2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a Stellar Black paint job, complemented by a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior. The overall aesthetic was reminiscent of a formal black-tie event, suggesting a sense of understated elegance. However, the design elements, such as the towering front running lights and the rear taillights, seemed to lack distinctiveness, aligning more with a conservative image that fits within Cadillac's broader lineup. Despite its premium materials and sophisticated driving assistance technologies, the interior of the XT6 did not quite match the luxury expectations set by its price tag, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt more at home in a less expensive GM crossover.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent subtle exterior updates that might have gone unnoticed by many. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, exuded a refined presence. The interior was a testament to luxury, featuring Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide array of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust cabin experience. The GLE's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom, and a light, airy feel enhanced by the light upholstery.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower. The V6, while powerful enough, lacked the turbocharged zest found in some competitors. The XT6's driving dynamics were competent, with an adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels providing a smooth ride. However, the driving experience leaned more towards serenity than excitement, with a fuel economy of 12.0 L/100 km in combined driving during testing.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor in the GLE 450e, delivering a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e impressed with its swift acceleration, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The hybrid system offered a seamless transition between gas and electric power, with a fuel economy of 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The GLE's suspension was supple, absorbing road imperfections with ease, and its steering was sophisticated, making it feel maneuverable despite its size.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, a three-row SUV, offered comfortable front seats with optional semi-aniline leather, but lacked the range of adjustments and massage functions found in some rivals. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,229 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE, seating five, provided generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. The cabin felt spacious and airy, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was 630 litres behind the second row, slightly less than some competitors. The GLE offered numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a mix of advanced technologies, such as a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but fell short in terms of instrumentation and infotainment. The 8-inch touchscreen, while intuitive, was smaller than competitors', and the analog gauges felt outdated. The Bose Performance Series audio system and digital rear camera were highlights, but the head-up display was less impressive.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a sophisticated MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system was feature-rich, with a learning curve, but offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an improved voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience, though some touch-sensitive controls could be overly sensitive.

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

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE also offered a robust array of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The systems were unobtrusive and effective, contributing to the GLE's Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Crash tests for the 2024 model were pending at the time of review.