2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, the largest of Buick's four SUVs, stood out with its American-made appeal and premium looks, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and luxurious leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple, except for the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, had a sporty and athletic appearance. Despite the trend of SUV coupes, the GLE 53 Coupe managed to look stylish and proportionate. Inside, it was as luxurious as expected, featuring high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and infotainment design. The Nappa premium leather, Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim added to the upscale feel. Ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. The interior design masked the vehicle's complexity, and while the lack of traditional controls could be confusing initially, users acclimated over time.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offered a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the SUV drove like a smaller vehicle despite its size. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a smooth ride across various driving conditions. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 21.2 mpg, allowing for a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, generating 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated 19 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe's performance highlights included a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD, and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes enhanced the driving experience. The GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed in various driving conditions, with Sport+ mode delivering exhilarating performance on challenging roads.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The center console provided storage and comfort, while the second-row captain's chairs and third-row bench seat offered flexibility. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and the cargo area measured 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe technically seated five, but it was more comfortable for four adults. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear visibility was limited, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo area measured 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone climate control system, heated armrests, and an in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the Enclave lacked smart home digital assistant integration and high-end audio components. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The Burmester surround-sound audio system and wireless smartphone charging were also standard. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D surround-sound system.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors, was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced emergency braking was available only with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, and advanced driving assistance technologies. The NHTSA awarded the Enclave a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS gave it high marks, except for a Marginal headlight performance rating.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle's lifetime. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 safety systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The lane-keeping assistance technology was highly effective, and the route-based speed adaptation function could be turned off. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.