Morning Farid, there is a big difference in ride quality. If a comfortable, softer ride is your main requirement, then the Volvo will be more suitable. But as you quite rightly say, a test drive is the best thing to do.
My X1 is only the SE with standard suspension. As you’ll be aware, BMW’s are set up for a sporty ride and as such all of the cars are pretty firm. It’s been liveable but I always find myself scanning the road for potholes and speed humps and do take them very slow.
If I were to rate your choices based solely on the ride comfort, it would be (best to worst);
Volvo, Mercedes and then BMW.
I’ve been in a few GLA‘s albeit not the new model of course, and whilst the ride isn’t quite as firm as the BMW it is still quite firm. Another point regarding the GLA is that, as of today, I’m not aware of plans for it to return so it would be a waiting game.
Whatever you decide, good luck. I hope that you find the right car for your wife.
Pleas keep us posted on how you get on.
? I will be remembered for nothing but had great fun doing it ?