2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, drawing inspiration from the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights had square LEDs within the same housing, making the differences subtle unless compared side-by-side with older models. While the GLC wasn't unattractive, it lacked visual excitement from most angles, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires and vertical-bar grille, added some visual drama, and the GLC Coupe’s fastback roof brought a touch of flair. However, the beige paint and 18-inch wheels of the test car made it blend into parking lots, despite its hefty price tag.

What truly set the GLC apart was its interior, which was among the best in the business. The all-black interior with stained gray ash wood was rich and luxurious, featuring a continuous sweep of wood from the air vents, padded and stitched leather seats and doors, and cold metal speaker covers. The fit, finish, and overall quality were impeccable. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the older, smaller displays. The new touchpad on the console and the updated steering wheel with more buttons enhanced the user experience. The optional 12.3-inch display could replace analog gauges, adding to the modern feel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5, updated for the 2020 model year, carried over its 40 upgrades, including a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology. The exterior featured a more snub-nosed design with standard LED lights at the front and back, highlighting the XT5’s beefy proportions and stylish posterior. The 20-inch wheels were standard, adding to its robust look.

Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale design compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The Premium Luxury trim level exuded elegance with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents. The sweeping horizontal design lines and straightforward materials created a chic and refined cabin. Despite some shortcomings in comfort during extended road trips, the XT5’s interior design and styling were a significant step up for Cadillac.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), was reprogrammed for better performance. The GLC 300 felt more responsive than previous models, though it still lagged behind competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience. The AMG GLC 63 models, with their V8 engines, provided even more power, but the GLC 300’s handling and steering were disappointing, with body roll and vague steering detracting from the overall experience. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6, standard on the XT5 Sport, provided smooth upshifts but clunky downshifts, especially in Sport mode. The throttle response was immediate, but the XT5 could benefit from more low-end torque. The engine start-stop technology was seamless, though it affected the heating and air conditioning. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg during a 2,000-mile test drive, better than the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6 AWD. The base engine achieved 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD, comparable to rivals like the Infiniti QX50 and Acura RDX.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new users. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The MBUX system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, became intuitive with practice. The GLC had enough room for four adults, though the back seat’s reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the seats and 57 with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 had enough room for four adults, though the back seat left little headroom for tall occupants. The front seats were not as comfortable as they appeared during long trips. Heated front seats were standard, and the climate control system adjusted automatically based on the interior temperature. The XT5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the Nissan Murano and Lincoln Nautilus, but the deep rear cargo area was practical. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone and small map pockets.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s MBUX system featured augmented reality for navigation, using a windshield-mounted camera to overlay directional arrows and street names. The cloud-based voice assistant could look up addresses and suggest destinations. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and underbody shields, though the GLC was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 had a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and haptic feedback climate controls. The tri-zone automatic climate control and heated steering wheel were available. The XT5 featured a rotary controller for the infotainment system, one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and USB-A and USB-C ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 4G LTE WiFi hot spot and 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system available. The rear camera mirror and head-up display enhanced visibility and driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured Exit Warning Assist, Pre-Safe Sound, and Predictive Brake Priming, offering advanced safety engineering.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. The Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features.