2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, was not universally praised for its exterior design. It retained a somewhat rushed appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors, with a front that promised aggression but lost its distinctiveness past the A-pillar. The rear design, with flat taillights and a contoured finish, attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies. While Mercedes excelled in styling its sedans and sports cars, the GLE's SUV form lacked the pitch-perfect proportions seen in competitors like BMW and Audi. However, the interior was a different story, showcasing a masterpiece of quality and design. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, with materials like wood, metal, and leather creating a tactile delight. Despite some flimsy controls, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of opulence, though it required significant options to truly feel luxurious.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely's ownership, shedding its Ford past to emerge as a near-luxury brand. The XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90, was built on Volvo's SPA platform, sharing its elegant design with other models. Its exterior featured a tailored two-box design with short overhangs and crisp details, highlighted by the iconic Thor's hammer LED headlights. The paint quality and trim were meticulously executed, and the large alloy wheels added to its fashionable appeal. Inside, the XC60's cabin was a serene space defined by clean lines and authentic materials. The portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a familiar sight, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status, making it a delightful place to spend time.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of suspension configurations and hybrid powertrains. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine with 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, thanks to an electric supercharger. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S delivered 450 hp and 568 lb-ft from a 4.0-litre biturbo V8. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller sedan, with exceptional ride quality and steering. It could tow up to 3,500 kg, making it a versatile choice for those needing power and capability.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The T5 model produced 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, with the Polestar version reaching 415 hp. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for limited electric-only driving, enhancing its efficiency. The AWD system and torque vectoring provided confident handling, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel consumption figures varied, with the T8 PHEV achieving 9.3 L/100 km combined, showcasing its efficiency compared to the GLE.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was more limited in space, with a sloping roofline and narrower rear doors. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with a touchpad interface and intuitive controls, though some features required setup before driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in interior design, with comfortable and adjustable front seats that were particularly appreciated during winter testing. The heating system, including heated seats and defrosters, performed admirably in cold conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it user-friendly. The XC60 offered 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the seats folded. It could tow up to 1,587 kg, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system offered a range of features, including seat massage settings, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance enthusiasts. The GLE's infotainment system was overengineered yet well-executed, offering a wealth of electronic features that could overwhelm some users.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to easily access audio, navigation, and other features. While intuitive for some, it required a learning curve for others. Smartphone integration was seamless, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned 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 and driver assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features enhanced occupant protection, while the semi-automated control system provided additional safety measures.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and a whiplash protection system. Volvo's Pilot Assist system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety reasons. The T8 Polestar Engineered model added a unique touch with its gold safety belts.