2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, featured a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents, enhancing its premium appearance. The SUV rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, which, along with its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights, contributed to its distinctly Cadillac look. The interior mirrored the XT5's design, offering slightly more space and four colour options. The seats were a highlight, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which upgraded them to semi-aniline leather. However, the dashboard area, while not unattractive, had some elements that appeared less premium.

The 2021 BMW X5 maintained BMW's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the kidney grille to the body shape, though this sameness could make it blend in with other BMWs. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling. Inside, the X5's interior shared many elements with other BMW models, offering a mix of leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models added unique styling touches, such as an M sports steering wheel and model-exclusive trim strips. Despite the abundance of black plastic, the interior was well-crafted, though it could collect dust easily.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model had a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 provided sufficient power, but the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the AWD Sport model, which weighed 2,127 kilograms. This affected its agility, especially in tight spaces and on winding roads. Fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 achieving 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The X5's driving dynamics were not as engaging as expected, with steering issues at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using electricity and gas.

The Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain’s chairs in the second row on Sport and Premium Luxury trims. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room compared to some competitors. Interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers. The rear cargo space was a highlight, with more overall space than many rivals, aided by a standard power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats. However, the cargo load floor was relatively high, and space behind the third row was limited.

The BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a centre console filled with controls. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The X5 retained its split liftgate, with full power functionality and a vehicle height adjustment button for easier loading. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Moving items in and out of the second row was challenging due to narrow door openings.

The Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while functional, was smaller than competitors' offerings. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, a WiFi hot spot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and other premium features. The infotainment system was adequate but not cutting-edge.

The BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features list included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added lane change alert and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The BMW X5 also offered a robust set of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight or light rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.