2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that offered a blend of practicality and elegance. Originally known as the GL-Class, the GLS was designed to replace the G-Class but ended up appealing to a different clientele due to the G-Class's enduring popularity. The GLS featured a more refined and sleek exterior compared to its predecessors, with softened angles and lines that gave it a svelte appearance. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, highlighting its tech-centric design. The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of standard and optional features that enhanced comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the smaller XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, with the Sport model featuring distinctive darkened accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The XT6's exterior was marked by sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights, giving it a premium and unmistakably Cadillac look. Inside, the XT6's cabin was reminiscent of the XT5, offering a slightly larger space due to its size. The interior featured comfortable seats with available semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microsuede headliner in the Platinum Package. While the dashboard design was less premium than the seats, it remained attractive and functional, though some elements appeared less refined compared to competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 4MATIC featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, the performance model, boasted a hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, generating an impressive 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. All engines included Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, providing an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque when needed. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in just 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 280 kilometres per hour. The GLS 63 featured an adaptive air suspension system, allowing for adjustable ground clearance and precise handling, along with multiple drive-mode settings for a customizable driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This engine was also standard in the XT6 Premium Luxury trim, while the base XT6 Luxury model featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine provided sufficient power for smooth acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission offered seamless gear changes. The XT6 came standard with all-wheel drive in Canada, enhancing its traction and stability. However, the XT6 Sport's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear where the AWD mechanics were located, affecting its agility and handling. Despite this, the XT6 offered competitive fuel economy, with the V6 engine achieving 13.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.5 combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided ample interior space with three rows of seating, offering generous headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seating accommodated seven passengers, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The front-row seats featured door-mounted controls, while the third row, though less spacious, was suitable for full-size adults. The GLS offered 355 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,400 litres with both the second and third rows folded. The GLS also featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a centre console with butterfly doors.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven as standard, with the option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row on Sport and Premium Luxury trims. The third row was suitable for adults, though the XT6 had less headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room compared to some competitors. The XT6's interior storage was limited, with front-row riders struggling to find convenient places for small items. The rear cargo space was a highlight, with power-folding third-row seats and an available hands-free power liftgate. However, the cargo load floor was relatively high, and space behind the third row was limited.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, which included a large touch screen and a trackpad for navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX system also included a voice-control feature, activated by saying "Mercedes" or "Hey Mercedes," allowing for complex commands. The digital dash extended to the fully digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, offering a customizable display.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a range of standard tech features, including tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, a WiFi hot spot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. While the XT6's infotainment screen was smaller than some competitors, it provided essential functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, automatic parking assist, and crosswind assist. Additional safety options 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, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a robust set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added lane change alert with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6's lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning systems were less effective, 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.