Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, was a striking blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its boxy, retro design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class featured a classic two-box design with straight body lines, setting it apart from other Mercedes-Benz models. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated ambiance with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The interior was customizable, allowing owners to coordinate colors with the ambient lighting, creating a personalized atmosphere. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented a more conservative and understated appearance. Its design was characterized by towering front running lights and simple vertical taillights, giving it a tall and narrow look. The XT6's proportions and details conveyed a tailored image consistent with Cadillac's lineup. Inside, the XT6 offered a comfortable experience with its semi-aniline leather interior and power-adjustable seats. However, the interior design lacked the opulence expected in a luxury SUV, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen display. While the XT6 provided a smooth and serene ride, it didn't deliver the same level of excitement or luxury as some of its competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class featured a robust suspension system, including double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. With a ground clearance of 9.5 inches and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles, the G-Class was well-equipped for off-road adventures. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, offered a more modest performance. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the Premium Luxury and Sport trims came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The XT6's V6 engine provided sufficient power, but it lacked the turbocharged punch of some competitors. The XT6 offered all-wheel drive and various driving modes, including Tour and Sport. While the XT6 demonstrated agility on twisty roads, it prioritized comfort and serenity over excitement. The XT6's fuel economy was reasonable, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined for the V6 with AWD.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class excelled in both luxury and utility. It offered a spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom, thanks to its tall roofline. The G550 provided 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The G-Class had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The interior featured well-designed storage solutions, including dash compartments, door pockets, and under-armrest storage. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, while comfortable, didn't offer the same level of interior space as some competitors. The front seats were power-adjustable and wrapped in premium leather, providing comfort but lacking advanced features like massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs offered good legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. The XT6's cargo space measured 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded down. The maximum cargo volume was 78.7 cubic feet. Storage solutions were decent but unremarkable, with limited space in the dashboard cubby and center armrest bin.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its advanced technology features. It featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system, offering customizable layouts and content. The infotainment system ran on Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive control. The G-Class came with a Burmester Surround Sound system, WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of advanced and outdated technology. It featured a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free highway driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges, relying on analog gauges with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with intuitive voice recognition. The XT6's dashboard controls included touch-sensing buttons, which were not user-friendly. The available Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the head-up display was less impressive compared to other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class prioritized safety with its rugged body-on-frame construction and standard safety features. It included a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, especially with the optional Platinum Package. It included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed hands-free highway driving on approved roads. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA in crash-test evaluations.