2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while adequate in appearance, did not quite capture the stunning aesthetics of its sedan and sports car siblings. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a rushed assignment, featured an aggressive nose and sloping hood that promised more than it delivered past the A-pillar. Despite efforts to overcome its minivan-like tendencies with flat taillights and a contoured rear, the GLE struggled to match the pitch-perfect proportions of competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. However, the interior was a different story, with a redesigned, streamlined look that was a masterpiece of quality and layout. The red and black interior was both loud and luxurious, with materials like wood, metal, leather, and suede creating a tactile delight. The GLE exuded a sense of pampering, though it required significant options to truly feel opulent.

The 2022 Volvo XC40, on the other hand, embraced a more traditional approach to design, closely resembling its internal-combustion engine counterparts. The XC40 Recharge maintained the same basic shape as the gasoline version, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grille and trim-specific alloy wheels. Its exterior was impeccably assembled, with even gaps, glossy paint, and chrome accents. Inside, the XC40 showcased Volvo's Scandinavian design sensibility, creating an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact SUV status. The harmonious shapes and lines of the dash elements, along with clever nods to Volvo's Swedish roots, contributed to its genuine luxury feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle, offering a complex suspension and engine setup. With five suspension configurations, the GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup for reliability and comfort, while the GLE 450 and AMG models boasted advanced air suspensions. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its electric supercharger, delivered quick acceleration, though not as exhilarating as expected. The GLE's hybrid system, known as EQ Boost, provided additional horsepower and torque, enhancing throttle response and reducing engine vibrations. Despite these innovations, the GLE's fuel efficiency was average, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 litres per 100 kilometres. All GLE models came with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and the vehicle's towing capacity was impressive at 3,500 kilograms. The driving experience was exceptional, with the GLE handling like a smaller sedan, offering amazing ride quality and perfect steering.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, delivered an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 kilometres per hour in just 4.9 seconds. The gasoline-powered XC40 models, with turbo four-cylinder engines, offered slower acceleration times. The Recharge's regenerative braking system recaptured energy during deceleration, and drivers could engage one-pedal drive for maximum regenerative braking. The XC40 Recharge's lower centre of gravity, thanks to the battery placement, contributed to its stable and planted handling. Natural Resources Canada rated the XC40 Recharge at 2.8 Le/100 km combined, with a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge. The gasoline XC40 models had higher fuel consumption ratings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row allowed seating for seven. The Coupe body style, however, was limited to five passengers. Cargo capacity varied, with the SUV offering 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres behind the first. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with a simplified interface and easy-to-use controls. However, some features, like the thumbpads on the steering wheel, required practice to master.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The front trunk provided extra storage space, while the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for essentials. The front seats were comfortable, though the rear seats were a bit tight for middle passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen display with Interior Assistant for gesture control. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics for comfort, and a natural voice assistant. The head-up display and instrument panel were customizable, and the ambient lighting offered 64 colours. The navigation system projected directions onto the front camera feed, and the GLE supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The semi-automated functionality included lane changes and curve slowing.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including Pilot Assist for highway driving and a heat pump to extend range. The 9.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel featured the Android Automotive operating system, with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store built-in. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates, and the XC40 Recharge guided drivers to charging locations. However, the range display showed a percentage of charge rather than remaining kilometres, which could cause range anxiety.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it the Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall rating. The GLE featured a range of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced safety in crash situations.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge also received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, with the gasoline XC40 earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge's safety features included collision warning and avoidance, blind-spot information, and lane keep assist. The new sensor platform integrated cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, while Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition information with other connected vehicles.