2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its lineage, struggled to captivate with its exterior design. It retained a somewhat rushed appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors, with a front end that promised more than the rest of the body delivered. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to mitigate its minivan-like tendencies, but the GLE still fell short of the aesthetic appeal seen in competitors like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a masterpiece of quality and design, with a bold red and black colour scheme that was both striking and luxurious. The interior materials, including wood, metal, leather, and suede, were a delight to touch, although some controls felt flimsy. Overall, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of opulence, though it required significant options to truly feel luxurious.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of traditional crossovers. The ID.4's interior was a blend of Volkswagen's minimalism and a smartphone aesthetic, with piano black and matte plastic elements. While the ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than some competitors, its legroom was average for the segment. Cargo space was generous, though it lacked a "frunk" for additional storage. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, but rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The ID.4's interior design choices, such as the twist-grip gear selector, aimed to maximize cabin space, though some elements, like the narrow centre console, limited storage for larger items.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile SUV, offering a range of advanced suspension and engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 and AMG models boasted air suspensions with adaptive dampers and self-leveling air springs. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe, in particular, showcased an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, though it wasn't as exhilarating as expected. The GLE's hybrid system, known as EQ Boost, provided additional horsepower and torque, enhancing the driving experience without significantly improving fuel efficiency. The GLE 350 delivered 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 offered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 reached 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, and the AMG GLE 63 S boasted a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 with 450 hp and 568 lb-ft. All GLE models featured 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and the vehicle's towing capacity was impressive at 3,500 kilograms. The GLE's ride quality and steering were exceptional, providing a dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations: a rear-wheel-drive version with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, and an all-wheel-drive version with a dual-motor setup delivering 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4's rear-wheel-drive layout provided balanced handling, though it wasn't a sporty vehicle. It prioritized comfort over performance, with a smooth ride and ample torque for quick acceleration. Unlike many electric vehicles, the ID.4 didn't emphasize regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience. The ID.4's efficiency gains came from coasting, and it lacked the aggressive regen braking found in some EVs. While it wasn't designed for one-pedal driving, the ID.4 offered a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a spacious two-row SUV, with an optional third row for seating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats offered power controls for recline and fore-aft adjustments, enhancing passenger comfort. The Coupe body style accommodated five passengers, though the middle seat was less comfortable. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe's cargo space was slightly smaller, with 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all rows folded. The GLE's usability improved with the new MBUX infotainment system, featuring a simplified interface and easy-to-use controls. However, some controls, like the thumbpads on the steering wheel, required familiarization.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than some competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. Cargo space was ample, with 858 litres behind the rear seats and 1,818 litres with the seats folded. While it lacked a "frunk," the ID.4 prioritized cabin space, resulting in a spacious interior. Forward visibility was good, but rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars. The ID.4's interior design included a twist-grip gear selector, freeing up space on the centre console, though the console itself was narrow. The ID.4's seats provided good cushioning, but the driver's seat lacked thigh support, affecting comfort during long drives.

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 for comfort adjustments, and a natural voice assistant. The GLE's infotainment system was highly customizable, with a head-up display, ambient lighting, and advanced navigation features. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the semi-automated functionality offered lane-changing and curve-slowing capabilities. The GLE's technology was extensive, providing a wealth of features for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ID.4's infotainment system featured haptic touchpads, which were challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system, activated by "Hello ID," offered an alternative to the touchpads, though it was slow to respond. The ID.4 introduced ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver, though its novelty wore off quickly. Despite some gimmicky features, the ID.4's infotainment basics were well-executed, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features enhanced occupant protection, while the brakes and stability control systems provided additional safety measures.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a variety of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation response. Travel Assist performed well, providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.