2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead became a more pragmatic, family-friendly luxury SUV with three rows of seating and a comfortable interior. The name change from GL to GLS occurred midway through the second generation. Despite its large size, the 2021 GLS appeared more svelte due to softened angles and lines. Inside, it featured 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 illuminated running boards. The AMG GLS 63, which we tested, stood out with aggressive bodywork, a quad-outlet exhaust, and a performance-inspired interior with a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury test vehicle arrived with polished 20-inch alloy wheels, Stellar Black paint, and a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior. It exuded a sense of sophistication, making us feel like chauffeurs ready to whisk someone famous away. The XT6's design was attractive but somewhat bland, with towering front running lights and simple vertical taillights that conveyed a conservatively tailored image.

Cadillac offered the XT6 in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, with prices starting just under $50,000. Our test vehicle, loaded with options like Super Cruise and Night Vision technologies, had an MSRP of $73,565. While the interior materials were of high quality, the XT6's controls and displays felt more akin to those in lower-priced GM crossovers. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen display were functional but lacked the sophistication expected in this segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Our AMG GLS 63 test model boasted a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This power was channeled through a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission to all-wheel drive. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system added an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed.

The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. Its adaptive air suspension system allowed for adjustable ground clearance, enhancing both cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63 also featured multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, controlled by a dial and buttons on the sport steering wheel. Despite its size, the GLS offered a composed ride and impressive maneuverability, even on rough roads.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 employed engines from the GMC Acadia. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims used a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive was available with both engines, and our test vehicle had AWD with Tour and Sport driving modes.

The V6 engine provided sufficient power, and the XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension offered a comfortable ride. However, the XT6's driving dynamics leaned more toward serenity than excitement. The official EPA fuel economy rating for the XT6 V6 with AWD was 21 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle returned 19.5 mpg.

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 was less spacious but still suitable for 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 Cadillac XT6's interior felt narrower than expected, with comfortable power-adjustable front seats wrapped in semi-aniline leather. The second-row captain’s chairs offered good legroom when slid back, but the third row was cramped for adults. The XT6 provided 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 78.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Storage space was decent but unremarkable, with small cubbies and bins.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like “Find me a gas station” and could be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.” The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered impressive features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free highway driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges, instead using analog gauges with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and an available navigation system. The intuitive voice recognition technology was excellent, but some usability issues persisted, such as touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, equipped with the Platinum Package, included every available driving-assistance and collision-avoidance system. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The XT6 also offered Super Cruise, a highway driving-assist system that allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.