2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a more refined and smoother exterior compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and reduced edges, contributing to a lower drag coefficient of .29. The front end underwent the most noticeable transformation, enhancing its overall appeal. Inside, the GLE offered increased headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, allowing for an optional third row, although this feature was not available in the test model. The interior was luxurious, with options like black leather upholstery and a multi-contour seat with a massage feature, though some features like heated and ventilated seats required additional costs. The vehicle's paint, however, showed an unexpected orange-peel effect, detracting from its premium feel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with styling cues similar to the XT4 and XT5, featuring a distinctive grille and darkened accents in the Sport trim. The Sport model rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, enhancing its premium appearance. The interior mirrored the XT5 but was slightly larger, offering three color options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were comfortable, the dashboard area appeared less premium. The XT6 offered standard seating for seven, with an option for captain’s chairs in the second row, and adults could fit in the third row, although it had less space compared to competitors. The cargo space was generous, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it provided ample power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag, possibly exacerbated by the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as competitors. The GLE 350 4Matic offered competitive fuel economy with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, though it lagged behind the BMW X5 in power and smoothness.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine provided sufficient power, and the transmission shifted smoothly. The XT6 offered standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, while the Sport model was AWD only. However, the XT6 Sport felt heavy, affecting its driving dynamics, especially in turns and under acceleration. The XT6's fuel economy was on par with competitors, with the V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined with FWD, slightly reduced with AWD.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefited from an extended wheelbase, offering spacious second-row seating and optional third-row seating. It provided between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design, though the steering wheel occasionally obstructed the view. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent discomfort on long drives, though the lumbar support was challenging to adjust.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered standard seating for seven, with an option for second-row captain’s chairs. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less space than some competitors. The interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate, though the cargo load floor was high. The wireless phone charger was inconveniently deep-pocketed, limiting access while charging.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system, which was advanced yet initially daunting. It included dual 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display, offering options like augmented reality navigation. The system's voice control was less effective than expected, attributed to the pre-production model. The driver-assistance tech was improved but still unreliable at high speeds, with gesture control working well.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6's technology was adequate, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Upgrades were available for a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, sometimes appearing crowded or lacking information.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE lacked testing data from NHTSA and IIHS but offered a comprehensive suite of autonomous safety features. Attention Assist monitored driver fatigue, and Seat Kinetics adjusted seating to prevent discomfort. However, the safety systems struggled at high speeds, with lane-keeping assist proving unreliable.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The lane-keep assist was inconsistent, often failing to detect lane lines. The Driver Assist Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.