2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of Swedish elegance and modern innovation. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other Volvo models, offering a cohesive design language. Its exterior featured a sophisticated two-box design with short overhangs and athletic body lines, highlighted by the iconic Thor's hammer LED headlights. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian minimalism, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of large displays, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated luxury compared to its flashier competitors. The base GLS 450 model avoided excessive chrome and gaudy grilles, while the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with flared wheel arches and chrome accents. Inside, the GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, framed by an upright dashboard. While the GLS 450's interior was high quality, it leaned towards a more subdued luxury, suitable for those who appreciate refinement without ostentation.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged and supercharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor, delivering up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models were plug-in hybrids, capable of driving up to 31 kilometres on electric power alone. The XC60's performance was characterized by its solid and secure feel on the road, with smooth handling and a quiet cabin. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the electric motor. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth and ample power, but the air suspension's poor body control detracted from the overall luxury experience. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality, with a focus on safety and style. The front seats were highly adjustable and heated, making them ideal for winter conditions. The XC60's heating system effectively handled sub-freezing temperatures, and the vehicle's defrosters and wipers excelled at clearing ice and snow. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, and the XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the bench with captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide to increase legroom, and the GLS boasted the best second-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo space was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's air suspension facilitated loading and unloading, but some ergonomic issues, like the touchscreen's reach and small sun visors, detracted from its practicality.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's infotainment system, Sensus, featured a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation. It divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to access audio, navigation, vehicle, and communication functions. While intuitive for some, the system required a learning curve. The XC60 included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and voice recognition. The voice recognition system, activated by "Hey Mercedes," was user-friendly, while the touchpad controller was less so. The GLS included augmented-reality navigation, but the system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

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 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, many advanced driver-assistance features were optional. The GLS lacked crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA at the time of publication.