2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group's ownership. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles, showcasing a cohesive design language. Its elegant, tailored crossover design featured short overhangs and crisp body details, with the iconic upright grille and Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights adding a distinctly Swedish touch. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, once a novelty, had become a familiar and user-friendly feature, complemented by thoughtful interior details like the elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, retained its iconic boxy design, a hallmark since its debut in 1979. The G-Class, hand-built in Graz, Austria, offered two models in the U.S.: the G550 and the AMG G63, both customizable through the G Manufaktur Program. Its rugged exterior, characterized by straight lines and a classic two-box design, appealed to those seeking a retro look. Inside, the G-Class featured a tasteful design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The cabin's multicolor ambient lighting allowed for a personalized atmosphere, while the G-Class's status as a luxury symbol was evident in its bold custom colors and opulent finishes. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, blending ruggedness with high-end luxury.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, exclusively AWD, delivered 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, plug-in hybrids, combined a turbocharger, supercharger, and an 87-horsepower electric motor to achieve 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further enhanced performance to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring ensured agile handling, while its serene cabin and smooth suspension made it an ideal road-trip companion. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, was a powerhouse with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive (4WD) system, along with Dynamic Select driving programs, allowed for impressive performance, including a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.6 seconds. The G550's robust suspension system, featuring double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, provided a supple ride on various terrains. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class offered a turning circle of 44.6 feet and off-road capabilities, though its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and functionality. Its front seats were highly adjustable, and the heating system proved effective in harsh winter conditions. The XC60's interior featured smart storage solutions, intuitive controls, and ample cargo space, with 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class combined luxury with practicality. The G550 offered 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. Its payload capacity exceeded 1,000 pounds, and it could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The spacious cabin featured comfortable seating, ample storage, and a sunroof that enhanced the airy feel. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, required expensive packages, and the lack of hands-free access for the tailgate was a notable omission.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's infotainment system, Sensus, featured a tablet-style touchpad interface with familiar swipe and pinch gestures. The system's segmented screen allowed for intuitive navigation, though it required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment. The customizable screens, combined with ambient lighting and the Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive experience. The COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offered advanced functionality. The G-Class included standard features like WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless charging was absent.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Volvo's decision to limit the XC60's top speed to 112 mph underscored its safety-first philosophy.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with its robust construction, offered inherent safety advantages. It came equipped with numerous safety systems, such as active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. The active lane-keeping assist system, while potentially beneficial, required careful understanding to avoid unintended consequences.