2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. The headlights and taillights were sharper, and black fender flares adorned the wheel arches. The grille featured chrome inserts, and the optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch with a distinct grille. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 21-inch options. The GLE coupe, available only in the Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sportier look but with reduced interior space. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. The open-pore walnut trim was visually appealing, though the Bahia Brown seating in the test model gave it a dated look. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, marking its third generation. It adopted a modern aesthetic inspired by VW's electric vehicles, most notably with narrower headlights and a plastic trim element reminiscent of the ID.4 EV. The top SEL R-Line trim featured an illuminated VW badge and light bar. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings and prominent air intakes. The side profile showcased a sportier tapering hatch, enhanced by a black contrasting roof and dark-tinted windows. The rear featured a single taillight bar and an oversized plastic trim piece on the bumper. The interior modernization included a tablet-like infotainment display and a digital instrument panel. The dashboard was minimalist, with relocated climate controls and a steering column-mounted gear selector, providing more storage space. Materials were average for the class, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and durable plastics in the rear.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. The test vehicle was the new 450e plug-in hybrid, featuring a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its 23.3-kWh battery. The battery allowed for an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, with the test model showing 55 miles. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with options for Hybrid and Battery Hold modes. The transition to the gas engine was seamless. The 450e's Sport mode didn't significantly enhance driving dynamics, and the vehicle exhibited light steering and body roll. The 11-kW onboard charger allowed for a full charge in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and it could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive, while Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive was available on all models and standard on the top SEL R-Line trim. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds. The drivetrain delivered power smoothly and linearly, with confident highway acceleration. Braking was reliable, and the suspension favored comfort while maintaining composure on winding roads. The cabin was quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise. The Tiguan wasn't sporty but was appropriately tuned for a balance of performance and comfort. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft. Volkswagen also teased an upcoming hybrid powertrain.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced comfort. The Burmester stereo system provided an exceptional audio experience. However, the sun visors did not extend, which was a minor inconvenience. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, resulting in increased second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. Headroom remained sufficient for average-sized adults. The elimination of capacitive-touch buttons improved usability, with traditional controls on the steering wheel. Outward visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, with narrow front roof pillars and a sufficiently sized rear window. The center console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new area appeared smaller than before. The angled liftgate hatch limited loading of bulkier items, but deep pockets behind the wheel humps provided secure storage. Remote seatback releases and a power liftgate were standard on most trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen. The menu structure was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, overlaying numerical addresses and turn arrows on a video feed. The MBUX system included an off-road page with detailed information, and a transparent hood feature displayed a video feed of the terrain. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though connectivity issues were noted. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 15-inch display on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, paired with a wireless phone charger in the center armrest bin. Capacitive-touch sliders were present but minimally used, with a new volume knob on the center console. The Atmospheres feature combined ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance mood, though it seemed out of place in a non-luxury vehicle. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on top trims. VW's Car-Net system included remote monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring and an optional Driver Assistance Package Plus. The package included active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and seat belts and child restraints, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, safe passenger exit warnings, parking sensors, automatic high beams, and a driver condition monitor. The Emergency Assist system could slow the vehicle to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. The SE R-Line added a head-up display, while the SEL R-Line included a surround-view camera system, traffic sign reader, and semi-automated parking system. The safety features functioned reliably, with no false alarms or oversensitivity.