Mercedes-Benz GLS vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport exhibited significant styling updates that aligned it closely with the three-row Atlas. The refreshed appearance featured new lighting elements at both the front and rear. Notably, the Volkswagen logos in the grille and on the tailgate now illuminated in white and red, respectively. This was a feature first introduced on the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4.

The front end boasted a light bar that seamlessly connected the daytime running lights, complementing the new standard LED headlights. This aspect lent the Cross Sport a distinctively Americanized aesthetic. The rear design incorporated reshaped taillights that merged into a rear light bar, which also housed the second illuminated VW logo. While the front largely mirrored the standard Atlas, the Cross Sport’s rear displayed a lower roofline, providing a sportier silhouette akin to German luxury crossover coupes. Additionally, the Cross Sport was 5.2 inches shorter than the standard Atlas, sitting slightly lower to the ground.

Wheel designs were updated for 2024, with the base SE equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, and higher trims like the SE with Technology and SEL featuring 20-inch wheels (with an optional black wheel package). The SEL R-Line flaunted a unique 20-inch wheel design and sportier aesthetics, including extended side skirts and modified bumpers. The SEL Premium R-Line upgraded to 21-inch wheels, while the Cross Sport didn't gain the rugged Peak Edition package present in the three-row Atlas line.

Inside, the Cross Sport shared the same interior upgrades as the standard Atlas. The central touchscreen now stood upright, complemented by a raised center console with an innovative small storage nook beneath it. This setup was facilitated by a new electronic shifter devoid of mechanical connections to the transmission. Interior trims included standard leatherette upholstery, upgraded to leather in SEL models and quilted leather with a diamond pattern at the top SEL Premium R-Line level. Despite VW’s efforts to enhance the simulated trims, they remained various forms of plastic.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, however, embodied a soft sensuality in its modern design. It showcased bright-finish 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and lustrous Twilight Blue paint. This deviation from the blacked-out trend stood out.

Inside, the GLS 450 greeted passengers with a new Bahia Brown over Black interior color scheme, and a natural-grain Grey Oak trim from the previous year. With additional contrast stitching and polished aluminum accents, the GLS exuded the rich detailing synonymous with Mercedes interiors, making it a delightful place to spend time.

In the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, performance centered around a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in standard front-wheel drive or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive, this redefined the Cross Sport's performance metrics. This powertrain produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. Although slightly less in horsepower compared to the outgoing VR6 engine, the new engine delivered more torque at lower RPMs, enhancing overall performance and responsiveness. Despite the noise from the engine, which could be obtrusive, this engine showed a marked improvement in acceleration, even though the precise 0 to 60 mph metrics weren’t available at the time.

However, the Cross Sport’s driving dynamics didn't match its sporty appearance. Despite the "Sport" in its name, the vehicle delivered a rather uninspiring drive experience. Coupled with unimpressive ride quality, possibly due to the large 21-inch wheels on the test model, it failed to provide the laid-back cruiser experience one might expect. Towing capacity remained stable at 5,000 pounds for most variants, apart from the base SE, which was rated at 2,000 pounds. This was competitive within its class but lagged behind rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds.

On the other hand, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, particularly the GLS 450, delivered an exceptional performance experience. Equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, the GLS 450 generated 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This configuration allowed the GLS 450 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, sufficient for any driving condition. The mild-hybrid system provided an additional 148 lb-ft of instant torque upon acceleration, making for a lively and swift response.

The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, ensured smooth power delivery across diverse driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, the GLS 450 balanced power with efficiency. On a Southern California driving loop, it achieved 19.9 mpg.

Driving the GLS 450 was an exercise in luxury. It offered quiet and responsive handling with a well-calibrated powertrain. The adaptive air suspension allowed the hefty SUV to navigate twisty roads with surprising agility, although some road imperfections led to unusual oscillations. The sizeable tires offered excellent grip but could pick up road grit, generating some noise in the wheel wells. The braking system performed superbly, providing smooth stops in urban environments and steady control during more intense driving conditions. Off-road enthusiasts would appreciate the Off-Road menu within the MBUX system, as well as the GLS 580's exclusive Off-Road Package, enhancing ground clearance and fording capabilities.

