Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volvo XC90

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class featured subtle yet meaningful aesthetic upgrades. The headlights and taillights adopted a sharper design, complemented by black fender flares over the wheel arches. The grille received a touch of elegance with sleek chrome inserts. Our model came with the optional AMG Line package, which added a sporty flair to the exterior with a unique grille and the potential to upgrade from the standard 19-inch wheels to more imposing 21-inch wheels. Inside, the GLE-Class echoed quintessential Mercedes-Benz luxury. The materials were plush, though not as futuristic as the newer all-electric EQ models. Our test vehicle's interior boasted open-pore walnut trim paired with Bahia Brown seating, giving it an oddly retro feel reminiscent of a 1970s wood-paneled room. Opting for a lighter leather color could mitigate this look. Meanwhile, the 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded an aesthetic rooted in practical luxury. The exterior displayed a subdued and earthy paint palette aligned with Volvo's emphasis on safety and sustainability. The SUV could be dressed up with various wheel designs, extending to a lavish 21 inches. Volvo's interior design, especially in the Ultimate trim, leaned into opulence with wool-blend upholstery and ventilated Nappa leather in various shades. The distinctive Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim enhanced the cabin’s posh feel. Buyers appreciated the flexibility Volvo offered in personalizing the paint, wheels, and upholstery to their liking.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting from the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, climbing to the mid-line GLE 450 powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and culminating in the top-tier GLE 580 with a robust 4.0-liter V8. However, our focus was the new 450e plug-in hybrid, which sported a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. This powertrain delivered an impressive 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite this power, the added weight of the 23.3-kWh battery made it slightly slower to 60 mph compared to the GLE 450. Mercedes claimed the battery allowed for 48 miles of electric-only range, but we observed a slightly higher figure of 55 miles. The 450e switched seamlessly between electric and gas modes, offering a smooth driving experience. Charging was efficient with an 11-kW onboard charger, and it could utilize a 60-kW DC fast charge for quicker top-ups during long trips. For the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, performance was paramount. Volvo combined an 18.8-kWh battery and a 107-kW electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This hybrid combination produced a formidable 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, distributed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The XC90 Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. Charging the XC90 was straightforward. It took around 12 hours with a standard outlet or just over half that with a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet. The SUV provided multiple driving modes, including Pure for electric-only, Power for optimal performance, and Hybrid for a balanced approach. However, real-world tests saw the XC90 delivering slightly less than the stated electric range and falling short of the anticipated fuel efficiency after its gas engine kicked in. Despite its impressive power, the XC90 wasn’t designed for spirited driving. While it showcased good grip and competent handling, the larger 21-inch wheels affected ride comfort, and the vehicle experienced more cabin shake than expected for a luxury SUV. Additionally, the brakes exhibited some fade during intense driving.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class stood out for its interior comforts. The seats were heated as standard and could be upgraded to include ventilation and massage functions. Additional luxury features included heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. It provided a peaceful cabin experience with minimal road noise and an excellent Burmester stereo system. One minor issue was the non-extending sun visors, which could be a slight inconvenience. In terms of utility, the GLE-Class could tow up to 7,700 pounds and featured the new Trailer Maneuvering Assist for easier trailer handling. Cargo space was ample, offering 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Conversely, even the base Core trim of the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, and wood trim. Moving up to Plus and Ultimate trims added features like heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, upgraded lighting, and an integrated child booster seat. A notable quirk was the lower leg support bolsters on the front seats, which could catch on clothing while entering. The XC90 accommodated seven passengers or six with optional captain’s chairs in the second row. Although accessing the third-row was tight for adults, it was surprisingly roomy. Cargo space behind the third-row was limited but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and to 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats down.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the GLE-Class with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system, though it lacked the larger touchscreen seen in other Mercedes models. The 12.3-inch screen provided good user experience, aided by a responsive menu structure and a touchpad on the center console. Voice commands via “Hey, Mercedes” offered another convenient way to interact with the system. The augmented reality navigation system was a highlight, making it easier to find and navigate to specific addresses. The GLE-Class also included off-road information displays and a transparent hood feature to show what lay beneath the car. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues marred the experience. Numerous USB-C ports provided ample charging options. Volvo’s 2024 XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps navigation, Google Play access, and Google Assistant voice recognition. While the screen size was modest by modern standards, its proximity to the driver made it user-friendly. Intuitive and improved from previous versions, the system included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons, which retained some physical control. Say “Hey Google,” and the digital assistant would respond. The XC90 also supported Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio, which required subscriptions after initial trial periods. The audio system options ranged from a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system to a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system.

Safety was a cornerstone for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, while the optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added adaptive cruise control with steering assist, lane-keeping assist, and lane-change assist. This package enhanced the car’s safety profile but for an additional cost. The GLE had solid crash ratings, though not perfect, earning five-star side crash ratings and a four-star rollover rating from NHTSA. The IIHS rated it “Good” across multiple safety domains, with an “Acceptable” rating for headlights with the Digital Light package. Similarly, safety was paramount for the 2024 Volvo XC90. The SUV boasted excellent crash-test ratings, earning five stars from NHTSA except for a four-star rollover rating. IIHS designated it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, Volvo’s ADAS features lagged compared to some competitors. While the XC90 offered standard features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist through Pilot Assist, it didn’t provide more advanced hands-free driving capabilities. Our evaluation showed that Pilot Assist occasionally struggled in certain driving scenarios, affecting user confidence.