Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volvo XC90 (2026)
Mercedes-Benz GLE (₹1.00 Crore – ₹1.52 Crore) and Volvo XC90 (₹98.80 Lakh) go head-to-head in the luxury suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).
- The Volvo XC90 is more affordable — it starts ₹1.20 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the more powerful car, with 443 bhp against 247 bhp.
Specification Comparison
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
Mercedes-Benz GLE in short
The GLE is Mercedes' large luxury SUV for India, running from ₹1.00 crore for the 300d AMG Line to ₹1.52 crore for the 449 PS AMG GLE 53 Coupé. In between sit six-cylinder petrol (450) and diesel (450d) variants plus Night Edition trims, all with 4MATIC and a 630-litre boot. India-spec cars are five-seaters. It competes with the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 — the Q7 counters with seven seats, the GLE with its engine breadth.
Full GLE prices & variants →Volvo XC90 in short
The XC90 is Volvo's seven-seat flagship, sold in India in its 2025-facelift form as a single fully-loaded variant: the B5 AWD Ultra at ₹98.80 lakh, powered by a 250 hp 2.0L mild-hybrid petrol. That one-variant strategy makes it the only sub-₹1-crore seven-seat flagship from a European luxury brand — the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7 both start well above. Volvo's safety-first engineering is the brand's calling card, and the electric EX90 flagship is slated to join it in India with a launch set for October 12.
Full XC90 prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: GLE or XC90?
The Volvo XC90 is more affordable — it starts ₹1.20 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLE. (Ex-showroom prices, October 2026.)
GLE vs XC90 — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Mercedes-Benz GLE — not yet tested; Volvo XC90 — not yet tested.
Should I buy the GLE or the XC90?
The Volvo XC90 is more affordable — it starts ₹1.20 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the more powerful car, with 443 bhp against 247 bhp. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.