Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d will soon find its newest competitor, the V90 Cross Country in India. Both the cars are priced around Rs 60 lakh, where the former is a conventional SUV, while the latter is an estate crossover based on the S90. One thing however remains the same, which is, both the cars are primarily meant for the urban jungle that is also capable of taking on the off-road bit with their all-wheel drive systems.
Design
Speaking of design, Volvo V90 Cross Country as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLE have that distinctive appeal. Between the two, the GLE being a full-fledged SUV it gets a wider body and higher stance than 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.
Interior
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. The interior of 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.
Engine
Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d 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. The V90 Cross Country from Volvo is powered by a D5 2.0-litre engine that generates 235bhp of power and 480Nm of torque. The upcoming vehicle comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox along with four driving modes - eco, comfort, rough road and dynamic. Both the cars are available with an all-wheel drive system.
It will be interesting to see how the V90 Cross Country will fair against an already established product like the GLE 250d. The GLE 250d is a modest performer, while the V90 Cross Country packs in that extra punch and unique styling that will find young takers as well as those who are young at heart.
