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Mercedes GLE vs Volvo XC90 – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Mercedes GLE or Volvo XC90?

GLE @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

The battle of the luxury SUVs continues as we put the Mercedes GLE and the Volvo XC90 side by side. Both vehicles have carved out their niches in the premium segment, offering innovative technologies, delightful performance, and luxurious comforts. But how do they stack up against each other? This comparison will delve into various aspects of each model to help you determine which one deserves a spot in your driveway.

XC90 @ Volvo Cars

Design and Aesthetics

When it comes to design, both the Mercedes GLE and the Volvo XC90 showcase distinct yet appealing styles. The GLE boasts a muscular stance with its bold lines and signature Mercedes-Benz grille, giving off a powerful presence on the road. Meanwhile, Volvo’s XC90 exhibits Scandinavian elegance, characterized by clean lines and a minimalist approach that highlights its modern yet timeless appeal.

GLE @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Performance and Engine Options

The Mercedes GLE offers a diverse range of engine options, including diesel MHEV, petrol MHEV, and plugin hybrid variants. Engine outputs span from 289 to a remarkable 634 HP, ensuring there’s a powertrain that meets every driver’s needs. The GLE can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 3.9 seconds, depending on the specific variant, and offers an impressive top speed of up to 280 km/h.

On the other hand, the Volvo XC90 comes with petrol MHEV and plugin hybrid options, with power outputs reaching up to 455 HP. Its acceleration performance lags slightly behind the GLE, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds. The XC90 is capped at a top speed of 180 km/h, which may be a consideration for those seeking an exhilarating driving experience.

XC90 @ Volvo Cars

Efficiency and Fuel Consumption

In the realm of fuel efficiency, the GLE demonstrates impressive figures, particularly with its MHEV and plugin hybrid options. It boasts consumption figures as low as 0.5 L/100km, offering an electric range of up to 114 km. This combination is particularly appealing for urban drivers concerned about fuel costs and emissions.

Conversely, the XC90’s efficiency figures show it consuming around 8.5 L/100km, with a modest electric range of 71 km. This makes the XC90 less efficient than the GLE overall, especially for those prioritizing fuel savings.

GLE @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Interior and Comfort

Luxury takes center stage in both vehicles, but they execute it in distinct ways. The Mercedes GLE features a lavish interior space with high-quality materials and advanced technology, including a dual-display MBUX infotainment system. The cabin is spacious with ample legroom, particularly for front and rear passengers.

The Volvo XC90, on the other hand, emphasizes a clean and airy atmosphere, integrating natural materials and a simplistic layout that contributes to a feeling of tranquility. With seating for seven, the XC90 is practical for families, though it does have smaller trunk capacity compared to the GLE, which can hold up to 655 liters.

XC90 @ Volvo Cars

Innovations and Technology

Both the GLE and XC90 come equipped with cutting-edge technologies. The GLE boasts innovations like adaptive cruise control, augmented reality navigation, and advanced driver assistance systems, making it a leader in auto safety and convenience. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to technology translates into a superior driving experience.

The XC90 also excels in technology, incorporating its own set of sophisticated safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system, powered by a responsive touchscreen interface. Its semi-autonomous driving capabilities and Pilot Assist enhance convenience on longer journeys, solidifying its stance as a safe family SUV.

GLE @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Mercedes GLE and the Volvo XC90 are exceptional luxury SUVs, but they cater to different types of drivers. The GLE excels in performance, efficiency, and technological innovations, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize power and cutting-edge features. Meanwhile, the XC90 highlights comfort, safety, and practicality, especially for families who need space and functionality.

Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Whether you crave the thrill of the GLE or the serene comfort of the XC90, both models promise to deliver a luxurious driving experience.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

XC90 @ Volvo Cars

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Volvo XC90 has a hardly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 69800 £, while the Mercedes GLE costs 76300 £. That’s a price difference of around 6508 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes GLE manages with 2 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Volvo XC90 with 3.50 L. The difference is about 1.50 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Mercedes GLE performs clearly perceptible better – achieving up to 114 km, about 43 km more than the Volvo XC90.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLE has a evident edge – offering 634 HP compared to 455 HP. That’s roughly 179 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLE is evident quicker – completing the sprint in 3.90 s, while the Volvo XC90 takes 5.40 s. That’s about 1.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLE performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 280 km/h, while the Volvo XC90 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 100 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLE pulls slightly stronger with 850 Nm compared to 709 Nm. That’s about 141 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Volvo XC90 offers evident more seating capacity – 7 vs 5.

In curb weight, Volvo XC90 is a bit lighter – 2080 kg compared to 2310 kg. The difference is around 230 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLE offers significantly more room – 655 L compared to 302 L. That’s a difference of about 353 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLE performs minimal better – up to 2055 L, which is about 199 L more than the Volvo XC90.

When it comes to payload, Volvo XC90 minimal takes the win – 710 kg compared to 705 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes GLE shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £76,300
GLE @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes GLE

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 289 - 634 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2 - 12.5 L
  • Electric Range : 89 - 114 km

Mercedes GLE

The Mercedes GLE blends luxurious comfort with a confident road presence, wrapping tech and refinement in an SUV shape that still knows how to behave on a twisty back road. Inside it's plush and quiet, with clever storage and driver aids that make long trips effortless — plus the badge gives it that easy-to-respect curb appeal.

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Volvo XC90

5 (1)
rate

The Volvo XC90 is a serene Scandinavian SUV that mixes minimalist luxury with a composed, confidence-inspiring presence — ideal for buyers who want family practicality without sacrificing style. Inside it serves up a calm, well-crafted cabin and user-friendly tech that keeps long journeys pleasant and tantrums to a minimum, making the XC90 a smart, stylish pick for sensible drivers.

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Mercedes GLE
Volvo XC90
GLE @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
XC90 @ Volvo Cars

Costs and Consumption

Price
76300 - 175800 £
Price
69800 - 84600 £
Consumption L/100km
2 - 12.5 L
Consumption L/100km
3.5 - 8.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
89 - 114 km
Electric Range
71 km
Battery Capacity
24.8 - 25 kWh
Battery Capacity
14.70 kWh
co2
53 - 284 g/km
co2
79 - 191 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
65 - 85 L
Fuel tank capacity
71 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
2310 - 2800 kg
Curb weight
2080 - 2297 kg
Trunk capacity
490 - 655 L
Trunk capacity
262 - 302 L
Length
4924 - 4961 mm
Length
4953 mm
Width
1947 mm
Width
1923 mm
Height
1716 - 1797 mm
Height
1771 mm
Max trunk capacity
1645 - 2055 L
Max trunk capacity
1816 - 1856 L
Payload
460 - 705 kg
Payload
653 - 710 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
289 - 634 HP
Power HP
250 - 455 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 6.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 7.7 s
Max Speed
210 - 280 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
500 - 850 Nm
Torque
360 - 709 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
213 - 466 kW
Power kW
184 - 335 kW
Engine capacity
1993 - 3982 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Volvo
What drive types are available for the Mercedes GLE?

Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.