2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 showcased a clean, crisp exterior design that hid 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 and tasteful, avoiding bright chrome and oversized elements, making it stylish without being boring. However, the interior did not match the exterior's sophistication. Despite having soft leather, microsuede, and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats were thin and lacked support. The lower center stack and console were wrapped in cheap vinyl, and the screens were small with nonadjustable ambient lighting. The interior felt outdated compared to competitors, lacking the first-class materials and eye-catching colors seen in other luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, introduced in its third generation for the 2020 model year, carried over to 2021 with a more svelte appearance than its predecessors. The GLS featured softened angles and lines, with a beamy, futuristic cabin highlighted by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash. This screen emphasized the tech-reliant controls of the latest GLS iteration. Available in three levels—GLS 450, GLS 580, and the AMG GLS 63—the GLS offered a range of standard features, including remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. The AMG GLS 63 stood out with aggressive bodywork, quad-outlet exhaust, and a chrome, slotted grille inspired by the AMG GT supercar. Inside, it featured a performance-inspired flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a leather strip on an Alcantara wheel.

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 off the line compared to newer turbocharged V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts and well-spaced ratios, and the XT6 felt balanced and controlled with all-wheel drive and adaptive dampers. The steering was direct and nicely weighted, though it felt loose in Tour mode but more secure in Sport mode. 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 and low-end torque.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63 boasted a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. The GLS 63 featured an adaptive, adjustable air suspension system, double-wishbone front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension, providing precise cornering and a composed ride. The GLS also offered multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, controlled by a dial and buttons on the sport steering wheel.

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 from an electric latch. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the second row was spacious with optional heated cushions and backrests. Total cargo volume measured 12.6 cubic feet with all seats raised, 43.1 with the third row down, and 78.7 with both the second and third rows down. Visibility was good, and the digital mirror using a widescreen camera on the back glass helped shrink blind spots. The XT6 featured an improved touchscreen infotainment system and an alternative rotary controller with shortcut buttons, making it simple to operate at speed.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with plenty of headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captains’ chairs lowering capacity to six. The third row was suitable for full-size adults, a rarity among three-row SUVs. The GLS had 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, 42.7 with the third row folded, and 87.4 with both rows down. The driver and front passenger enjoyed plenty of cubbies and compartments, with spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad. The center console opened with butterfly doors, providing ample storage space.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured a fast, intuitive infotainment system with cloud-based voice commands and a built-in app store. It allowed driver profiles to migrate to other GM vehicles, but the built-in e-commerce app seemed out of place. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assists. Optional 360-degree cameras could record surveillance footage, but the XT6 lacked semi-automated driving features and Super Cruise. Optional night vision and LED matrix headlights provided excellent visibility, but the XT6 missed out on massaging seats and a reconfigurable digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like “Find me a gas station” and “find me a seafood restaurant.” The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The driver could swipe through different display looks, making the technology more manageable once learned.

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

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.