking a more luxurious interior.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured significant changes beneath the surface, with a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack that reduced costs and required fewer rare earth minerals. A new motor from Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, resulting in a 0-60 mph time similar to the previous Bolt EV, typically in the low seven-second range. While this acceleration might seem slow by EV standards, it was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. The Bolt offered one-pedal driving with medium or high levels of brake regeneration, although the highest setting could be jumpy at low speeds. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's agility on curvy roads was surprising, thanks to the heavy battery in the floor, which created a low center of gravity. On a full charge, the EPA estimated a range of up to 262 miles, a 15-mile improvement over its predecessor. The Bolt featured a Tesla-derived NACS charge port, with adapters available for CCS and J1772 connectors, and charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing for a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a wide array of powertrain options, including four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines, as well as two plug-in hybrid powertrains. A nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive were standard across the lineup. The base GLE 350 4Matic featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic had a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp and 413 lb-ft, while the GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 rated at 530 hp and 553 lb-ft. All three engines included a mild-hybrid system for improved efficiency. Mercedes made tweaks for 2027, including a switch to a flat-plane crank for the V8 to reduce emissions. The GLE 580's V8 gained an extra 20 hp and 15 lb-ft, while the inline-six saw a 44 lb-ft increase in peak torque. The base turbo-four received an electric compressor to prevent lag. The inline-six and V8 models impressed with smooth power delivery and quick acceleration, with the V8 offering a special driving experience. The optional air suspension system enhanced the luxurious feel, although the GLE wasn't as sporty as rivals from Acura, Audi, and BMW. The GLE 500e 4Matic plug-in hybrid featured an inline-six engine, producing 429 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid offered 577 hp and 553 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 63 S topped the lineup with a 603 hp and 627 lb-ft version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position, providing ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel, as they needed to scoot the seat forward to comfortably reach it. The rear seats were also upright, with plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. Unlike many in its class, the Bolt's seat cushions were not mounted lower to the floor, maintaining headroom without compromise. The flat floor reduced the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt could hold up to 16.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, which was small for the class but sufficient for most users. A large bin beneath the floor and a sliding floor provided additional luggage space. The release latches for the rear seatbacks were easily accessible from the cargo area, and the seats folded flat with the cargo floor in its upper position. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE continued to offer two-row and three-row options, with the third row being a tight squeeze for midsize luxury SUVs. For those who regularly used the third row, the full-size Mercedes-Benz GLS was a better option. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, providing class-competitive first-row headroom, although some rivals offered more legroom. The new dash improved forward visibility, and standard heated power front seats with four-way lumbar and memory were included. Ventilation and massage options were available, while AMG models featured snug sport seats. Second-row headroom and legroom were generous, with SUV models gaining a standard panoramic glass roof. The optional Rear Seat Package for the GLE 580 4Matic added heated power-adjustable second-row seats with pillow headrests and power sunshades. In the GLE Coupe, rear-seat headroom and visibility were affected by the lower roof, as was cargo space. The GLE SUV offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. The GLE Coupe had slightly less cargo space but still outperformed competitors like the BMW X6. The GLE's maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds remained unchanged.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came equipped with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, both shared with the Chevy Colorado midsize truck. The infotainment system ran on a Google-based operating system, lacking support for Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto. Users had to pair their phones via Bluetooth to access personal music libraries, but the system offered enough browsing control to satisfy users. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, additional safety features, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. Separate physical climate controls reduced distractions, and streaming entertainment options compensated for the lack of Apple CarPlay. The Bolt's navigation system helped drivers find charging stations and suggested the fastest options for trips. The system also preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt EV supported vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home during outages, though additional equipment and installation were required.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Superscreen display, consisting of three individual 12.3-inch screens mounted in a flat panel forming the dashboard fascia. The MBUX infotainment system was upgraded to Mercedes' in-house MB.OS operating system, with an AI-enhanced voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were retained. While the new operating system offered more flexibility, it didn't necessarily improve the experience, as the previous MBUX version was already highly capable. The augmented-reality head-up display was an option for 2027, projecting navigation arrows for complex intersections. An inward-facing camera and native Microsoft Teams App enabled videoconferencing, with a 15-speaker Burmester audio system standard on all but the base GLE 350 4Matic model.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of writing. However, it was expected to achieve high scores similar to the 2023 Bolt EUV. Standard advanced safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors with active steering assist, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, automatic wipers, rear-pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional $3,255, making the Bolt EV one of the few budget EVs to offer such an advanced system.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with standard driver-assistance features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign and speed-limit recognition, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The adaptive cruise system automatically adjusted speed based on the route and posted limits. A parking-assist system with sensors and an automated reversing feature was available, along with a surround-view camera system with a "transparent hood" view for off-road use. The GLE's sensor suite supported more advanced driver-assistance systems, and its new headlights could be programmed to steer high beams away from oncoming drivers. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, but the structurally identical 2026 model received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system minimized injury potential by closing windows and tightening seatbelts, while Pre-Safe Sound played "pink noise" to prevent hearing loss.