2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a symbol of rugged luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had evolved into a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a unique retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, the G-Class boasted a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both style and substance.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a blend of Cadillac’s signature design elements with a compact and tall profile. Its styling was a mix of bold and traditional cues, featuring a prominent grille and vertical taillights. The XT5 offered different exterior styling for its Premium Luxury and Sport models, with chrome accents for the former and darker trims for the latter. Inside, the XT5 aimed for luxury with features like semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfiber sueded headliner, especially with the optional Platinum Package. However, its interior design lacked a strong theme, and the seats, while comfortable, didn’t quite meet luxury standards.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class was equipped with a robust suspension system, including double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class offered impressive off-road capabilities and a turning circle of 44.6 feet.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts. The XT5’s performance suspension with adaptive dampers offered a comfortable ride, cushioning bumps while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was responsive, contributing to the XT5’s nimble feel, and the cabin remained quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was not only luxurious but also practical. It offered 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The spacious front cabin featured comfortable seats and ample storage, while the second row provided generous legroom and headroom. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also featured a spare tire mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged appeal.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 provided competitive interior space compared to its German rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some competitors. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding, especially in the rear. The XT5 included practical storage solutions, like a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen, but the center console was somewhat cramped. A hands-free power liftgate was available, adding convenience to its functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens, combined with the Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive environment. The COMAND system, controlled via unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offered advanced functionality. The G-Class included standard features like WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While usability had improved, the tech still lagged behind competitors in terms of screen size and sophistication. The rotary controller and capacitive touchpads were not user-friendly, and the button layout was confusing. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5’s quiet cabin.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, its size and weight posed risks to pedestrians and other road users. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and more. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it had some lower ratings for headlights and child seat anchor ease of use.