Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Volvo XC90 MK2

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Volvo XC90

MK2 · 2015 – 2026

The second-generation XC90 (MK2), on the SPA 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 MK2 for a premium, safe seven-seat SUV with an efficient B5 mild-hybrid or quick T8.

Best engine: The B5 mild-hybrid (petrol) — or the T8 plug-in hybrid.

Read the full guide

Performance

M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs B5 2.0 250 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volvo XC90
Power	306 hp Winner	250 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	119,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km	168 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km	7,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volvo XC90
Boot	690 L	720 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	2.005 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,82 m	4,95 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	22,3 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	2.700 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volvo XC90
Platform	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base	SPA
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid	2.0 D5 diesel · 2.0 T5/T6 petrol · 2.0 B5/B6 mild-hybrid · 2.0 T8 plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	8-speed Geartronic automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

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

Infotainment software and Sensus glitches
12V battery drain (early cars)
T8: ERAD and battery need monitoring

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

Premium interior and hushed comfort
Seven-seat practicality and safety
Efficient mild-hybrids and quick T8

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

Infotainment can glitch
12V battery can drain
Not focused on sharp dynamics

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, with light, accurate steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, especially with optional air suspension, and firmer on larger alloys; body roll is present yet managed. Mild-hybrid petrols deliver usable performance with strong low-end torque; the T8 plug-in hybrid is notably quicker. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.