2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE : Luxury mixed with versatility
June 04 2021,
The 2021 Volvo XC90 is known as one of the most comfortable, refined, and luxurious mid-size three-row SUVs on the market. The XC90 was one of the first of its kind on the Canadian market, and it has competed with Mercedes-Benz and the GLE (previously known as the ML and M-Class) for nearly two decades.
Both SUVs put the emphasis on comfort, and both deliver impressive interiors with all of the features buyers could want. To differentiate the XC90 from the GLE, you have to look at the small details. For example, while the Volvo and the Mercedes-Benz are similar in terms of comfort and luxury, the 2021 Volvo XC90 is more affordable.
2021 Volvo XC90 |
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE |
|
Base Price |
$64,750 |
$69,900 |
Base Price Hybrid |
$77,600 |
- |
We will talk about the hybrid version in a second. For now, we can focus on the fact that the XC90 is about $5,000 less than the GLE which sets the tone for how these two luxury SUVs compare in terms of pricing. The 2021 Volvo XC90 is not only more affordable in terms of its starting price, but also more affordable in terms of financing and leasing. The Mercedes-Benz GLE has just arrived on the market and whenever a vehicle is new to the market, it tends to be more expensive with higher interest rates and less offers.
This happened to the XC90 when it first arrived, and it is happening now to the GLE. Therefore, when looking at strictly value, the XC90 has the upper hand.
Powering the base XC90 is a turbocharged four-cylinder turbo that delivers 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The base engine in the GLE offers 255 horsepower, so the difference between the two base engines isn’t noticeable. Again, however, we have to look at the small details. You have the option of adding the more powerful T6 engine which offers 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque compared to 273 pound-feet of torque in the base GLE. Now, because the Volvo is more affordable, you will still be paying less even if you have a lot more power.
And then there’s the hybrid. It’s a plug-in hybrid in fact that offers an impressive 400 horsepower along with a range of 29 kilometres in full electric driving. In other words, you can do most of your daily commute without needing a single drop of fuel. The Mercedes-Benz GLE doesn’t offer a hybrid.
Contact us today to learn more about the new Volvo XC90, the better value in a segment where every model has a lot to offer.