2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its improvements, still struggled to captivate with its exterior design. The GLE's styling seemed to fall short of the elegance and precision seen in its competitors like BMW and Audi. The aggressive front nose promised a bold design, but the rest of the vehicle failed to deliver, maintaining a resemblance to its predecessors. However, the interior was a different story, showcasing a luxurious and meticulously crafted space. The redesigned interior boasted high-quality materials, a striking red and black colour scheme, and innovative features like LED-outlined grab handles. 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 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty exterior, especially in the Execline trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The removal of the third row and a lowered roofline gave it a coupe-like appearance, enhancing its upscale appeal. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a spacious and comfortable environment for five passengers, with generous rear legroom and a range of interior colour options. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall impression of quality. Despite these shortcomings, the Atlas Cross Sport managed to convey a sense of style and practicality, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a roomy and stylish SUV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. 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 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for various driving needs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 hp and a 3.6-litre V6 with 276 hp. The V6 engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. While the V6 felt more energetic in the two-row version, the suspension tuning left room for improvement. The ride quality varied, with harshness at lower speeds and excessive softness at higher speeds. Despite these issues, the Atlas Cross Sport performed well on highways, offering a comfortable and efficient ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Coupe body style, however, was limited to five seats. Cargo capacity varied, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe's design limited rear passenger space and door openings. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability, featuring a touchpad and simplified interface. The GLE's interior was well-equipped, with seat controls on the doors and various shortcuts for driving modes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger Atlas, providing ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Storage space was abundant, though the lack of lining in storage areas led to potential rattling. The cargo area offered plenty of space, with deep wells for additional storage. Despite its shorter length and lower roofline, the Atlas Cross Sport remained practical for carrying luggage and other items.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture-based controls. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics, and a range of comfort features like heated armrests and mood lighting. The head-up display and instrument panel were customizable, and the navigation system offered augmented reality features. The GLE's infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a natural voice assistant for added convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a Digital Cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity-sensing display. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless charging. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system, providing excellent sound quality. However, the user experience was occasionally frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a smoother experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced safety in the event of a crash. The GLE's advanced safety features and driver assistance systems contributed to its high safety ratings.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. While the Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, it did not achieve the highest accolades from safety organizations. The Travel Assist system occasionally lacked refinement, but overall, the safety features were effective and comprehensive.