SUV Showdown: Volvo XC90 Takes on the Mercedes-Benz GLE
The luxury SUV market in India is heating up. Recent updates to the Volvo XC90, bringing a refreshed design and upgraded technology, have rekindled its rivalry with the Mercedes-Benz GLE. While the XC90 offers the practicality of a seven-seat configuration, the GLE counters with multiple powertrain options. Choosing the right SUV can be challenging, so we’ve broken down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Dimensions and Design: Size Matters, But How Much?
While the Volvo XC90 appears larger on paper, the Mercedes-Benz GLE holds the edge in some key dimensions.
Despite the XC90’s slightly greater length, the GLE is wider and taller. The GLE’s wheelbase is also marginally larger, which contributes to more interior space. The XC90 does offer a more compact package overall.
Features and Technology: Comfort and Convenience
Both SUVs showcase luxurious interiors packed with technology, but there are some distinctions.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE generally offers slightly more advanced features, including a larger infotainment screen, electric second-row seating, and a more comprehensive sound system. However, the XC90 offers a safety advantage with its ADAS technology suite. Both vehicles offer a 360-degree camera and multiple airbags.
Powertrain Options: Power and Efficiency
The GLE gives buyers more powertrain choices.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE provides a wider range of engines, including diesel and petrol options, offering a wider range of power and torque outputs. The Volvo XC90 comes with a 2-liter turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology, which is the least potent on the power front. Both SUVs are equipped with an all-wheel-drive system.
Pricing and Value: Which Offers the Best Deal?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has a lower starting price. However, depending on the trim level, the top-spec GLE can be significantly more expensive than the XC90.
Verdict: Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the Mercedes-Benz GLE presents itself as the smarter option. It boasts a wider selection of powertrains and a slightly lower starting price. Furthermore, it offers slightly superior convenience features and more space for passengers in the second row, thanks to its slightly larger wheelbase. However, the Volvo XC90 maintains its advantage in its seven-seat layout, offering practicality for larger families, and its enhanced safety features thanks to ADAS. If you prioritize extra seats and advanced safety technology, the XC90 takes the lead.
