Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volvo EX90

The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $128,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX90 opens at $106,990. That makes the Volvo EX90 the more affordable entry point by $21,910.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $141,790 and $117,689 respectively.

The Volvo EX90 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLE, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Volvo EX90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLE packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Volvo EX90.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 9 in the Volvo EX90.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX90 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the Volvo EX90. The Volvo EX90 counters with ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo EX90 offers nordico/microtech. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 4-zone in the Volvo EX90.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses a Diesel producing 198kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.

The Volvo EX90 responds with a Electric making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

The Volvo EX90 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 198kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX90 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 113mm shorter than the Volvo EX90 at 5,037mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 384L in the Volvo EX90, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 246L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX90). Both match on warranty length.