2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

When the 2022 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury rolled into the driveway, its polished 20-inch alloy wheels, elegant Stellar Black paint, and opulent Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior set a sophisticated tone. As we stepped inside, it felt as though a black suit and tie, complete with crisp white shirt and dark sunglasses, would have been the appropriate attire to match the XT6’s aura, ready to transport a celebrity to the airport.

Stylistically, though, the Cadillac XT6 presented a somewhat bland allure. The front running lights, albeit towering and tapering inward, exaggerated a sense of height and narrowness, which didn't quite blend well. Meanwhile, the rear taillights bore a close resemblance to those found on a GMC, which felt less distinct. Nonetheless, the XT6’s overall proportions and conservative design choices aligned with Cadillac’s typically tailored image.

Cadillac offered the XT6 in three trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Its starting price hovered just under $50,000, placing it marginally above competitors like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60 but slightly below the Lexus RX L and Lincoln Aviator. Half of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L trims were priced around the same range. With options, including Super Cruise and Night Vision, our test vehicle’s price ballooned to $73,565, akin to a well-equipped Volvo XC90 and slightly below a decked-out Audi Q7. Given its high-quality materials and advanced driving tech, the XT6 seemed reasonably priced.

Despite the luxurious materials enveloping the XT6’s interior, it didn't exude the flair expected from an SUV in this price bracket. The design and control layout were markedly similar to other GM crossovers, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that ran familiar GM software. While straightforward and easy to use, the tech lacked the pizzazz seen in the larger Cadillac Escalade.

The opulent materials couldn't mask the XT6’s narrow interior feel, a nod to its GMC Acadia roots rather than the Buick Enclave. This association brought back echoes of the Cadillac Cimarron.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, draped in stylish Selenite Gray with 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, bore an athletic and somewhat sneaker-like look from the front three-quarter view. Although Mercedes shelved its V8 models, the GLE 53, powered by a spirited six-cylinder engine, stood robustly with a base price of $77,800. With options, our test model surpassed $100,000.

Inside, the GLE 53 astonished with its luxe finishes: premium Nappa leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim illuminated by ambient lighting. The dual-screen setup added high-tech appeal, though the lack of traditional controls required an adjustment period. The sumptuous materials and elevated design underscored Mercedes’ dedication to luxurious interiors.

The Cadillac XT6, sharing its engines with the GMC Acadia, offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This placed it below the base powertrains of competitors like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. Stepping up to the Premium Luxury or Sport trims brought in a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, still less zippy than the turbocharged rivals.

Our test model, equipped with AWD, allowed for switching between FWD and AWD modes along with Tour and Sport settings. The V6’s performance was adequate, providing smooth acceleration and a pleasing engine note. The adaptive-damping suspension and 20-inch wheels ensured a somewhat agile ride over diverse terrains, though the driving experience leaned more towards serene than exhilarating. Fuel economy for the V6 AWD model was rated at 21 mpg combined, with our test drive yielding around 19.5 mpg.

In contrast, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivered a robust 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, supplemented by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. Its EPA rating was 19 mpg combined, with our results close at 18.5 mpg. The nine-speed automatic transmission and the AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, coupled with the AMG Dynamic Select system offering various driving modes, made for an adaptable driving experience.

In urban environments, the variable-ratio steering facilitated easy maneuvering, while the AMG Performance brakes required finesse for smooth stops. The active ride control suspension absorbed urban speed humps gracefully, though sharp bumps revealed its sport-tuned firmness. The GLE 53, adept in both city and suburban settings, showcased a reserve of performance, especially in Sport+ mode, where it handled mountainous roads with agility, though its size and weight were evident considerations.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, despite its premium badge, felt narrower and less spacious than expected inside. Front seats, power-adjustable and luxurious with the Platinum package’s leather, offered heating and ventilation but lacked the extensive adjustments and massage functions found in rivals. The thick-rimmed, heated steering wheel and efficient triple-zone climate control were highlights.

Our test vehicle had sliding second-row captain’s chairs, providing good legroom when slid back but rendering the third-row seat cramped for adults. Accessing the third row required some agility. Storage solutions were practical but not expansive—for instance, the dashboard cubby and under-armrest bin were small and the console tray hard to reach. Cargo space measured 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, and maxing at 78.7 cubic feet, keeping the XT6 competitive but not class-leading.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe technically seated five but was best suited for four adults. The sport-bolstered front seats, with their numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage features, were highway-comfortable and back-road supportive. Rear visibility was challenged, necessitating the extensive use of available cameras.

The back seat surprisingly accommodated adult legs and feet well. Cargo capacity stood at 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—a trade-off compared to the regular GLE, but reasonable if you weren't comparing directly.

Comfort features included options like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, a four-zone climate control system, and the opulent Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system, emphasizing the GLE’s lavish interior offerings.

The Cadillac XT6 stood out technologically with features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise hands-free driving assist. However, it stumbled with its analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen, lagging behind rivals’ digital instrumentation. The infotainment system, bolstered by excellent software and features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, was easy to use but lacked modernity in its presentation.

Usability had its issues: touch-sensing controls were a nod to Cadillac’s older, less successful systems, and some indicators were counterintuitive. The physical infotainment controls on the center console used up valuable space. Yet, the Bose Performance Series premium audio and digital rear camera were notable high points.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured the cutting-edge MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, smartphone integration, wireless charging, and a Burmester audio system. Despite its complexity, MBUX proved user-friendly, aided by natural voice recognition.

The GLE also offered technological upgrades like the MBUX Interior Assistant, augmented reality for navigation, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing the overall tech-savvy atmosphere within the sporty SUV.

Our Cadillac XT6 test unit, decked out with the Platinum Package, came with every safety feature imaginable, including Teen Driver and Night Vision. The standouts were forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Super Cruise, Cadillac’s semi-autonomous driving tech.

Super Cruise functioned well on approved highways but showed limitations on curves, in heavy traffic, and under challenging visibility conditions. Despite the occasional hiccup, it showcased the potential of autonomous tech and underscored Cadillac’s commitment to safety. The XT6 earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe mirrored these safety priorities with a range of systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique features like Pre Safe Sound and the comprehensive Driver Assistance Package, with new Traffic Jam Assist, added layers of safety.

The driver assistance features worked seamlessly, with lane-keeping assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist being particularly notable. While specific crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE’s top ratings offered reassurance.