2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

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 complemented its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights. The interior mirrored the XT5's design, offering a slightly larger cabin with four colour options. The seats, especially with the Platinum Package, were a highlight, offering semi-aniline leather upholstery and a luxurious feel. However, the dashboard area, while not unattractive, had some elements that appeared less premium.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, maintaining a modern aggression with its LED headlights. The GLC's exterior, with its long hood and wide grille, presented a dramatic stance reminiscent of a raised C-Class sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive masterpiece, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach. The interior set a high standard for compact luxury SUVs, with a focus on artful design. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, while the interior boasted synthetic leather upholstery and a host of modern amenities.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 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 featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 provided ample power, but the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear due to the AWD mechanics. This affected its agility, especially in tight turns and during acceleration. Fuel economy for the V6 was 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with 4MATIC AWD. The GLC offered a balanced driving experience, with precise steering and a responsive powertrain. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S models provided significant performance upgrades, with the latter boasting a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 503 horsepower.

The Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row on higher trims. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room compared to some competitors. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC provided 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 550 litres with them up. The GLC Coupe's cargo capacity was slightly less due to its design. The GLC's interior offered ample storage options, with deep door pockets and a retractable wood panel for the cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, though the Coupe's roofline reduced headroom.

The Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a range of standard features like tri-zone climate control and a WiFi hotspot. However, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors and could appear crowded.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC, equipped with the Premium Package, boasted the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required some navigation.

The Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system was not always reliable. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC required the Intelligent Drive Package for its best safety tech, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The parking sensors were overly sensitive, but could be deactivated if needed.