The 2020 Cadillac XT6 takes a more family-friendly tack to the three-row crossover than the big Escalade.
Pros Evolved styling Standard automatic emergency braking Available all-wheel drive Smart Sport suspension tuning Supple, supportive seats
Cons Small third row Too far from Escalade in looks? Lacks SuperCruise, at least for now
The XT6 is an all-new model.Part of the first XT6 generation introduced for 2020.The 2020 Cadillac XT6 comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.
Pros Delivers both good power and ride comfort Many active safety features are standard equipment Third row is roomy enough for most adults
Cons Minimal cargo space behind third row Driving experience feels disconnected
Looking to get into the three-row crossover game with something more nimble than the full-size Escalade, Cadillac has launched the XT6. Based on the same underpinnings as the GMC Acadia and the smaller Cadillac XT5, the mid-size XT6 is spacious and family-friendly. It has many of Cadillac's unique styling cues, including a front end that is inspired by the Cadillac Escala concept, along with upscale trim and different lighting elements.
The GLS-Class officially makes its debut for 2017, though it's really a slightly revised version of the outgoing GL-Class. Highlights include modified exterior styling, a newly standard nine-speed automatic transmission (except on the AMG GLS 63) and a touchpad-operated infotainment system with a larger screen and available Apple CarPlay. Also, all engines except the GLS450's turbocharged V6 get a bit more horsepower this year.
Pros Third row is large enough for adults Spirited acceleration with any of the three gasoline engines Impressive fuel economy with the diesel engine Quiet cabin with high-end trimmings and features.
Cons Diesel-powered model feels relatively slow when passing and merging Big price jump from the six-cylinder models to the V8-powered versions.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS gets the first-class upgrade along with its name change—and a Maybach edition is waiting in the wings. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class marks a significant, mid-cycle upgrade for what was previously knew as the GL-Class. As part of a nomenclature change sweeping the entire brand, each of the German luxury maker's sport-utility vehicles has received new badging and a full or partial makeover to bring the lineup into more obvious parallels with its sedans—so this large, three-row SUV becomes the GLS, to align it with the largest S-Class sedan. Hence the S in its new name.
Pros Spacious, flexible interior Rugged-lux, with some added panache Great set of safety, infotainment features
Cons Not an entirely new vehicle Some switchgear looks dated Cumbersome COMAND interface
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ranks 1 out of 8 Luxury Large SUVs. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS hits most of the right notes for a large SUV. It boasts a supple ride, three powerful engine choices, three rows of roomy seats, and the same level of luxury that has come to be synonymous with the brand. However, the GLS has fewer standard features than many rivals do, and its available V8 engines are less fuel-efficient than those offered by many competitors.
Pros Powerful engine lineup Smooth ride Three rows of spacious seats
Cons Fewer features than some rivals V8 engines get subpar fuel economy
