The upcoming V90 Cross Country will soon emerge as the latest competitor to the GLE 250d from Mercedes-Benz. One is an estate crossover based on the S90, while the other is a conventional SUV. The competition is tough given the fact that both the cars are priced around Rs 60 lakh. Both the vehicles will try proving superiority in the urban jungle space.
Mechanically, Volvo V90 Cross Country is powered by a D5 2.0-litre engine that generates 235bhp of power and 480Nm of torque. The vehicle comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox along with four driving modes - eco, comfort, rough road and dynamic. Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d on the other hand is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel that generates 201bhp of power at 3800rpm and 500Nm of torque at 1600rpm. The vehicle comes mated to a nine-speed automatic. Both the cars are available with an all-wheel drive system.
As for the design element, both the Volvo V90 Cross Country and the Mercedes-Benz GLE have that distinctive appeal. Between the two, the GLE SUV offers a wider body and higher stance in comparison to the V90 Cross Country which is the Cross Country iteration of the S90. The Mercedes-Benz GLE retains the overall shape of the ML-Class but this time around gets new bumpers both in the front and rear along with a more aerodynamic design. The headlamp is nor larger in size and gets LED elements as standard. The Volvo V90 Cross Country gets better ground clearance in comparison to the S90. The new model also features beefier body cladding bigger wheels. Moreover, the new model gets vertical black bars with tiny chrome squares instead of the chrome bars on the grille.
For interior, the V90 Cross Country is available in shades of amber, maroon brown or charcoal-coloured leather with mesh aluminium trim. The dashboard gets unique vertical air-con slats with adjustments and a large tablet-like infotainment system. Moreover, it gets cooled front seats offer massage function and allows electric adjustment for lumbar, lateral and thigh support. Most of the control surfaces in the new GLE is carried forward from the older model. However, for freshness this time around it gets ambient lighting, rear seat entertainment package as well as the COMAND infotainment system.
Amongst the two, the V90 Cross Country from Volvo is a better performer, while the GLE 250d is the modest performer. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how the V90 Cross Country fairs against the already established product like the GLE 250d.
