2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its improvements, still struggled to captivate with its exterior design. The GLE's styling seemed to fall short of the elegance and proportion seen in its competitors like BMW and Audi. The aggressive front nose promised a bold design, but past the A-pillar, it became reminiscent of its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but the overall look didn't quite match the stunning aesthetics of Mercedes' sedans and sports cars. Even in AMG trim, the GLE's appearance couldn't quite compete with the likes of the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. For 2021, Mercedes redesigned the GLE Coupe to align with the standard GLE, resulting in a more streamlined and cohesive look. The interior was a masterpiece of quality and design, with a bold red and black colour scheme that was both loud and luxurious. The materials used, from wood to leather, were a delight to touch, although some controls like the gear selector felt flimsy. The GLE exuded a sense of luxury and pampering, but it required significant options to truly feel opulent.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, presented itself with a polished exterior featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a sleek black paint job. The XT6's design was attractive yet conservative, with front running lights that tapered inward, giving it a tall and narrow appearance. The rear taillights were reminiscent of GMC's design, lacking distinctiveness. Despite this, the XT6 maintained a conservatively tailored image that aligned with Cadillac's lineup.

Inside, the XT6 offered a Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior that exuded a sense of luxury. However, the interior design didn't quite match the expectations for a luxury SUV of its price range. While the materials were rich and the cabin smelled luxurious, the overall layout and controls felt similar to those in lower-priced GM vehicles. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen display seemed outdated compared to competitors, although the infotainment system was intuitive and offered excellent voice recognition. Despite its luxurious trimmings, the XT6's interior didn't feel particularly special or spacious, especially in comparison to the Buick Enclave.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of engine options 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, known as EQ Boost, provided additional power and improved efficiency, although it didn't significantly enhance fuel economy. The GLE's air suspension and advanced systems like E-Active Body Control allowed it to handle like a smaller vehicle, offering exceptional ride quality and steering. It could tow up to 3,500 kg, making it a versatile choice for various needs.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 shared its engines with the GMC Acadia, offering a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 hp. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 hp. While the V6 provided sufficient power, it lacked the turbocharged punch of its competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a comfortable ride, but the driving experience leaned towards serenity rather than excitement. The XT6's fuel economy was reasonable, with a combined rating of 11.5 L/100 km, but it didn't stand out in terms of performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, had a more limited cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered intuitive features.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, while a three-row SUV, didn't provide as much interior space as expected. The front seats were comfortable, but the third row was cramped and challenging to access. The XT6's cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row and 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior storage options were decent but unremarkable. The XT6's dashboard lacked knobs, and the controls were located on the centre console, which could have been better utilized for storage.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The GLE offered a range of advanced features, including a Track Pace app, Seat Kinetics, and a customizable head-up display. The ambient lighting and natural voice assistant added to the luxurious experience, while the semi-automated functionality provided convenience and safety.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered impressive technology, including a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free driving-assistance system. However, it fell short in terms of instrumentation and head-up display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the lack of digital gauges and some usability issues detracted from the overall experience. The available Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the head-up display was less impressive compared to other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The GLE's advanced systems, such as Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, enhanced occupant protection in the event of a collision.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 also boasted a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free highway driving. However, it had limitations and required driver attention. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for its occupants.