Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 combined the retro charm of a 1980s hatchback with the modern flair of a crossover SUV, resulting in a unique and appealing design. Its profile was distinctly hatchback-like, yet larger than typical models like the Volkswagen GTI or Toyota Corolla. Angular lines and a character line rising from the rear wheels to the front doors created a triangular shape that defined its profile. Dark cladding around the wheels and lower body added a crossover touch. The front featured a visor slit with rectangular headlights and a small grille, while the rear boasted an integrated spoiler and darkened taillights, giving it a car-like appearance despite its crossover nature. The XRT model stood out with unique 18-inch alloys, pixel-patterned cladding, and a rally car-inspired look.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 leaned towards a utilitarian design with a strong emphasis on technology. The base model featured standard cloth upholstery, while higher trims offered synthetic leather, maintaining a cold theme with black and gray options. The tech setup included dual 12.3-inch screens and touch controls for the climate system, creating a sterile yet modern EV interior.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE, in its fourth generation, underwent significant styling changes, including a star motif for the lights and grille. The headlights and taillights were transformed into three-pointed stars, with nearly 150 scattered across the grille. These changes applied to both the standard GLE SUV and the GLE Coupe, though they didn't necessarily enhance the overall look. The SUV retained its rounded silhouette, reminiscent of the old M-Class, but the combination of boxy fenders and squared-off detailing created a discordant appearance. The GLE Coupe, with its lower roofline, suffered from a more jarring contrast.

The GLE lineup included both standard and AMG performance models, with the latter featuring sportier styling elements like larger air intakes and prominent exhaust tips. Inside, the dashboard was rearranged to accommodate the Superscreen display, while fit and finish remained consistent with Mercedes' standards. Material quality varied based on trim levels, with entry-level models featuring MB-Tex artificial leather and grained plastic, while higher trims offered wood trim and real leather upholstery. The Manufaktur Interior Package added vibrant upholstery color options for a more luxurious feel.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup producing 168 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the base SE Standard Range trim. Other trims featured a more powerful 220 hp motor with the same torque. For those seeking more power, a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft. The Ioniq 5 N performance model took it further with a dual-motor powertrain generating up to 641 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. The dual-motor powertrain provided quiet and robust power, especially from a stop, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. Drivers could choose from five regenerative braking settings, enhancing the driving experience. The Ioniq 5 XRT offered a unique off-road experience with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and terrain modes for various conditions.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a diverse array of powertrain options, including four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines, along with two plug-in hybrid powertrains. A nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD were standard. The base GLE 350 4Matic featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft 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 offered a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 530 hp and 553 lb-ft. The GLE 580's V8 received a flat-plane crankshaft for reduced emissions. The GLE 500e 4Matic plug-in hybrid combined an inline-six engine with a total system output of 429 hp and 502 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 Hybrid and AMG GLE 63 S topped the lineup with impressive power figures. The GLE's air suspension system added to its luxurious ride, though it wasn't as sporty as some competitors.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered spacious front seats with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard. The front passenger seat had six-way manual adjustments in the base trim, while higher trims featured power adjustments. Heated front seats were standard, with the Limited trim adding ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory, and a "Relaxation" seat for the driver. The rear seat provided ample legroom with 39.4 inches, accommodating two adults comfortably. Cargo space was slightly smaller than average for a compact crossover, with 26.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The front trunk added 0.85 cubic feet of storage.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE continued to offer two-row and three-row options, with the latter being a tight fit for midsize luxury SUVs. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, providing class-competitive first-row headroom but limited legroom. Heated power front seats with four-way lumbar and memory were standard, with ventilation and massage options available. Second-row headroom and legroom were generous, and the SUV models featured a standard panoramic glass roof. The GLE Coupe had reduced rear-seat headroom and cargo space due to its lower roofline. 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's maximum towing capacity was 7,700 pounds.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single piece of glass. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with built-in navigation. Higher trims included a wireless smartphone charger and a head-up display. The Ioniq 5 also came with a Wi-Fi hotspot and the MyHyundai smartphone app, allowing owners to monitor and control various functions remotely. The infotainment screen was user-friendly, with voice commands available for numerous functions.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE introduced the Superscreen display, consisting of three 12.3-inch screens forming the dashboard fascia. The MBUX infotainment system was upgraded with the MB.OS operating system and AI-enhanced voice-assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were retained. The augmented-reality head-up display was an option, projecting navigation arrows for complex intersections. An inward-facing camera and Microsoft Teams App enabled videoconferencing, while a 15-speaker Burmester audio system was standard on most models.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitors, parking sensors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Ioniq 5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS but lacked NHTSA crash-test ratings.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE included standard driver-assistance features such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. A parking-assist system and surround-view camera system were available. The GLE's sensor suite supported advanced driver-assistance systems, and its headlights could be programmed for improved visibility. The structurally identical 2026 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.