2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform. This platform was shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles, contributing to a cohesive design language across the lineup. The XC60 featured an elegant, tailored crossover design with short front and rear overhangs, athletic body sides, and crisp details that emphasized agility. The upright grille proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo, and the front headlights included an LED daytime running light in the shape of Thor’s hammer, a distinctly Swedish design element. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the large alloy wheels, up to 21 inches on top trim levels, added a fashionable touch.

Inside, the XC60’s cabin was a showcase of Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, initially introduced in 2018, had become more accepted by 2021. The interior’s little details, such as the elegant HVAC vents with a single, grooved, chromed knob for control, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status. The textures and colors throughout the cabin were harmonious and rewarding, making it a very pleasant place to spend time.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 featured a more powerful drivetrain and a sophisticated AWD system. The GLB’s design was functional, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. The AMG GLB35, with its 21-inch multi-spoke wheels, had some style and presence, but the overall design was an acquired taste.

The GLB’s interior was beautifully rendered in the Mercedes-Benz tradition, with full-color high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, and artistic air vents that glowed with ambient lighting after dark. However, the controls required some acclimation, with unconventional elements like the steering wheel stalk serving as the gear selector and touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. The quality was evident in various spots within the cabin, but the road noise, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels, was quite loud, potentially disappointing those expecting a traditional luxury vehicle experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available with FWD or AWD, produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque using direct gasoline injection and a turbocharger. The T6 models, with AWD only, generated 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, thanks to the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, also AWD and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased output to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60 T8 PHEV could drive up to 19 miles on electric power alone and offered a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg, with 57 MPGe in electric-only mode. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring provided a solid and secure driving experience, with a quiet cabin and smooth suspension.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB also used a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 version produced 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the GLB250’s engine. The AMG GLB35 featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, compared to the GLB250’s 6.9 seconds. The AMG GLB35’s EPA fuel economy rating was 22 mpg combined, slightly lower than the GLB250’s 25 mpg. The AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension emphasized performance, but the ride was firm, and the powertrain exhibited some lag in throttle response. The GLB250, while not as fast, was better suited for daily driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with a focus on safety and functionality. The front seats were highly adjustable and heated, making them comfortable even in sub-freezing temperatures. The heating system, rear glass heater, windshield defroster, washer, and wipers were all effective in dealing with winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the center console, dashboard, and door panels, with additional storage in the second row. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed for urbanites needing a roomy but small SUV. It offered an optional third-row seat suitable for children, dual-zone automatic climate control, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. The standard MB-Tex upholstery could be upgraded to real leather, and heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were available. The rear doors opened wide, providing comfortable seating for two adults, though the middle seat was less practical. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space, making the GLB less suitable for those needing a three-row SUV. The power rear liftgate revealed a 22 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC60’s infotainment system, Sensus, used a tablet-style touchpad interface with swipe, pinch, and pull gestures. The portrait-oriented screen was divided into function quadrants, making it intuitive for frequent iPad users. However, there was a learning curve, and it could be distracting to use while driving. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot with a three-month trial. The Volvo On Call app provided vehicle-specific functionality, and the Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system was exceptional.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the AMG GLB35. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. The MBUX system could be controlled via natural voice recognition, the touchscreen display, physical center console controls, and steering wheel controls. The navigation system’s augmented reality technology was particularly useful in densely populated areas.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo’s heritage of safety innovations. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the T5/T5 AWD and T6 AWD models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, low- and high-speed collision mitigation, vehicle/cyclist/large animal detection, driver alert control, run-off road protection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping aid, front, side, and curtain airbags, whiplash protection, slippery road/hazard light alert, rear park assist camera, power child locks, and care key. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. The XC60’s top speed was restricted to 112 mph for safety.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite its high price, did not include the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 advanced safety features. The test vehicle lacked evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. However, it did include Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, rain-sensing wipers, Attention Assist driver monitoring, and Exit Warning Assist. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.