2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant comeback for the brand, which had struggled during the Malaise Era of automotive design. The Enclave, a large, American-made SUV, helped Buick regain its footing by appealing to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. Available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, the Enclave ranged in price from just over $41,000 to just under $55,000. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, giving it a premium look. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft, perforated leather, although the wood trim was not genuine.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 offered a more subtle, less flashy appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The base model avoided gaudy grilles and excessive chrome, but higher trims like the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 600 added visual drama with flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and larger wheels. The interior of the GLS 450, even in its basic form, exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, providing a high-tech feel. The GLS 450's interior felt high-quality and durable, suitable for a luxury SUV.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, offering strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially in the Avenir trim. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and it achieved 21.2 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine generated 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth and powerful performance, while the air suspension offered a comfortable ride, although it exhibited some body control issues. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, slightly less than some competitors.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious and easy to access, and it offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for easy access to the third row, and the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The GLS also featured one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, making it easy to load and unload cargo. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. The Enclave also offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. The standard 13-speaker Burmester audio system provided excellent sound quality. The MBUX system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and the touchscreen itself. However, the touchpad controller was found to be too sensitive, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting from the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking were only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, and Crosswind Assist. Additional advanced driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and Active Steering Assist, were available as options. The GLS also included Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a potential collision by tightening seat belts and closing windows. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.