2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that evolved from the GL-Class, originally intended to replace the G-Class. However, the G-Class's enduring popularity led the GLS to cater to affluent families seeking a lavish alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS's design featured softened angles and lines, creating a more svelte appearance despite its size. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin with a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant controls. Available in three levels—GLS 450, GLS 580, and the performance-oriented AMG GLS 63—the GLS offered a range of standard features, including remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, and a 13-speaker Burmester premium sound system. Various option packages allowed for further customization, enhancing comfort, sportiness, and luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. As the largest of Buick's four SUVs, the Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable ride for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim added a touch of luxury with a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather upholstery. The cabin was designed for simplicity, with a focus on comfort and serenity, aided by Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Enclave's interior boasted a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, ensuring a luxurious driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 4MATIC upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes's 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, generated an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. All engines included Mercedes's EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 280 km/h. The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension and multiple drive-mode settings allowed for precise handling and a smooth ride, making it feel like a smaller car despite its size.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine across all trims, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration. The Enclave's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The SUV's ride and handling were enhanced by a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, part of the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank. The Enclave's driving experience was characterized by its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and easy maneuverability, despite its size.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional second-row captain's chairs. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for full-size adults. The GLS provided 355 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded, and 2,400 litres with both the second and third rows down. The GLS featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup holder/wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, known for its spaciousness, offered comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a massaging function, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and serenity, with QuietTuning technology, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass. The Enclave provided 668 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and 2,764 litres with the second row down. The Enclave's large rear doors and captain's chairs made entering and exiting the third row easy.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad for navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though a USB-C cable was required. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station," and the digital dash extended to a fully digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The GLS's technology was extensive, though it required a learning curve to master.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times, voice recognition, and a simple user interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Avenir trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10-speaker Bose sound system, though these fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave's rear camera mirror provided a live video view of what's behind the SUV, adding a unique touch to its technology offerings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a range of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were less comprehensive, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Enclave lacked advanced driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. However, the Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated as Marginal.