2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step forward for the brand, which had struggled to regain its former glory after a period of decline. The Enclave, with its large, shiny, and impressive design, harkened back to Buick's heyday while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. As the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, the Enclave stood out with its premium appearance, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, the Enclave's interior was praised for its simplicity and elegance.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, was a symbol of rugged 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 distinctive two-box design with straight body lines, setting it apart from other Mercedes-Benz models. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated cabin with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display and a matching virtual instrument panel. The interior was customizable, allowing drivers to coordinate colors with ambient lighting for a personalized experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road vehicle, embodying a unique blend of opulence and ruggedness.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's V6 engine delivered strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to a smooth driving experience. With a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds, the Enclave was versatile for various driving needs. The suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a comfortable ride across different terrains, and the steering and brake response were well-tuned. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G550 model, featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, generating 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, enabled the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted a robust suspension system, with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various surfaces. The G550's off-road capabilities were enhanced by adjustable suspension, damping options, and locking differentials. The AMG G63 variant offered even more power, with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, the G-Class's fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, featuring Buick's QuietTuning technology, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included luxurious features such as power-adjustable seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was spacious, with a useful third-row seat and easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a surprisingly practical interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The G550's cabin was roomy, with comfortable seats and ample storage options. The tall roofline provided excellent headroom, and the standard sunroof added to the airy feel. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. While the G550 included standard heated seats, ventilated seats were part of an expensive package. The G-Class's exterior featured a spare tire mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged appeal.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its technology offerings fell short in terms of screen size and smart home integration. The Avenir's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was not as advanced as competitors. The Enclave did offer a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear, but its connected services required subscriptions after short trial periods.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class excelled in technology, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to coordinate with ambient lighting for a personalized experience. The G550 featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive operation. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the G550 included standard WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, wireless device charging was not offered, and the WiFi service required a subscription after a one-month trial.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trim levels, with essential systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available only on the Essence trim and above. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking were exclusive to the Avenir trim with an additional package. Despite these limitations, the Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included a comprehensive suite of safety systems as standard, such as a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class's active lane-keeping assist was noted for its abrupt intervention, which could be distracting. While the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, its size and construction provided inherent safety advantages in certain crashes. However, its mass also posed risks to pedestrians and smaller vehicles, emphasizing the responsibility of driving such a large SUV.