Compare the2024 Mercedes GLEVS 2024 Volvo XC60

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLE has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The XC60 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Both the GLE and the XC60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available lane departure warning systems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Volvo XC60:

	GLE	XC60
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	84	125
Leg Forces (l/r)	301/184 lbs.	489/470 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.5 inches
Neck Stress	125 lbs.	179 lbs.
Neck Compression	31 lbs.	55 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Volvo XC60:

	GLE	XC60
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	40	73
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.7 inches
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	103	185
Spine Acceleration	40 G’s	45 G’s
Hip Force	677 lbs.	906 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	12 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the XC60:

	GLE	XC60
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	50	106
Neck Compression	-45 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Torso Max Deflection	1.34 in	1.42 in
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	8 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	1026 lbs.	1205 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	-89 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.28 in	1.22 in
Shoulder Force	89 lbs.	357 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.67 in	1.26 in
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	8 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	1116 lbs.	1316 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mercedes GLE (only applies to vehicles with optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The XC60 was last only a “Top Safety Pick” in 2023 but no longer qualifies.

Warranty

There are over 36 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the GLE’s warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. With 49 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Volvo.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Volvo With 61 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Volvo.

Engine

The GLE has more powerful engines than the XC60:

	Horsepower	Torque
GLE 350 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	255 HP	295 lbs.-ft.
GLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	362 HP	369 lbs.-ft.
GLE 450e 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	381 HP	479 lbs.-ft.
GLE 580 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid	510 HP	538 lbs.-ft.
XC60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	247 HP	258 lbs.-ft.
XC60 T8 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid	455 HP	523 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Consumer Reports the GLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the XC60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

	GLE	XC60
Zero to 30 MPH	2.3 sec	3 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6 sec	8 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.3 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	14.4 sec	16.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	100 MPH	90 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The GLE 450e can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 48 miles. The XC60 T8 Extended Range has to start its internal combustion engine after only 35 miles.

Both the GLE and the XC60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All GLEs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The XC60 T8 doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The GLE’s standard fuel tank has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the XC60 (22.5 vs. 18.8 gallons).

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLE, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the XC60.

Brakes and Stopping

The GLE stops much shorter than the XC60:

	GLE	XC60
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	131 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLE has larger standard tires than the XC60 (255/50R19 vs. 235/60R18). The GLE 580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XC60 (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 265/35R22).

The GLE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC60’s standard 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the XC60. The GLE 580’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the XC60.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLE can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The XC60 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The front and rear suspension of the GLE uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the XC60, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The GLE 450 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Volvo doesn’t offer an active suspension on the XC60.

The GLE’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The XC60 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLE’s wheelbase is 5.1 inches longer than on the XC60 (117.9 inches vs. 112.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLE is .5 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than on the XC60.

The GLE 450 handles at .83 G’s, while the XC60 Recharge Core pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the GLE Airmatic has a greater minimum ground clearance than the XC60 (9.2 vs. 8.5 inches), allowing the GLE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The design of the Mercedes GLE amounts to more than styling. The GLE has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is lower than the XC60 (.32) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLE get better fuel mileage.

Passenger Space

The GLE offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the XC60 can only carry 5.

The GLE has 2.5 inches more front headroom, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, 2.9 inches more rear legroom and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the XC60.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GLE’s middle row seats recline. The XC60’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the XC60 with its rear seat up (33.3 vs. 24.4 cubic feet). The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XC60 with its rear seat folded (74.9 vs. 63.3 cubic feet).

The GLE’s cargo area is larger than the XC60’s in every dimension:

	GLE	XC60
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	40”/76.5”	37.8”/68.8”
Min Width	43.7”	41.5”
Height	35.5”	30.6”

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers the GLE’s second row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The XC60 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The GLE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC60’s (7700 vs. 3500 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the GLE is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the XC60. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The GLE’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GLE’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The XC60 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The GLE’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the XC60’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the GLE has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The XC60 doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the GLE has standard extendable sun visors. The XC60 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLE to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The XC60 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the XC60.

The GLE offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The XC60 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLE’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The XC60 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the GLE owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the GLE with a number “8” insurance rate while the XC60 is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

The GLE will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the GLE will retain 49.45% to 53.48% of its original price after five years, while the XC60 only retains 47.41% to 49.36%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLE is less expensive to operate than the XC60 because typical repairs cost much less on the GLE than the XC60, including $310 less for a fuel pump.

Recommendations

The Mercedes GLE outsold the Volvo XC60 by 45% during 2023.

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