2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, introduced in 2020 and carried over to 2021, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GL-Class instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The name change to "GLS" occurred midway through the model's second generation. Despite its large size, the 2021 GLS appeared more svelte than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and lines. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant controls.

The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 included remote keyless entry, remote start, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added V8 power and additional luxury features like massaging front seats and five-zone climate control. The AMG GLS 63, our test model, stood out with aggressive bodywork, a quad-outlet exhaust, and a performance-inspired interior, including a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a motorsport-inspired stripe.

The Buick Enclave, historically known for its conservative styling, underwent a significant transformation over the past 15 years, shifting from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio. This change reflected the broader market trend favoring SUVs over traditional sedans. The Enclave, introduced in 2008, replaced aging models and quickly became a hit with both critics and consumers. A 2018 redesign moved the Enclave further upmarket, positioning it as the flagship of Buick's four-SUV lineup.

For 2022, the Enclave received a mid-cycle refresh with several exterior styling enhancements, including a new grille, front and rear fascias, and updated headlamps and taillamps. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim featured unique design elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave's center console was restyled with new push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered standard climate-controlled front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and unique trim and seat stitching, enhancing the overall comfort and luxury feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, our test model, boasted a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine generating 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission.

The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. The SUV's adaptive, adjustable air suspension system allowed for ground clearance adjustments between 7.9 and 8.5 inches, enhancing both cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63 also featured double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, providing precise cornering capabilities. Multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed drivers to customize throttle response, transmission mapping, suspension stiffness, steering feel, and exhaust mode.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept it simple with a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The SUV's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The Enclave provided a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping, part of the optional Avenir Technology package. The AWD-equipped test vehicle handled well on various terrains, from highways to inner-city roads. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, offering good off-the-line acceleration. The nine-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, and the engine produced pleasant sounds at wide-open throttle, adding a touch of personality to the driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, but optional second-row captain's chairs reduced capacity to six. The third row, while not as spacious, could comfortably accommodate full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility thanks to its large windshield and window openings. Standard features included an eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, both heated and with power lumbar control. Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's cabin was roomy, with plenty of space for passengers in all three rows. The third row could comfortably accommodate six-footers, and the standard second-row captain's chairs made access easy.

The Enclave's restyled center console featured new push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment housing two cupholders. The flat row of buttons made it easier to access USB ports and the wireless phone charging pad. The Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. Our test vehicle featured power-folding third-row seats, enhancing cargo space accessibility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable for connection. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" or "find me a seafood restaurant." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel, offering various display options.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims getting a larger, 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with two smartphones active simultaneously. A built-in WiFi hotspot supported up to four devices up to 50 feet away from the vehicle.

The Enclave's six-speaker audio system in the Essence trim was adequate, but the 10-speaker Bose system in Premium and Avenir trims was superior. Each Enclave came with a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM 360L and six USB ports—two in each row. Other standard features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, hitch guidance with hitch view, a digital rear camera mirror, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a host of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also came standard with a full array of front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates to its driver-assist and safety tech. The Buick Driver Confidence Plus package became standard on all Enclaves, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, rear park assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Other standard safety items included a Safety Alert driver's seat, a rear-seat reminder system, and an HD reversing camera.

Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave received no false alarms during testing. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Enclave, but it received four out of five stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS gave the Enclave "Good" ratings in all but one crash test, where it received an "Acceptable" score.