2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport model stood out with its darkened accent pieces 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 but offered more space. The seats, especially with the optional Platinum Package, were luxurious, featuring semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the dashboard area, while not unattractive, lacked the premium feel of the seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more subtle look compared to its flashier competitors. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. The GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, enhancing the luxury feel. However, the suspension lacked the refinement expected in a luxury SUV, leading to a less comfortable ride.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 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. The XT6 offered standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, though the Sport model was AWD only. Despite its power, the XT6 Sport felt heavy, affecting its driving dynamics. Fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with FWD.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by an EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The GLS 450's air suspension, however, lacked the expected luxury refinement, leading to excessive body motion. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, slightly less than some competitors.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered 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 compared to competitors. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not user-friendly. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate, though space behind the third row was limited.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version. The second-row seats could slide to increase legroom, offering the best legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo space was 17.4 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLS featured power-folding seats and a power tailgate, though the touchscreen was hard to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard features like tri-zone climate control, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose system and navigation. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, sometimes appearing crowded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with standard features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The MBUX system offered multiple control options, with voice recognition being the most effective. However, the touchpad controller was cumbersome, and the navigation system had reliability issues.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, though the latter was not very effective. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.