2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while adding a touch of modern character. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines and more chrome detailing, it presented a more refined appearance. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive feature that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The Inscription trim level, with its extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials and a thoughtfully arranged interior. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a unique touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end, albeit slightly out-of-place, detail.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a more athletic and modern design. The Selenite Grey paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sleek appearance, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. The interior was luxurious, with high-end materials and a high-tech feel, thanks to the dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design. The Nappa premium leather, Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim added to the upscale ambiance. The GLE Coupe's interior design cleverly masked its complexity, with a lack of traditional controls and markings, but once acclimated, drivers found it easy to operate. The ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience, making the GLE Coupe a pleasure to drive at night.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. All models came with all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 Recharge required the gasoline engine's assistance even at low speeds, limiting the effectiveness of its all-electric Pure mode. However, the XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to its optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin and a respectable towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup provided robust acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a tested consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Sport+ for spirited driving. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension ensured a comfortable ride, while the performance brakes and tires provided excellent grip and stopping power. The GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed in various driving conditions, with a reserve of performance for those seeking excitement.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power sunroof and upright roof profile created a spacious feel, complemented by the standard four-zone climate control. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, though it was best suited for four adults. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered comfort and support, with numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Forward visibility was good, but rear visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample room for adult passengers, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expanding to 1,790 litres with the second-row seats folded. The GLE Coupe featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and optional comfort upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. The system also offered two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text and typeface could be challenging to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, but its size limited compatibility with larger phones.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single glass panel. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Optional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was intuitive, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." The system's graphics and menu structures were well-designed, though the touchpad on the centre console could be inadvertently activated. Additional options included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition and an augmented video feature for navigation.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA awarded all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone to protect hearing during a collision. The optional Intelligent Drive Package added 13 driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with lane-keeping assistance technology providing decisive intervention when needed. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.