2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a design that was considered adequate but not particularly striking. Its exterior, while promising with an aggressive nose and sloping hood, lost its appeal past the A-pillar, resembling previous models. Despite efforts to enhance its appearance with flat taillights and a contoured rear, it struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of competitors like BMW and Audi. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, but it still fell short when compared to rivals such as the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story, offering a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a bold red and black colour scheme. The redesigned GLE Coupe was more streamlined, and the interior featured impressive elements like LED-outlined grab handles and a mix of wood, metal, and leather, creating a sense of opulence.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 embraced a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting well within the Volvo lineup. It featured distinctive elements like “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge stood out with a blanked-off grille, unique alloy wheels, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and well-integrated elements, offering a luxury feel without compromising on simplicity.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 boasted 429 hp, and the AMG GLE 63 S reached 450 hp with a 4.0-litre biturbo V8. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and improved engine efficiency. Despite its size, the GLE delivered an exceptional driving experience, with agile handling and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg. Fuel efficiency varied, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 L/100 km, while the GLE 450 4MATIC achieved 10.4 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The base T4 had 187 hp, while the T5 provided 248 hp. The Recharge model delivered 402 hp with its dual electric motors and a 78-kWh battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, emphasizing comfort and quietness over speed. It featured one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 900 kg. The XC40 prioritized a traditional luxury experience, with excellent ride quality even on challenging roads.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered spacious interiors, with most models accommodating five passengers, and an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. Cargo space was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant had slightly less space due to its design. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability, featuring a touchpad and simplified interface, though it required some setup before driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions. It had less legroom and cargo space compared to some competitors, but features like a removable trash bin and large door bins compensated for this. The centre console was designed for practicality, with a phone holder and optional wireless charging. However, rear passengers lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing gesture control for various functions. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics, and a customizable head-up display. Ambient lighting offered 64 colours, and the navigation system used augmented reality for directions. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were complemented by a natural voice assistant, providing a comprehensive tech experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It featured a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model supported OTA updates, enhancing functionality without dealership visits. It lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for activation, and future updates promised additional features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced protection, while advanced braking and stability control systems ensured safety in various conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 also earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. It included standard safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver assistance technology.