2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its improvements, still struggled to captivate with its exterior design. While the aggressive nose and sloping hood hinted at potential, the overall look past the A-pillar remained reminiscent of its predecessors, lacking the striking proportions seen in competitors like BMW or Audi. The AMG trim attempted to add a sporty flair, but it couldn't quite match the allure of rivals such as the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story, showcasing a masterful blend of quality materials, vibrant colours, and innovative design. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, with features like twin arching grab handles and LED lighting adding to the opulent feel. Despite some flimsy controls, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury that required significant investment to fully appreciate.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave embraced its heritage with a design that harkened back to Buick's glory days while catering to modern SUV preferences. As the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, the Enclave stood out with its impressive presence, especially in the Avenir trim, which added unique styling elements like a distinctive grille and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the upscale theme with a minimalist yet elegant approach, featuring soft leather seats, polished accents, and a user-friendly layout. While the wood trim wasn't genuine, the overall interior ambiance was one of comfort and luxury. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, with the exception of a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, but it was easy to adapt to. Overall, the Enclave's design and interior offered a compelling blend of style and functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile SUV, boasting a range of advanced suspension and engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a reliable coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 introduced AIRMATIC with self-leveling air springs and adaptive dampers. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems further enhanced handling, allowing the GLE to lean into turns and even bounce to free itself from sand. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its electric supercharger, delivered quick acceleration, though not as exhilarating as expected. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality, though it didn't significantly improve fuel efficiency. The GLE 350 offered 255 hp, while the GLE 450 and AMG GLE 53 delivered 362 hp and 429 hp, respectively. All GLE models featured standard 4MATIC AWD and impressive towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg. The driving experience was exceptional, with precise steering and remarkable ride quality.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, offered a simpler yet effective performance package. All Enclave models were equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, aided by the V6's low torque peak, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The Premium and Avenir trims came with AWD, enhancing traction and stability. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, providing a smooth and comfortable ride across various driving conditions. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was commendable, with a combined rating of 11.2 L/100 km for FWD models and 11.8 L/100 km for AWD. The Enclave's towing capacity was 2,268 kg, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models configured as two-row SUVs, though a third-row option was available for seating up to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the third-row access was facilitated by sliding and folding seats. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five passengers, with a sloping roofline that reduced rear headroom. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe offered slightly less space, with 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with the seats down. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered intuitive features like seat kinetics and ambient lighting.

The 2021 Buick Enclave stood out as one of the largest SUVs in its class, providing ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious amenities, including 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort, with a stylish centre console and triple-zone climate control. The third-row seat was notably spacious, offering comfort comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Cargo space was impressive, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,764 litres with the second row down. The Enclave's large rear doors and captain's chairs made access to the third row easy.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures for added convenience. The system offered a user-friendly interface with search bars and larger type, making it easy to navigate. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance enthusiasts, while the Seat Kinetics feature adjusted seating positions for comfort. The GLE's infotainment system was highly customizable, with a head-up display, ambient lighting, and a natural voice assistant. The navigation system projected camera feeds with overlays for enhanced guidance. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a range of electronic amenities that added to the GLE's luxurious appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but lacked the advanced features found in competitors. The 8-inch touchscreen display was responsive, and the user interface was simple and logical. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Enclave offered upgrades like a premium sound system, navigation, and a surround-view camera system. However, the screen size and audio quality fell short compared to rivals. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video feed of the rear view. Despite its shortcomings, the Enclave's technology package was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced occupant protection, while the brakes and stability control systems provided additional safety measures. The GLE's advanced safety features contributed to its reputation as a secure and reliable SUV.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, while offering essential safety features, lagged behind in terms of advanced driver assistance technologies. In Canada, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but the Driver Confidence Plus Package, which included forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist, was limited to higher trims. The Avenir Technology Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking, but the Enclave lacked features like lane-centring assistance and self-parking. Despite these limitations, the Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated as Marginal.