Mercedes-Benz GLB, GLA vs. Cadillac XT4: Dimensional Comparison
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Premium German automaker Mercedes-Benz is beefing up its compact crossover offerings with two model introductions this year – the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB, and the redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLA. With both models framed as luxury compacts, we thought it fitting to line them up against the most obvious rival from General Motors – the Cadillac XT4. This time around, we’re taking a look at the exterior dimensions, interior dimensions, and cargo dimensions for all three vehicles to see just how compact they really are.
In addition to providing a good frame of reference when comparing these vehicles, exterior dimensions are also important to consider for those buyers that value high maneuverability and ease of parking. Cargo room and passenger room are also critical components of the segment.
Cadillac XT4
To note, the Cadillac XT4 first hit the scene for the 2019 model year. The XT4 utilizes the the GM E2XX platform, and comes in three trim levels, per Caddy’s Y-trim level strategy – Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport.
Exterior Dimensions
As for the Cadillac XT4, the exterior dimensions include 109.4 inches for the wheelbase, 181.1 inches in overall length, 74.1 inches in overall width, and 64.1 inches in overall height. Those figures do not include the sideview mirrors for overall width, but do include the roof rails for overall height. Also, the XT4 comes with mismatched track dimensions, measured at 63.2 inches in front and 63.1 inches in the rear.
Cadillac XT4
By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is bigger than the Cadillac XT4 in most dimensions. The GLB’s wheelbase is two inches longer, its overall width is 1.3 inches longer, and its overall height is 1.2 inches taller. The GLB also boasts a marginally wider track, front and rear. Interestingly, the GLB is two inches narrower than its Caddy rival.
Then there’s the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA, which is considerably smaller than the XT4. The GLA’s wheelbase is two inches shorter, while the overall length is 7.4 inches shorter. Overall width is 1.9 inches narrower, and overall height is 0.7 inches lower. Finally, the GLA’s front and rear track match the GLB, and is thus marginally larger than that of the Cadillac XT4.
| Dimension | Cadillac XT4 | Mercedes-Benz GLB | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in. ): | 109.4 | 111.4 | 107.4 |
| Overall Length (in.): | 181.1 | 182.4 | 173.6 |
| Overall Width (in.): | 74.1 | 72.2 | 72.2 |
| Overall Height (in.): | 64.1 | 65.3 | 63.4 |
| Front Track (in.): | 63.2 | 63.2 | 63.2 |
| Rear Track (in.): | 63.1 | 63.2 | 63.2 |
Interior Dimensions
Here’s where things get tricky, given the plethora of dimensions and configurations on hand to compare.
Inside, the Cadillac XT4 comes with 39.4 inches of headroom up front and 38.3 inches of headroom in the back, plus 40.4 inches of legroom in front and 39.5 inches of legroom in back, and 57 inches of shoulder room in front with 55.1 inches of shoulder room in back.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
Then there’s the Mercedes-Benz GLB, which offers a third-row seating configuration that’s unique to this comparison. However, comparing the five-seater configuration to the XT4, the Merc comes with an extra 1.3 inches of headroom in front and an extra inch of headroom in back, as well as an extra inch of legroom in front and 1.4 inches less legroom in back. Shoulder room is 1.1 inches less in front and 0.2 inches less in the rear.
Meanwhile, compared to the XT4, the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers an extra 1.4 inches in front and 0.2 inches less headroom on the second row, 0.7 inches of extra legroom in front and 1.1 inches less legroom in back, and 1.1 inches less shoulder room in front plus 0.3 inches less shoulder room in the rear.
| Dimension | Cadillac XT4 | Mercedes-Benz GLB (Five-Seater) | Mercedes-Benz GLB (Seven-Seater) | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room (in.) | 39.4 | 40.7 | 40.7 | 40.8 |
| Rear Head Room (in.) | 38.3 | 39.3 | 38.7 | 38.1 |
| Third-Row Head Room (in.) | - | - | 34.8 | - |
| Front Legroom (in.) | 40.4 | 41.4 | 41.4 | 41.1 |
| Rear Legroom (in.) | 39.5 | 38.1 | 36.9 | 38.4 |
| Third-Row Legroom (in.) | - | - | 29.1 | - |
| Front Shoulder Room (in.) | 57 | 55.9 | 55.9 | 55.9 |
| Rear Shoulder Room (in.) | 55.1 | 54.9 | 55 | 54.8 |
| Third-Row Shoulder Room (in.) | - | - | 43.8 | - |
Cargo Dimensions
Wrapping up this comparison are the cargo dimensions, with the Cadillac XT4 showing up with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear bench, and 48.9 cubic feet behind the first row.
By comparison, the five-seater Mercedes-benz GLB comes with an extra 13.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Specs for space the second row have yet to be announced.
Finally, we have the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which offers 15.4 cubic feet behind the second row, 7.1 cubic feet under that of the XT4. Specs on cargo space with the rear bench folded are still forthcoming.
| Dimension | Cadillac XT4 | Mercedes-Benz GLB (Five-Seater) | Mercedes-Benz GLB (Seven-Seater) | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (cu.-ft.) | 48.9 | 62 | 56.7 | TBA |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (cu.-ft.) | 22.5 | TBA | 24 | 15.4 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row (cu.-ft.) | - | - | 5.1 | - |
The question is – which would you rather have? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac XT4 news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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Are the headroom dimensions with or without sunroof?
how about the price dimension comparison? that is the most important number.
