2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 upscale look. The interior mirrored the XT5's design but was slightly larger, offering four colour options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a more athletic and modern aesthetic. The test vehicle's Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sporty yet refined look. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe was sumptuous, featuring high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and a high-tech appearance. The cabin was adorned with Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The interior design cleverly masked the vehicle's complexity, and while the lack of traditional controls could be challenging for newcomers, the overall experience was luxurious and technologically advanced.

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 XT6 Premium Luxury trim, while the base XT6 Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine provided sufficient 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. The XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 engine consuming 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup provided robust acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering multiple driving modes for varied conditions. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and performance brakes ensured a nimble and composed ride, with the SUV excelling in both urban and highway settings. The GLE Coupe's performance was further enhanced in Sport+ mode, showcasing its agility and grip on challenging roads.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain’s chairs in the second row for the Sport and Premium Luxury trims. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less room compared to competitors like the Telluride and Palisade. The interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate, although the cargo load floor was relatively high.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, with the front seats offering numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample room for adult passengers, and the cargo hold was generously sized, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe also offered comfort upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance fragrance system, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard features like tri-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the tech was suitable, the screen size was smaller compared to competitors, and the interface could appear crowded. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system and additional comfort features.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens and a range of standard features, including navigation and smartphone integration. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included a Burmester surround-sound system and an augmented video feature for navigation, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. 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 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe also offered a robust set of safety features, including forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional systems, enhancing driver assistance and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with features like Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist providing added security.