2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior and a luxurious interior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior. Its design was conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights reminiscent of GMC models. Despite its premium materials and sophisticated driving assistance technology, the XT6's interior lacked the distinctiveness expected in a luxury SUV, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a classic design with subtle updates, such as narrower taillights. Its interior received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The GLC's cockpit design was simpler and cleaner compared to rivals, with excellent materials quality and solid construction, making it a standout in terms of interior aesthetics.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower. The V6 provided sufficient power, but lacked the turbocharged boost found in competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and available Brembo brakes enhanced its athleticism, though it leaned more towards serenity than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 with AWD was rated at 21 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving 19.5 mpg.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Its acceleration was smooth, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The GLC's suspension favored comfort, delivering a smoother ride than its rivals. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and accelerating to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior was narrower than expected, with comfortable front seats and sliding second-row captain's chairs. However, the third-row seat was cramped for adults, and storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 78.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options. Its synthetic leather upholstery was convincing, and storage space was adequate, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with the rear seats folding flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured impressive technologies like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but usability issues persisted with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicators.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC boasted an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and responsive controls. However, its placement on the dash made it distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The lack of physical buttons for audio and climate controls added to the distraction.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Super Cruise, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were not yet available, but it was expected to perform well based on Mercedes' reputation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.