Volkswagen made significant strides in enhancing the standard equipment for the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport. The base SE trim came with heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate and tow hitch, while the SEL now featured heated second-row seats and leather upholstery as standard, positioning these features lower in the trim hierarchy than before.

Space-wise, the Cross Sport provided ample front headroom, comparable to other vehicles in its class. However, the sloping roofline compromised rear-seat headroom, impacting taller passengers' comfort. Despite this, legroom remained competitive, particularly in the first row. Cargo space measured an impressive 40.3 cubic feet with the rear bench up, expandable to 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. This positioned the Cross Sport favorably against rivals like the Chevy Blazer and Honda Passport, although slightly losing out to the latter in initial capacity.

Interior functionality improved with the 2024 updates. The redesigned center console offered ample storage, including larger cupholders and a new storage area beneath it. The door pockets were spacious enough for multiple drink bottles without rattling.

Contrastingly, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class with the optional AMG Line package faced some functional drawbacks. The sportier side sill trim could dirty clothing upon entry and exit. However, the interior compensated with luxurious, comfortable seating. The front seats included heating, ventilation, and massage functions, with a high driving position affording a commanding view and excellent visibility. The new steering wheel design was aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to grip, though its touch-sensing controls could be irksome.

The Exclusive Trim Package added massaging front seats and heated rear seats, enhancing rear passenger comfort. The no-charge captain’s chairs option in the second row might have felt low but provided excellent thigh support and expansive legroom. The third-row access was cumbersome, requiring patience or agility. While third-row adult comfort was limited, the seat cushion sat high enough for decent leg support, making it more suitable for children. Storage solutions were practical throughout the three rows, though the bin under the front center armrest was relatively small. Cargo capacity was generous, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

In 2024, the Atlas Cross Sport came standard with an impressive array of tech features. It included a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. While the infotainment setup was user-friendly with well-designed graphics, the touchpad controls posed usability challenges due to the lack of physical feedback. The frustration of using haptic touchpads replaced the simplicity of traditional buttons and knobs.

Four USB-C ports were standard across the lineup, with the possibility of equipping up to six. The addition of a USB-C dash cam port on SE with Technology models made installing a dash cam easier. The SEL trim now featured a head-up display, and the premium audio system, sourced from Harman Kardon instead of Fender, offered high-quality sound on the SEL Premium R-Line model.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the GLS with its latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. This setup was beautifully integrated and exuded a high-tech vibe compared to newer Mercedes models with ungracefully positioned portrait-style screens. The MBUX system for 2024 included improved graphics, various instrumentation themes, and specific modes such as Navigation, Assistance, and Service.

Despite the user-friendly touchscreen operation and advanced natural voice recognition, the system had its quirks. The touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and the touchpad on the center console frequently led to accidental changes in the displays, causing driver distraction. However, these minor issues aside, MBUX remained a top-tier technology with a seamless user experience, augmented reality navigation, and an impressive Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology.

For the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, safety was a priority, reflected in its five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It secured five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings for the 2024 Cross Sport were pending, the structurally similar 2023 model scored well in most crash tests, barring the updated moderate overlap front test.

The IQ.Drive package, now standard across all trims, offered comprehensive driver aids including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with Travel Assist. SEL models and above received predictive adaptive cruise control, and the Premium R-Line trim featured park assist and a surround-view camera system. All models came with post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature designed to safely pull over if the driver became incapacitated.

For the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, safety was equally paramount. With over 20 notable safety features, the technology behind these systems could be extensively customized via the MBUX system. This allowed drivers to modify the sensitivity, activation, and alert methods of various ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) to suit personal preferences.

Throughout evaluations, the GLS's safety systems performed admirably, from forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning to lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist handled a variety of challenging driving scenarios with ease and subtlety, making the driving experience both secure and comfortable. These systems demonstrated reliability, although a rare instance of lane-centering assist deactivation occurred at a T-intersection on a two-lane road.