2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era but managed to survive due to its popularity in China. The Enclave, a large and impressive SUV, was a nod to Buick's glorious past while catering to the modern consumer's preference for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious appearance, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple, save for the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, setting it apart from the aggressive styling trends of the time. The GLC's design language was both modern and classic, with a long hood and wide grille that gave it a dramatic stance reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an artful blend of soft lines and curves, with a flowing dash and a floating centre touchscreen. Mercedes-Benz was known for its minimalist approach, and the GLC's interior was a benchmark for compact luxury SUVs. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles, with the latter offering a sharp look at the expense of cargo space.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration. The Enclave's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The SUV's ride was smooth, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered various drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, but even in Comfort mode, the engine provided ample power. The AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S variants offered more potent powertrains, with the latter boasting a twin-turbo V8 producing 503 horsepower. The GLC's steering was precise, and it struck a balance between refinement and responsiveness.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the GLC Coupe offered slightly less due to its fastback profile. The GLC's interior was well-utilized, with a centre console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was decent, with adequate legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's roofline reduced headroom. The GLC's interior was practical and comfortable, making it a strong contender in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered upgrades like a premium sound system, navigation, and a surround-view camera. A unique feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX infotainment system, part of the Premium Package, included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a touch controller, and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with options for both touch and controller navigation. The steering wheel featured touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. The GLC also supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Avenir Technology Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package. The GLC's parking sensors were sensitive, often triggering false positives, but they could be deactivated if needed.