Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Volvo XC90 MK1

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Volvo XC90

MK1 · 2002 – 2014

The first-generation XC90 (MK1), on the P2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Pick the GLE for space, comfort and powerful engines in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLE 250 d (diesel) or GLE 350 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volvo XC90

Pick the MK1 for an affordable, safe seven-seat SUV with a strong D5 diesel.

Best engine: The D5 five-cylinder diesel, preferably post-2006 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs D5 2.4 200 · Diesel

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volvo XC90
Power	306 hp Winner	200 hp
Torque	370 Nm	400 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	10,9 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	195 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	95,2 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km Winner	224 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km Winner	8,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volvo XC90
Boot	690 L Winner	615 L
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	1.837 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,86 m
Length	4,82 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	23,1 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m Winner	11,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	2.250 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volvo XC90
Platform	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base	P2 (shared with S80/V70)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid	2.4 D5 diesel · 2.5T · 3.2 · T6 2.9 · V8 4.4 petrol
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	6-speed Geartronic automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Diesel
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Volvo XC90

AWD/angle-gear fluid and timing belt (diesel)
T6 2.9: early 4-speed GM automatic
Early electrical gremlins

Pros

Mercedes-Benz GLE

690 L boot growing to ~2,010 L — roomy for a large SUV
OM651 2.1 diesel (GLE 250 d: 204 hp / 500 Nm) for pulling power
V6/V8 options (GLE 350 / GLE 500) for smooth performance

Volvo XC90

Genuine seven-seat practicality
High safety for its era
Strong D5 diesel

Cons

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651/OM642 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Volvo XC90

Dated infotainment
Thirsty petrols (T6/V8)
AWD/angle gear needs maintenance

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Big, comfortable and more truck-like than the GLC. The W166 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and feels genuinely large and commanding from behind the wheel. 4MATIC is standard and gives confident traction, though this is a comfort-first car rather than an agile one. The M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, the OM642 diesel is the towing and distance workhorse, and the 500 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 7G/9G automatic is smooth. It is a spacious, comfortable large SUV built for comfort, space and towing, not for keen driving.

Volvo XC90

Composed and secure for a large SUV of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present but managed for the size. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.