2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a sleek Stellar Black paint job. Inside, the Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior exuded a sense of luxury, reminiscent of a formal black-tie event. The vehicle's design, while attractive, leaned towards a conservative aesthetic, with towering front running lights and taillights that echoed GMC's design language. Despite its elegant appearance, the XT6's interior did not quite match the luxury expected at its price point, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC showcased a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing a platform with the C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models retained their previous design. The most noticeable change was the narrower taillights, but the overall design remained consistent with the first-generation GLC. The interior received a significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a modern, high-tech design. The GLC maintained its reputation for excellent materials and solid construction, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to its rivals.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, provided adequate power but fell short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While the V6 was sufficiently powerful, it lacked the turbocharged excitement found in some rivals. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a comfortable ride, but the driving experience leaned more towards serenity than excitement.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system were standard in Canada. The GLC's acceleration was smooth and linear, with an estimated 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. While not as lively as some competitors, the GLC offered a comfortable and confident ride. The returning GLC Coupe models featured a similar engine, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, providing a sportier driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior space was somewhat limited, with a narrow and tall design that affected the driving position. The front seats were comfortable and offered heating and ventilation, but lacked the range of adjustment and massage functions found in some rivals. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,229 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and standard heated features. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincing, and the interior provided adequate storage space. The rear seats accommodated average adults, though headroom was slightly limited. The GLC's cargo area measured 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but still sufficient for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and impacted rear headroom.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a mix of advanced and outdated technology. While it offered impressive features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance, it lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but usability issues persisted with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC boasted a modern interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen. The graphics were sharp, but the screen's lower placement made it distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free highway driving but had limitations in certain situations. The XT6 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were not yet available, but the previous model received top scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive headlights. The optional Intelligent Drive package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features.