2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class had a mixed reception when it came to its exterior design. Critics felt it was merely adequate, lacking the elegance and sophistication one might expect from the brand. The original ML from 1997 had failed to impress visually compared to the BMW X5, and years later, the GLE (rebranded in 2016) had not substantially evolved beyond looking like an obligatory homework assignment. The aggressive front nose and sloping hood gave way to a more mundane design post A-pillar, making it quite similar in appearance to its predecessors. Though efforts were made to refine the tail with flat taillights and a contoured rear, the overall aesthetic didn't match up to the sleek lines of competitors like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Inside, however, the 2021 GLE-Class shined with its interior craftsmanship. The redesigned cabin offered a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures. The use of materials such as wood, metal, leather, and suede added to the luxurious feel, albeit marred slightly by flimsy gear selector and turn signal stalks. The cherry on top for comfort and usability was the new MBUX infotainment system, described as a significant improvement from its predecessor.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 represented a successful design transformation for the brand, initially launched in 2016. Volvo preserved its classic styling features, such as a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, while integrating modern touches that added character without betraying its heritage. Subtler lines, additional chrome in lieu of plastic, and the distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights helped redefine its appearance.

Our tested Inscription trim flaunted extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, making it the flashiest in the lineup. In contrast, other trims—like the sportier R-Design and the base Momentum—had different design elements tailored to their specific market segments. The XC90 embraced the minimalist yet functional design ethos, combining it with features that made it stand out among luxury SUVs.

Inside, the XC90 lived up to its “Swedish minimalism” moniker. The layout was neither cluttered nor overwhelming but used high-quality materials like matte-finish wood and the rare wool upholstery option to create a sophisticated ambiance. The interior, with its restrained and thought-out details, contrasted sharply with the ultra-luxurious feel of the GLE-Class but remained impressively elegant.

Performance-wise, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled as a multi-faceted machine. It utilized all the tricks up Mercedes's sleeve, including air suspensions and turbocharging. The GLE 350, with its coil-sprung setup, was the most straightforward and reliable, offering a balanced ride. Stepping up to the GLE 450 introduced the AIRMATIC self-leveling air springs and adaptive dampers, which could adjust based on weight and slope.

The GLE models further featured a range of air suspensions, but the AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control were the real showstoppers, capable of anti-roll and even leaning into turns à la motorcyclist. AMG versions, specifically the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, boasted an integrated electric supercharger, eliminating turbo lag and enhancing throttle response. For the truly power-hungry, the GLE 580 offered a twin-turbo V8 with 483 hp, and the AMG GLE 63 S maxed out at 603 hp.

Every GLE except the base model incorporated a hybrid setup with a 48-volt battery, aiding fuel efficiency slightly but notably improving ride smoothness and functionality. Real-world fuel economy for the various models ranged between 16 to 23 mpg combined, depending on configuration. Though the GLE didn’t outshine its competitors in fuel efficiency, its range of powertrains ensured diversified performance suited for different needs. Towing capacity was an impressive 7,700 pounds across all trims, further showcasing its versatile prowess.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three distinct powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 offered a turbocharged version with 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 engine combined turbocharging and supercharging to elevate performance to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid (Recharge) used the T6 engine augmented with electric motors, delivering a combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque.

The XC90's powertrain variety catered to different preferences, but the focus on a four-cylinder engine meant it lagged behind V6 and V8 competitors in flexibility and smoothness. The T8, while offering impressive power, often had to juggle between efficiency and performance, with its three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—sometimes limiting all-electric usability.

The XC90 excelled in traditional luxury, boasting a comfortable ride supported by an optional air suspension system and quiet cabin ambiance. However, its towing capacity topped out at 5,000 pounds for most models (4,000 pounds for the FWD T5), which paled compared to the GLE-Class’s capability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provided flexibility and spaciousness, primarily as a two-row SUV but with the option for a third row accommodating up to seven passengers. Second-row outboard occupants benefited from power controls for reclining and fore-aft adjustments. The GLE Coupe variant, however, was limited to five passengers, and its cargo capacity was noticeably smaller.

Behind the second row, the GLE boasted 34 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 75 cubic feet with all seats folded. The coupe variant offered 23 cubic feet behind the second row and 61 cubic feet overall, constrained by its sloping roofline and massive rear tires that limited door opening space.

The GLE’s interior scored high on usability with the MBUX infotainment system and numerous intuitive controls, though complex enough that some setup time was advisable before hitting the road.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a genuine three-row configuration, available in six or seven-seat layouts. The choice between second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat allowed for different seating arrangements. Though headroom and legroom matched the segment’s average, the third row was tight for adults, and certain seats lacked adequate support.

Volvo optimized its space with thoughtful features, including a power moonroof extending over the first two rows and a four-zone climate control system. However, cargo space fell short compared to rivals. With all seats in place, the T8 Recharge version had 11.2 cubic feet of storage, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate added convenience but couldn’t offset the limited storage capacity.

The 2021 GLE-Class was packed with advanced technology, headlined by a 12-inch touchscreen equipped with the Interior Assistant feature. This system could recognize hand gestures for various shortcuts and functions, making it exceptionally user-friendly over time. Seat Kinetics, the Track Pace app, and the plethora of customizable settings for the head-up display and instrument cluster underscored Mercedes's technological ambition.

Additional features included ambient lighting with 64 color options, live camera-assisted navigation, and a voice assistant capable of learning new commands over time. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various indulgent features like seat massage, heated armrests, and bolsters added to the luxury experience.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system in the 2021 XC90 exemplified simplicity and efficiency. The 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen facilitated intuitive navigation akin to a tablet, eliminating the need for numerous physical controls. The minimalist design extended to the infotainment interface, enhancing usability.

Standard features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi hotspot, and multiple USB ports. The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display further elevated the in-car experience. One notable downside was the limited size of the wireless charging pad, potentially incompatible with most modern phones.

The 2020 GLE, structurally identical to the 2021 model, received the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, scoring well in six crash tests, headlight safety, and forward emergency braking. The GLE featured an array of standard and optional safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. Optional features elevated safety to another level with functionalities like 360-degree cameras, Pre-Safe Sound, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side.

The non-hybrid 2021 Volvo XC90 also earned the Top Safety Pick+ title from the IIHS, with stellar scores in crash tests, front-crash prevention tech, and acceptable ratings for headlights and LATCH anchors. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features were robust, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention alert, traffic-sign recognition, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist combining adaptive cruise control with lane centering.