2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Buick Enclave

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance with its modern design, which, while understated, promised longevity. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured striking 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and a Twilight Blue paint that stood out against the trend of blacked-out aesthetics. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, creating a luxurious environment typical of Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and sharp exterior, reminiscent of the Envista, with slim DRLs, a large angular grille, and a high beltline. The Enclave's design was more generic from the side but improved upon its predecessor with fewer creases and a more upright profile. Inside, the Enclave offered a modern and premium feel with a floating center console and a large curved display, enhancing its futuristic appeal. The Sport Touring trim featured perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering smooth and seamless power delivery. The GLS 450's nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system provided excellent handling, with driving modes to suit various preferences. It had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, though real-world testing showed 19.9 mpg.

The 2025 Buick Enclave came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It was available in both FWD and AWD, with the latter slightly reducing fuel economy to 21 mpg combined. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds. While the engine was powerful, it was not the most refined, and the steering felt loose at lower speeds, emphasizing its large size. Active Noise Cancellation was standard for road noise, but engine noise cancellation was only available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered luxurious comfort with supple leather surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The second-row captain’s chairs provided excellent thigh support, though accessing the third row was cumbersome. Cargo space was practical, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured eight-way power adjustability for the driver’s seat and six-way for the passenger. Captain’s chairs were standard in the second row, with a maximum capacity of seven passengers. The Enclave offered a tri-zone climate control system and a power liftgate with 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats were available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered improved graphics and intuitive operation, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console could be frustrating. The Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos provided an impressive audio experience.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased a 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen integrating the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. Standard features included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, and Google Built-In. The Avenir trim offered a 16-speaker Bose Performance system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, enhancing connectivity.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with over 20 significant safety features, including adjustable ADAS settings. The forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist systems were praised for their effectiveness and subtlety. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist handled various driving conditions smoothly.

The 2025 Buick Enclave included new standard safety features such as blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology, was available on all trims. The 2024 Enclave received good safety ratings, though the 2025 model had not yet been rated.