2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor particularly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels giving it a somewhat athletic appearance reminiscent of a sneaker. Despite the absence of the more powerful AMG GLE 63 S Coupe variant, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe maintained a luxurious interior with high-end materials like Nappa leather and brushed aluminum trim, complemented by ambient lighting that enhanced the driving experience. However, the complexity of its technology and lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization for new users.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more aerodynamic rear bumper design. While it didn't embody the traditional SUV look, it was distinguishable as an EV, sharing similarities with other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 offered a minimalist interior design with quality materials, including leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres. The interior changes for 2023 improved functionality, making it a practical choice for those seeking an affordable EV with ample space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost system provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 L/100 km during testing. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes and an optional AMG sport exhaust system. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, while the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering facilitated urban manoeuvrability. Despite its size and weight, the GLE Coupe demonstrated impressive performance on challenging roads, with its upgraded brakes and performance-oriented tires ensuring a confident drive.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a 62-kWh battery pack for the base model and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, with RWD or AWD options. The single motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. While the ID.4's AWD version rivalled hot hatchbacks in acceleration, it lacked the handling prowess, allowing for some body roll on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system offered a familiar driving experience, though it didn't support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four, especially if the rear passengers were adults. The sport-bolstered front seats offered numerous adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo space was generous, with 655 litres available and expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the luxurious feel of the vehicle.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. With 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, the ID.4 was practical for an affordable EV. It also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 improved functionality, with a conventional lid for the centre console and a better phone storage spot. The ID.4 also featured three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, 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 a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D surround-sound system. However, the touchpad on the centre console was prone to accidental activation, and the MBUX Interior Assistant's gesture recognition was of limited value.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 standardised the 12.0-inch touchscreen across all models, with software updates improving responsiveness. The infotainment system retained sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel remained a distraction. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked. The system's voice recognition proved more convenient for adjusting settings than the dashboard controls.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, 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 systems, including Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS's "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2023 were cyclist detection, Park Assist Plus, and an automated lane-change feature. The ID.4 also featured Emergency Assist 3.0, which could pull the vehicle over if the driver was incapacitated.