When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class stand out as two of the most prestigious and capable vehicles in the market. Both are renowned for their impeccable blend of performance, luxury, and safety—attributes that have helped them achieve iconic status in their respective categories. While both vehicles offer a unique set of advantages, when it comes to safety, each has carved out its own niche. In this article, we’ll be comparing the safety features of the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, shedding light on the innovative technologies that make these SUVs stand out and how they protect you and your passengers.
1. Volvo XC90: The Standard-Bearer of Safety
Volvo has long been recognized as the gold standard in automotive safety. Over the years, Volvo has pioneered numerous safety innovations that have become industry benchmarks, and the Volvo XC90 is the perfect embodiment of this safety-first philosophy.
Volvo’s Commitment to Safety
Volvo’s longstanding commitment to safety is encapsulated in its Vision 2020 initiative, which set an ambitious goal: no one should be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo car by 2020. While that goal was not entirely achieved, the company’s rigorous dedication to developing world-class safety features has allowed them to stay at the forefront of automotive safety technology.
Safety Features of the Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies designed to protect both the driver and passengers in the event of an accident or emergency situation. These include:
- Pilot Assist – This semi-autonomous system offers steering assistance and adaptive cruise control. It uses radar and cameras to help maintain your speed, distance from other vehicles, and lane position, reducing the likelihood of collisions caused by driver inattention or fatigue.
- City Safety – A world-renowned safety feature, City Safety uses radar and cameras to scan the road for potential collisions. The system will automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent crash, significantly reducing the risk of low-speed collisions in urban environments.
- Run-Off Road Protection – This feature uses sensors to detect if the vehicle unintentionally leaves the road and can apply brake force to reduce the risk of injury during such an event. If the vehicle is about to run off the road, the system will also adjust the seatbelts to hold occupants in place.
- Lane Keeping Aid – The Lane Keeping Aid system provides gentle steering inputs to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane, minimizing the chances of an accident caused by lane drifting, especially on highways.
- Advanced Airbag System – Volvo’s innovative airbag system is designed to protect all occupants in various crash scenarios, with airbags for the driver, passenger, side airbags, and inflatable curtains to protect passengers from side impacts.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Auto Brake – This feature helps avoid accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists by detecting them in the vehicle’s path and applying the brakes if necessary.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) – The BLIS system warns drivers if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot, helping to prevent dangerous lane changes.
- Cross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake – This feature helps when reversing by detecting vehicles approaching from the side, providing an extra layer of protection in parking situations.
Crash-Test Ratings
The Volvo XC90 consistently receives top marks in crash tests. It has received the Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Volvo’s high-performance safety systems, coupled with its solid construction, make the XC90 one of the safest luxury SUVs on the market.
2. Mercedes-Benz G-Class: The Icon of Rugged Luxury with a Safety Focus
While the Volvo XC90 is synonymous with a safety-first mentality, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a different reputation. The G-Class is known for its robust off-road capabilities, bold design, and luxurious interior. However, it’s also packed with advanced safety features that rival those of any other luxury SUV.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Safety Philosophy
The G-Class’s safety ethos can be traced to its origins as a military vehicle. Designed to handle the most extreme off-road conditions, the G-Class features a frame and chassis structure that’s incredibly robust, offering a high level of crash protection. Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has transformed this rugged workhorse into a luxury vehicle, without compromising its core safety strengths.
Safety Features of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers a range of high-tech safety features that work in tandem with its sturdy build. Some of the key safety technologies in the G-Class include:
- Active Brake Assist – This system detects potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles, and provides automatic braking to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash.
- PRE-SAFE System – Mercedes-Benz’s PRE-SAFE technology anticipates possible collisions and automatically activates safety measures, including tightening the seatbelts, adjusting the headrests, and closing the windows to protect occupants.
- Lane Keeping Assist – Like the XC90, the G-Class also comes with Lane Keeping Assist to ensure the vehicle remains within its lane, preventing accidents caused by inadvertent lane drifting.
- Blind Spot Assist – Blind Spot Assist helps prevent accidents during lane changes by warning the driver if there’s another vehicle in the blind spot.
- Rearview Camera and 360-Degree Camera System – These cameras offer unparalleled visibility when reversing or parking, helping drivers avoid collisions with obstacles or pedestrians.
- Attention Assist – This system monitors driver behavior and alerts them if signs of drowsiness or inattention are detected, prompting the driver to take a break and reduce the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.
- Airbag System – The G-Class features a sophisticated airbag system that includes front airbags, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags to protect all occupants during a collision.
- Traction and Stability Control – The G-Class is equipped with advanced traction and stability control systems that ensure optimal performance on various terrains while preventing skidding and loss of control, even under adverse conditions.
- Crosswind Assist – This feature helps stabilize the vehicle when driving in strong crosswinds, ensuring that the G-Class remains under control and preventing accidents caused by wind gusts.
Crash-Test Ratings
Like the Volvo XC90, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class also performs well in safety tests. It has earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it one of the safest luxury SUVs for both on-road and off-road adventures. Its sturdy frame and advanced safety systems ensure protection in both high-speed collisions and off-road impacts.
3. Key Safety Differences Between the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class
While both the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are equipped with a host of advanced safety features, their designs and intended uses result in some notable differences in their safety performance.
1. Structural Integrity
The Volvo XC90 is built with an emphasis on crash safety and occupant protection. It uses high-strength steel and advanced crumple zones that absorb energy in a collision. While the G-Class also features robust construction, its design focuses more on durability and off-road performance. The G-Class’s body-on-frame design provides an incredibly strong structure, but its off-road focus may not absorb crash energy as efficiently as the XC90’s more refined crumple zones.
2. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Both SUVs are equipped with cutting-edge ADAS systems, but Volvo’s Pilot Assist and City Safety technologies are more comprehensive in terms of active collision prevention. Volvo’s City Safety is particularly noteworthy, as it offers automatic braking for pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals, a feature not found in the G-Class.
On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers features like Attention Assist and Crosswind Assist, which are more geared toward long-distance cruising and off-road conditions. These systems are excellent for enhancing safety in dynamic driving conditions, especially in challenging weather or terrain.
3. Off-Road Safety
Both SUVs are highly capable off-road, but the G-Class takes the crown when it comes to extreme off-road conditions. It features three locking differentials, which give it unparalleled traction in rugged terrain. While the Volvo XC90 is more focused on urban driving, its off-road abilities are still noteworthy, with systems like Hill Descent Control and Torque Vectoring for enhanced stability.
4. Active Safety vs. Passive Safety
The Volvo XC90 places a stronger emphasis on active safety, with features like Pilot Assist, City Safety, and Run-Off Road Protection. These technologies are designed to actively prevent accidents before they happen. In contrast, the G-Class focuses more on passive safety, with a sturdy frame, airbags, and collision protection systems designed to mitigate damage once a collision occurs.
Conclusion
When comparing the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class in terms of safety, both vehicles excel in their respective areas. The XC90 offers an impressive array of advanced driver-assistance systems and active safety features, making it an excellent choice for those
who prioritize safety in everyday driving and urban environments. On the other hand, the G-Class is a safety powerhouse in terms of off-road capability and rugged durability, making it ideal for those seeking adventure in extreme conditions without compromising on luxury.
Ultimately, the choice between the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class comes down to personal preference and intended use. Whether you prefer the urban-focused safety features of the XC90 or the off-road prowess and robust construction of the G-Class, both SUVs offer a level of safety that ensures peace of mind for any driver.
