Compare the2024 Mercedes GLEVS 2024 Cadillac XT6

Safety
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes GLE have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Cadillac XT6 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

The GLE offers optional Post-Collision Brake, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The XT6 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the GLE. But it costs extra on the XT6.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the GLE’s standard Downhill Speed Regulation allows you to creep down safely. The XT6 doesn’t offer Downhill Speed Regulation.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLE has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The XT6 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Both the GLE and XT6 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the GLE has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The XT6’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

The GLE’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The XT6 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GLE and the XT6 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available lane departure warning systems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Cadillac XT6:

	GLE	XT6
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	84	167
Neck Injury Risk	24%	25%
Neck Compression	17 lbs.	28 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	301/184 lbs.	161/358 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	209	305
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	31%	38%
Neck Stress	125 lbs.	155 lbs.
Neck Compression	31 lbs.	71 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the GLE is much safer than the XT6:

	GLE	XT6
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Chest Rating	GOOD	POOR
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	POOR

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Cadillac XT6:

	GLE	XT6
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	40	98
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.7 inches
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	103	180
Spine Acceleration	40 G’s	41 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	14 inches
HIC	264	292
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	39 G’s
Hip Force	615 lbs.	666 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mercedes GLE is much safer than the XT6:

	GLE	XT6
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	50	61
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	357 lbs.
Neck Compression	-45 lbs.	45 lbs.
Shoulder Force	156 lbs.	223 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	156 lbs.
Neck Compression	-89 lbs.	178 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	POOR
Shoulder Deflection	.28 in	1.61 in
Shoulder Force	89 lbs.	424 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.67 in	2.2 in
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	13 MPH
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mercedes GLE (only applies to vehicles with optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The XT6 is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Engine

The GLE has more powerful engines than the XT6:

	Horsepower	Torque
GLE 350 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	255 HP	295 lbs.-ft.
GLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	362 HP	369 lbs.-ft.
GLE 450e 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	381 HP	479 lbs.-ft.
GLE 580 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid	510 HP	538 lbs.-ft.
XT6 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	235 HP	258 lbs.-ft.
XT6 Premium Luxury/Sport 3.6 DOHC V6	310 HP	271 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes GLE is faster than the XT6 Premium Luxury/Sport 3.6 DOHC V6:

	GLE 450	GLE 450e	XT6
Zero to 60 MPH	5.6 sec	5.5 sec	6.8 sec
Quarter Mile	14.2 sec	14 sec	15.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97.4 MPH	98.2 MPH	93.1 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLE running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the XT6:

			MPG
GLE
	AWD	350 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/28 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	19 city/26 hwy
XT6
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/27 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/26 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/25 hwy

The GLE 450e can travel with zero emissions for 48 miles. The XT6 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the GLE’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The XT6 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The GLE has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the XT6. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GLE’s brake rotors are larger than those on the XT6:

	GLE 350	GLE 450e	XT6
Front Rotors	13 inches	15.7 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.6 inches	12.4 inches

The GLE stops much shorter than the XT6:

	GLE	XT6
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	131 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLE has larger standard tires than the XT6 (255/50R19 vs. 235/55R20). The GLE 580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XT6 (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 265/45R21).

The GLE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XT6’s standard 65 series tires. The GLE 580’s optional 285/40R22 front and 325/35R22 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the XT6 Premium Luxury/Sport’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the XT6. The GLE 580’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the XT6 Premium Luxury/Sport.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLE can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The XT6 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The GLE 450 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Cadillac doesn’t offer an active suspension on the XT6.

The GLE has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GLE’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The XT6 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The GLE’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The XT6 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLE’s wheelbase is 5.2 inches longer than on the XT6 (117.9 inches vs. 112.7 inches).

The GLE 450 handles at .83 G’s, while the XT6 Sport AWD pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the GLE has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the XT6 (7.9 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the GLE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The GLE Airmatic’s minimum ground clearance is 2.5 inches higher than on the XT6 (9.2 vs. 6.7 inches).

Chassis

The GLE is 4.2 inches shorter than the XT6, making the GLE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Passenger Space

The GLE has .7 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front shoulder room, 1.8 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the XT6.

Cargo Capacity

The GLE has a much larger cargo volume than the XT6 with its rear seat up (33.3 vs. 12.6 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the GLE easier. The GLE’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 30.7 inches, while the XT6’s liftover is 33 inches.

Towing

The GLE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the XT6’s (7700 vs. 1000 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the GLE is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the XT6. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the XT6, the GLE has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLE’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The XT6 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GLE’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The XT6’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the GLE the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the XT6 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The GLE’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The XT6’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the GLE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The XT6 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The GLE’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the XT6’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

The XT6’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The GLE’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the GLE has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The XT6 doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLE to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The XT6 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GLE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the XT6.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the XT6 Premium Luxury/Sport offers wireless charging.

The GLE offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The XT6 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the GLE owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the GLE with a number “8” insurance rate while the XT6 is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLE is less expensive to operate than the XT6 because it costs $200 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the GLE than the XT6, including $77 less for a muffler and $693 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Mercedes GLE outsold the Cadillac XT6 by over three to one during 2023.