2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with its XT4 and XT5 siblings. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, featured a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents, enhancing its premium appeal. The SUV rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, which complemented its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights. Cadillac offered the XT6 in eight paint colours, with most requiring an additional surcharge. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5's design but was slightly larger, offering four colour options. The seats, especially with the optional Platinum Package, were luxurious, though the dashboard area was less premium.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from its gasoline counterparts. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, giving it a unique stance. The ID.4's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, using piano black and matte plastic materials. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available as an upgrade. The cabin felt spacious, and the heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in colder conditions.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The V6 provided ample power, but the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the AWD Sport model, which weighed 2,127 kilograms. Despite this, the XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 achieving 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base RWD version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version added a second motor for a total of 295 horsepower. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, though it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness. The electric motor's instantaneous torque made acceleration enjoyable, but the ID.4 lacked aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience. This decision aimed to ease the transition for drivers accustomed to gasoline vehicles.

The Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row on higher trims. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less room compared to some competitors. Interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row occupants, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate, though the cargo load floor was relatively high.

The Volkswagen ID.4 provided more front and rear headroom than many EV competitors, though legroom was average. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of some gasoline crossovers. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," but the cabin felt spacious, and forward visibility was good. The centre console offered limited storage, but the ID.4 included standard heated seats and steering wheel, which proved effective in cold weather.

The Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a suite of standard features like tri-zone climate control and a WiFi hotspot. However, the screen could feel crowded or lacking information. Optional upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system and enhanced wireless charging.

The Volkswagen ID.4 came with a 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch upgrade) and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. The haptic touchpads replaced traditional controls, which could be challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, which communicated information through a light strip. While some features felt gimmicky, the infotainment system was well-positioned and user-friendly.

The Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system struggled to read lines accurately. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a rear-camera mirror. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The Volkswagen ID.4 also received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.