2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, sitting somewhere between the futuristic angles of the Lexus NX and the more conventional styling of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design cues, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights, which were somewhat at odds with its compact size and tall profile. The XT5 was unmistakably a Cadillac, yet its design felt awkward. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered different exterior styling, with the former showcasing bright chrome for a traditional look, while the latter featured darker trim and a mesh grille for a sportier appearance. The interior, especially with the optional Platinum Package, felt luxurious, but without it, the XT5 struggled to meet luxury standards. The interior design lacked a strong theme, failing to make a statement like its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 offered a more understated and less flashy appearance compared to its chrome-heavy rivals like the Cadillac Escalade. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions provided options for those seeking more visual drama, with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. Inside, the GLS 450’s interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well integrated, enhancing the overall luxury feel. However, the GLS’s suspension left something to be desired, as it exhibited poor body control over bumps and leaned excessively in corners, detracting from the comfort expected in a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which excelled in providing a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, offering nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The XT5’s cabin was impressively quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450’s inline-six engine provided smooth and powerful performance, making it a suitable choice for a luxury SUV. However, the GLS’s air suspension, while capable of adjusting ride height, exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive bouncing and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered favourable interior space compared to its German rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, though less than the BMW X3. It provided more legroom in both rows, but the seats could have been more comfortable, with narrow bottom cushions and insufficient cushioning in the rear. The XT5 boasted 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen added convenience.

The 2022 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 forward and fold for third-row access, offering excellent legroom. The GLS provided 355 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower for easier loading, and power-folding seats and a power tailgate added convenience. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display were available with the optional Technology Package. While usability had improved, the XT5’s tech offerings were merely adequate compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome, and the rotary controller and capacitive touchpads lacked intuitive placement. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and natural-language voice recognition. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, allowing for hands-free operation. The touchpad controller was less user-friendly, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The GLS offered good-looking graphics and an augmented-reality navigation feature, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and the Safety Alert Seat. An optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though it had a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Acceptable” LATCH rating.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.