2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent a subtle exterior makeover that was barely noticeable even to trained eyes. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared directly with the previous model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, was particularly striking. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, making the GLE's cabin one of the highest quality in its segment.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 showcased an elegant design, taking cues from the smaller CX-30 and CX-5 models and expanding them into a more imposing SUV. Its large grille, wide-set front end, and substantial wheels demanded attention, while tasteful chrome trim added to its elegance. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that rivaled luxury brands, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. The CX-90 offered a range of trims, with the top-tier Signature model providing a particularly luxurious experience. Despite its size, the CX-90 maintained a stylish and comfortable layout, with eight different trim levels available in Canada.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a variety of powertrains, catering to different SUV shoppers with a starting price of approximately $82,800. The Canadian lineup included the GLE 350 4Matic, GLE 450 4Matic, AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, and the upcoming GLE 450e PHEV. The GLE 450e featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the GLE 450e to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was estimated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with a range of 77 kilometres on electric power alone. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The upgraded 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo engine in the GT-P and Signature trims delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All CX-90 models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 Signature offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV's all-electric range was 42 kilometres, with a total driving range of 747 kilometres. Both CX-90 models handled corners brilliantly, with a double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout contributing to its agility.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with generous headroom and legroom. The cabin felt light and airy, thanks to the light beige upholstery, and offered excellent outward visibility. The GLE 450e featured 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5 but fell short of the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 trims and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, and massaging front seats.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with the lowest trims accommodating eight passengers and the Turbo Signature trim featuring a six-seat layout. Cargo space varied depending on the seating configuration, with up to 2,129 litres available in models with a two-seater third row. The CX-90 provided more cargo space than the CX-9 but fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The interior featured clever storage options, including a large centre console, spacious door pockets, and well-placed cupholders. The CX-90 Signature's middle-row captain's chairs included a centre console with additional storage. The interior materials and upholstery were of high quality, and the panoramic sunroof added to the overall comfort.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the centre console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be inadvertently activated, causing minor inconveniences.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 employed the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used hard buttons and a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to reduce distractions, the system's quirks and idiosyncrasies could be frustrating. The CX-90 offered personalization software that used facial recognition to adjust settings for individual drivers. Standard features included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless functionality in higher trims. The rotary controller worked with these systems, but touchscreen controls were available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a more familiar interface.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features and driver assistance technologies. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, active lane change assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year, but crash tests for the 2024 model were not yet completed.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 featured the i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, smart brake support, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe-exit warning. The CX-90 Signature also included cruising and traffic support, which combined lane-centring with adaptive cruise control. While the CX-90 had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, the 2023 CX-9 received high safety ratings, and similar performance was expected for the CX-90.