2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, such as plastic body cladding and a slightly elevated ride height, the ID.4's SUV-like styling was subtle. Its interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, particularly the AMG GLE 53 variant, presented a more athletic and stylish appearance. Its Selenite Grey paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sleek look, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. Inside, the GLE Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. The interior design, though complex, was user-friendly with time, offering a blend of comfort and sophistication.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. However, it lacked the aggressive regenerative braking found in many EVs, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency. The GLE Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with variable torque distribution. It offered multiple driving modes, including Sport+ for a more dynamic experience. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and performance brakes ensured a nimble and composed ride, with impressive grip and braking performance.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. Despite lacking a "frunk," the ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The cabin featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient heating.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe included comfort upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip for driver communication. While some features felt gimmicky, the infotainment basics were well-executed.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

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 range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with features like Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist providing added security.