2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its lineage, struggled to captivate with its exterior design. Its styling seemed to lack the finesse and allure that Mercedes typically infused into its sedans and sports cars. The GLE's exterior, with its aggressive nose and sloping hood, promised a bold statement but fell short past the A-pillar, resembling its predecessors too closely. The AMG trim attempted to add a sporty flair, yet it couldn't quite match the visual impact of rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a masterpiece of quality and design, with a vibrant red and black colour scheme that exuded luxury. The materials used, from wood to leather, were a delight to touch, although some controls felt less robust. Overall, the GLE's interior offered a sense of opulence, albeit at a price.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, presented a sophisticated exterior that aligned with Cadillac's design language. The XT6 Sport trim featured a distinctive grille with darkened accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, giving it a premium appearance. The sharp lines and slim LED headlights added to its upscale look. Inside, the XT6 borrowed heavily from the XT5, offering a spacious cabin with seating for seven. The interior was comfortable, with available semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microsuede headliner in the Platinum Package. However, some elements, like the dashboard, felt less premium compared to the seats. The XT6's interior storage was not ideal for families, and the wireless phone charger design was less convenient. Despite these drawbacks, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a high cargo load floor typical of its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality. The GLE's air suspension, particularly the E-Active Body Control, allowed for remarkable handling and ride comfort, adapting to various driving conditions. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller sedan, with exceptional towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the AMG GLE 53 averaging 14.7 L/100 km, while the GLE 450 achieved better figures at 10.4 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6, powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivered 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the XT6 came standard with AWD in Canada. However, the XT6's driving dynamics were less impressive, feeling heavy and less agile compared to competitors. The weight distribution, particularly in the AWD system, affected its handling. Fuel economy for the XT6 was on par with rivals, with the V6 engine consuming 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 11.5 L/100 km combined. While the XT6 offered decent power, its driving experience was less dynamic than some of its competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven when equipped with the optional third row. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the Coupe body style accommodated five passengers. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant had slightly less cargo space due to its design. The GLE's usability improved with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchpad and simplified interface. However, some controls, like the thumbpads on the steering wheel, required familiarization.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 provided seating for seven as standard, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was spacious enough for adults, a notable improvement over older midsize SUVs. However, the XT6 offered less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room compared to some competitors. Interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a high cargo load floor. While the wireless phone charger was standard, its design was less convenient for accessing the phone while charging.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture control and customizable shortcuts. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE offered a range of comfort features, including seat kinetics, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality provided advanced driving assistance, making the GLE a tech-savvy choice.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a range of standard tech features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XT6's infotainment screen was smaller than some competitors, but it provided essential functions. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The XT6's tech offerings were suitable for its class, though not groundbreaking.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems added an extra layer of protection, while the brakes and stability control enhanced overall safety.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a robust set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. The XT6's lane-keep assist system had some limitations, but buyers could opt for additional safety packages, including adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.