2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, though the changes were subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever addition, and the changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and featured 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance despite their $1,100 price tag. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim, adding $1,620 and $160 to the price, respectively. Mercedes offered a variety of choices with 10 interior color options and five trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive look, combining Volvo’s design language with a flat-roofed profile. The exterior was clean and free of extraneous detailing, with hidden tailpipes on gasoline models to align with Volvo’s pro-electrification ethos. For 2023, updates included new pixelated “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 shared Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with the C40 Recharge and Polestar 2, making it the only CMA-based model in the U.S. with a combustion engine. The interior retained its minimalist design with thin air vents framing the central touchscreen and scalloped elements for door handles and speaker grilles. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with optional leather upholstery and vegan leather for Recharge models. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle featured a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt more utilitarian.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various preferences, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with AMG models AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engine options ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered a combined 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e’s electric-only range was estimated at 40 miles, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The suspension was supple, and the steering was sophisticated, making the GLE 450e maneuverable despite its size. The AMG models offered quicker reflexes, but the GLE 450e’s driving manners gave it an edge over competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, adding a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The base B4 powertrain combined the mild-hybrid system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the B5 model offered 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The B5 model accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The XC40 Recharge, with two electric motors, produced 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and an EPA-rated 223-mile range. The XC40’s chassis tuning provided a calm and refined ride, though it lacked a sport driving mode. The Recharge model offered a more dynamic driving experience and a higher towing capacity.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, and a head-up display. Additional options included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space among its competitors. It tied with the BMW X1 for rear-seat headroom and was just behind the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class for front-seat headroom. Legroom was average, but generous shoulder room contributed to a spacious feel. The XC40 provided 20 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded, less than the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard on Plus and Ultimate models. The interior featured good storage options, with scalloped door panels creating flexible space for bottles or handbags, and a large center console storage bin and phone tray.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved “Hey Mercedes” voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, causing issues like sudden volume increases.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted the Android-based infotainment system from the XC40 Recharge, using Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on the Ultimate trim. The system offered pleasing graphics, but users who preferred Apple products might find the Google features less satisfying. The minimalist design meant most controls were on the touchscreen, which could be less convenient for functions like activating seat heaters or selecting driver-assist features.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of standard safety features, including 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. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive and effective during everyday driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 included standard safety features like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The Plus trim added front parking sensors, while the Ultimate trim included side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top “Good” ratings in most IIHS crash tests but dropped to “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test. It earned “Superior” and “Advanced” ratings for front crash prevention and an “Acceptable” rating for child seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.