2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

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, embodying Cadillac's luxury ethos. The interior mirrored the XT5's design but offered more space, with four colour options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery through the Platinum Package. While the seats were a highlight, the dashboard area, though attractive, had some less premium elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more subtle look in its base GLS 450 form, avoiding the flashy chrome of some competitors. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. Inside, the GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well integrated, enhancing the luxury feel. However, the suspension lacked the refinement expected in a luxury SUV, affecting overall comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with 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 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. 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 compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Acura MDX. Fuel economy for the V6 was 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup provided ample power, with the electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six offered smoother performance than a V6, but the air suspension lacked refinement, leading to excessive body motion. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, slightly less than some competitors.

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 room compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride. 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 power liftgate, though space behind the third row was limited.

The 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 to increase legroom, and the GLS offered competitive interior space. Cargo capacity was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's air suspension could lower for easier loading, but the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard features like tri-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. While the tech was adequate, the screen size was smaller than competitors. Optional upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system and navigation.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system, offering features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and voice recognition. The system provided multiple control options, but the touchpad controller was cumbersome. The GLS also included augmented-reality navigation, though the system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system was not always reliable. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. 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 GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.