2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, borrowing styling cues from its XT4 and XT5 siblings. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport stood out with its darkened grille accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its premium appearance. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5's design, offering three color options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard's materials were less premium, though still pleasant to the touch.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its rugged roots. The G-Class was available in two models: the G550 and the AMG G63, both offering extensive customization through the G Manufaktur Program. The interior featured a tasteful design with twin 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrument display, creating a modern and immersive environment. The G-Class's retro exterior and luxurious interior made it a status symbol, appealing to those seeking both rugged capability and opulence.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base XT6 Luxury model featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. While the V6 provided sufficient power, the XT6 Sport's weight of 4,690 pounds affected its driving dynamics, making it feel less agile compared to competitors. Fuel economy for the XT6 varied, with the turbocharged four-cylinder achieving up to 27 mpg on the highway, while the V6 offered up to 26 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4WD, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The G-Class's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like adjustable suspension and locking differentials. The AMG G63 variant took performance further with 577 horsepower, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. However, the G-Class's fuel economy was less impressive, with the G550 rated at 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less interior space compared to some competitors. The SUV excelled in cargo capacity, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate. However, small-item storage in the front row was limited, and the wireless phone charger design was not ideal for accessibility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class provided ample interior space, with comfortable seating and generous headroom. The G550's cargo capacity was impressive, offering 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G-Class's body-on-frame construction allowed for a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. While luxurious features like heated seats were standard, some options required expensive packages.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard tech included tri-zone climate control, a WiFi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Upgrades were available for a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and heated/ventilated seats. However, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and its usability varied.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for infotainment and instrument display. The customizable screens, combined with ambient lighting and a Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive experience. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel. Standard tech included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless charging was not available.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 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 XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard safety systems like active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.