2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated into the Volvo family with design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a distinct rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale environment.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, in its base GLS 450 form, offered a more understated look compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions added visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS provided a luxurious experience with options like reclining rear seats in the Maybach model and performance-oriented interiors in the AMG version. The standard interior, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, enhancing the overall luxury feel.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads, and offered a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in short bursts. The GLS 450 provided ample power, with the inline-six offering smoothness ideal for a luxury SUV. However, the air suspension, while adjustable, lacked refinement, leading to excessive body motion over bumps. The GLS 450 boasted a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, though some competitors offered more.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in gasoline and Recharge variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious than rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins, compensated for the limited space. The XC40 featured a small frunk, with much of the space under the hood occupied by powertrain components. While competitive in interior space compared to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, the XC40 excelled in innovative storage options.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for third-row access, offering excellent legroom. The GLS provided 355 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. While cargo space was slightly less than larger competitors, the GLS made loading easy with power-folding seats and a power tailgate. Some ergonomic issues, like the touchscreen’s reach and small sun visors, were noted.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. The Recharge lacked a start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park to start driving. While the system offered seamless integration for Android users, those unfamiliar with Google’s interface might find it less intuitive.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, understanding natural speech well. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and cumbersome. The GLS included standard augmented-reality navigation, though the embedded system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.