2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV, bridging the gap between subcompact and compact crossovers. It was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option. The base model offered a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos was noted for its simple yet detailed design, with features like 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint enhancing its visual appeal. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic surfaces, which detracted from the overall quality feel, despite the presence of soft-touch materials in key areas.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was a more luxurious offering, with a design that some found reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe variant featured Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork. Inside, the GLE Coupe boasted high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech appearance, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. The interior design was complex, with a lack of traditional controls, but users could acclimate over time.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's torque delivery was delayed, leading to a sudden surge of power, which could be unsettling for some drivers. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but was marred by erratic shifting. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was only available with front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance was limited compared to competitors. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with real-world testing showing 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost mild-hybrid system added extra power and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE Coupe's performance was enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the adaptive damping control air suspension provided a comfortable ride. The GLE Coupe was nimble and composed, with impressive grip and braking performance, although its size and weight were noticeable on challenging roads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious interior, with ample room for both front and rear passengers. The Highline trim featured power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, while the rear seat provided generous legroom. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available in the front-wheel-drive model. The Taos also included a centre pass-through for ski trips.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The rear seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone climate control system and an in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity available on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system was intended to be user-friendly, but voice recognition issues and a complex user interface detracted from the experience. The Highline trim included a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was praised for its ease of use, natural voice recognition, and logical menu structures. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video navigation, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, with advanced systems available on higher trims. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring were standard on the Comfortline grade and up. The Highline trim included additional features like lane-keeping assistance and Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system. Emergency Assist was a notable feature, bringing the SUV to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems, including Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were praised for their refinement and accuracy. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.