2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious option for consumers. In Canada, the Enclave was available in Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, with prices ranging from just over $48,000 to $62,000, excluding destination charges. The Avenir trim added a touch of elegance with a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, while the interior boasted a minimalist design with soft leather and polished accents.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a more subtle and refined look, especially in its base GLS 450 form. It avoided the flashy chrome of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. For those seeking more visual drama, the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions provided enhanced styling with flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS offered a luxurious experience with options like reclining rear seats and a performance-oriented interior in the AMG version. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, providing a high-quality feel without being overly ostentatious.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It delivered 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and its ride was smooth, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost mild-hybrid system added an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS offered a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. While the inline-six provided smooth performance, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to a less refined ride. Despite this, the GLS's engine and electric assist delivered ample power for a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave provided 668 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row. The GLS offered 355 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension made loading and unloading cargo easier, but some ergonomic issues, like the touchscreen's reach, detracted from the overall experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times and a user-friendly interface. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The Burmester audio system and augmented-reality navigation were highlights, though the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, allowing for hands-free operation.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and advanced driver-assistance technologies. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.