I’ll answer your question in two parts; looking back at my 2020 new car buying experience and thinking about what’s now offered in 2022.When I bought my V90 in 2020, there were only two true wagons (i.e., non-lifted, non-body clad) in the market. MB’s E450 Estate (I preferred the since discontinued “Luxury” model) and Volvo’s V90 Inscription T6 (the lowered version of the V90, not the lifted Cross-Country model). Shortly after I placed my order for my V90, I recall that Audi released the A6 RS 6 ($100K+). So, towards the end of 2019/beginning of 2020, my choice was between the V90 and the E450. After taking two identical and extensive 125 miles test drives in each car, the seat comfort for my wife and I became the single deciding factor in choosing the V90. Simply stated, other than the MB S-Class I also test drove, the V’s seats were unbelievable comfortable and supportive, particularly for long distance travel, which was my intended primary use for this car. After two years of ownership, I would definitely buy my V again, even though no car is perfect. My V’s ride can feel still, particularly on irregular road surfaces.
As of 2022, the neither the lowered V90 or the E450 is sold in the US market. Only the V90CC exists for Volvo, while MB now only sells the E450 “All-Terrian”, both of which are lifted and body clad vehicles (which I find too similar to the Subaru Outback wagon in appearance … sorry to the V90CC and E450 owners who may read this post). Now, from what I know in the US marketplace, only the 2022 Audi A6 Allroad, which is slightly more lifted than my 2020 V90, but not as much as the 2022 V90CC or MB E450 All-Terrain, is the one I’d consider. Having never driven it, I can’t vouch for the front seat comfort, which above all else, is my first priority.
With the above said, if your purchase focus is on a 2022 model, I’d suggest taking a thorough test drive in all 3 (V90, MB All-Terrain and the Audi A6 Allroad). Since I’m concerned about the V’s untried use of the Google-based infotainment system, personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable in buying this as an early adopter. MB’s MUBX system, from all I’ve read, seems to be very good, and it’s ride comfort and engine/trans performance is better than the V (IMO) … however, there’s still my question about the E’s front seat comfort, particularly for long drives. Plus, the MB will be considerably more expensive to buy and own than the V. As I mentioned, I suggest also at least checking out the Audi, which is somewhat comparable to the MB-E, both in terms of purchase price and maintenance/repair costs.
PS: When I elected to buy (not lease) my 2020 V90, I knew that Sensus was not state-of-the-art, and that it would soon be replaced by the Google-based system. However, for my purposes and intended use, I was comfortable with Sensus, and felt that Volvo had had several years to iron out its bugs. I was fearful that the transition to the Google-based system might open up a new set of problems which, from what I’ve seen in this forum, may have occurred. After 50+ years of driving, and having worked in the IT industry for 35 years, I’ve learned that it’s not always good to be an early adopter of the latest-and-greatest technology.