2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 showcased a clean and crisp exterior design, hiding its long, boxy shape under smooth body panels and limited creases. It featured satin-painted silver surrounding the windows and a medium-sized silver mesh grille, with thin LED headlights and vertical running lamps adding a touch of flair. The XT6's design was restrained yet stylish, with standard 20-inch wheels that didn't appear oversized. However, the interior didn't match the exterior's sophistication. Despite soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats lacked support and looked plain. The lower center stack and console were wrapped in cheap vinyl, and the screens were small with nonadjustable ambient lighting. The overall interior felt outdated compared to competitors.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, giving it an aggressive look. The taillights featured square LEDs, but the GLC's design was considered boring from most angles. The GLC 300 lacked visual drama, making alternatives like the Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX more appealing. The AMG versions added some excitement with wide tires and a vertical-bar grille. The GLC Coupe's fastback roof brought some entertainment to the mix. Despite its high price, the GLC's beige paint and 18-inch wheels made it blend into parking lots. However, the interior was one of the best in the business, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The 2020 model featured a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen and a reprogrammed transmission, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While it could tow up to 4,000 pounds, the engine was coarse-sounding and less responsive than newer turbocharged V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts and well-spaced ratios. Front-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive and adaptive dampers offered a balanced and controlled ride. The steering was direct and nicely weighted, with a switch to Sport mode providing a more secure feel. The XT6 achieved an EPA combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 highway. Cadillac planned a plug-in hybrid version to improve these figures.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission was reprogrammed for better performance, holding gears longer and downshifting earlier. The AMG GLC 43, arriving in late 2019, boasted a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, delivering phenomenal performance. The AMG GLC 63 4Matic Coupe's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produced 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, with the AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic Coupe topping at 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet. The GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll and vague steering. The GLC 300 4Matic achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third-row seat with decent knee room, USB ports, cupholders, and air vents. The third row power-folded down and up, while the second-row captain’s chairs or bench mechanically dropped down. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the second row was spacious with optional heated cushions and backrests. Total cargo volume was 12.6 cubic feet with all seats raised, 43.1 with the third row down, and 78.7 with both rows down. Visibility was good, and the digital mirror helped shrink blind spots. The XT6 featured an improved touchscreen infotainment system and an alternative rotary controller, making it simple to operate at speed.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC had a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new Mercedes drivers. The column shifter required an upward tap for Reverse and a downward tap for Drive, while seat controls were on the doors. The MBUX system was intuitive, with selectable items that glowed when highlighted and shortcut buttons for popular features. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat's recline mechanism was perplexing. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the seatbacks and 57 with them folded, less than the BMW X3.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured a reskinned Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which was fast, intuitive, and easy to operate. It included cloud-based voice commands, a built-in app store, and driver profiles that could migrate to other GM vehicles. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a suite of driver assists. Optional 360-degree cameras could record surveillance footage, but the XT6 lacked semi-automated driving features and Super Cruise. The optional night vision system and LED matrix headlights were impressive, but the XT6 didn't offer all the tech it should in its segment.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system featured augmented reality for navigation, overlaying arrows and street names on a live feed of the road. The system used a cloud-based voice assistant and could track behavior to suggest destinations and contacts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package included hill-descent control and underbody shields. The GLC's technology was advanced, but some features were limited in functionality.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but top scores were expected. The Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package included rear pedestrian detection, a digital rear-view mirror, and 360-degree cameras. The Driver Assist Package offered forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise, and seat-belt tightening.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS and received a 5-star rating from NHTSA. New for 2020 was Exit Warning Assist, which used blind-spot-monitoring radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars. Other features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.