The XT4 AWD is low $30’s right now on cars dot com
The interior dimensions seem competitive. Now how about price power and quality? If the Caddy is competitive in those then they have a chance. If they are lacking in just one of those areas the they will have a hard time. Perception will be their downfall if they are not as good or better in all areas.
There are people out there who would rather pay $50,000 for the Mercedes than $40,000 for the Cadillac even with all thing being equal because of perception. I know it sounds crazy but that’s the way some people think.
Except for the XT4 AWD is in the low $30’s on car dot com. That $20K savings on the XT4 makes the $35K Honda CR-V look like a nice golf cart.
Base Prices:
GLB Base- $36,600.00
XT6 – $35,695
I recently sat in the GLB and its a great product. The interior is Mercedes… the XT4 is mostly “ok”. The back seat in the GLB is adjustable fore & aft for increased rear cargo space, or increased leg room for back seat passengers. We have a GLK which IMO “LOOKS” like a MB whereas the replacement GLC doesnt look as good. This GLB has the blocky look of the GLK and has strong presence. My only issue was what I viewed as a high cowl line out the doors, rather high vs the GLK. The GLB also offers the 3rd row which I hear is for kids only or ‘very’ short term for adults. That said the GLB seems to be flexible and with the GLA and GLC MB is ruining Cadillac. The XT4 is simply out gunned…. GM has got to get off their duffs… I really don’t think they have the stomach to compete, the vision, the budget or clearly the leadership.
The other luxury brands are moving forward yet GM is simply pathetic. The current X1 BMW is a snazzy little SUV which also blows the XT4 away. The Key here is, will buyers of Mercedes, BMW or Audi products switch to the XT4… what reason has GM given them, their product is barely a lux player especially when brand cache is still junk.
MGT at GM especially Typhoid Mary, needs to all be fired….
The XT4 is down to low $30’s on cars dot com. The pricey GLB with options would better match the larger XT6.
This decades Cadillacs are just softballs until when the EV’s come out of of this decade.
Given how popular these compact crossovers (even unimpressive ones like the GLA, GLC, GLK, UX, X1, QX50, XC40 etc.) Cadillac should consider an XT3 sporty model based on the CT4 chassis. It could basically be like the GLA but with good handling and less tacky styling.
The XT4 is selling very well and is in okay shape for now….but the larger XT5 is getting long in the tooth. It needs an update and a switch to a more appropriate rear drive platform ASAP. It might even be okay to downsize that one slightly as the similarly priced XT6 picks up the slack on the higher end of that market.
Hey xjug – strong opinion from someone who obviously has not sat / rode in the Caddy X4. Sounds like you are a nameplate romancer……..one of the most honest assessments you made was calling the BMW X1 “little”.
Cadillac under Mary has become a joke. Boring designs, boring interior, now the re invention of the ALtima Caddilac style. She knows about as much in design as K MART.
Cadillac is waiting for the new revolution..
“…Cadillac will refresh its current gasoline-powered models one more time during the next decade then shift to electric models, he said, adding, “None of us knows how quickly the transition will take place.”
A key challenge for electric vehicles is driving range and Carlisle said Cadillacs will need a range of 300 miles to be competitive. Eventually, he told Reuters, “you need to be at 400 miles” with charging times in minutes.” The Detroit Bureau
Cadillac is Reuss’ baby. He screwed JdN on the sub-optimized product plan over a petty little power play and now they have what they have.
I think the design is the least of their problem. The products are really just nice Chevrolets.
This dog just doesn’t hunt in 2020.
The GLB just looks like a really nice Renegade to be honest
XT4 seems to be selling pretty well.
XT4 exterior looks quite nice but interior, engine option etc. make it outsider. Costumer needs luxury vehicle with standards like full digital clusters, bigger screen, better quality (not Chevy standard).
XT4 is a great luxury SUV. Perfect no but neither are the GLA nor the GLB. Or Q3, XC40, etc I compared all but the GLB when I went shopping and bought the XT4. The exterior design is beautiful and the interior is clean, cohesive, and at or above its competitors. Seats that are automatically heated, and cooled seats with massaging functions, luxurious little detail. This is not an Escalade, which I also tested And bought the XT4 over because the ride was much better and the interior was much more modern and to my personal preference.
Your name says it all…
I like the exterior of the XT4 by far…… but the bean counters at the General need to quit cheapening Cadillac interiors . That is where the consumer spends all their time and spending north of 50 grand all the cheap plastic needs to go .
Merc does great interiors that are hard to beat and unfortunately its true that the snob appeal will go to the Benz everytime .
I would prefer the XT4 because of total costs all around. I also like to support local North American vehicles even though there are foriegn vehicles built in North America.
I think everyone here “wants” to buy American and we desperately want GM strong, growing and building the finest cars on the planet. I would love a CT6, 2 door coupe called El Miraj or Eldorado with an LS6 V8 and 400bhp, but no GM enters markets with 1/2 @$$ed products then when they fail they jump and run vs refine it to what it’s market demands . The list is endless.
There seems to be a significant disconnect though as GM could spend just a little more to enhance the value proposition. Does it cost “that” much more to give all Cadillac interiors soft touch coverings over hard cheap plastics? Do they understand the customer or is it “we’ll give you this and …. “ Can they not see the other lux players are serious and that upstart Genesis is “serious” about carving out a section of the luxury business, and it will likely be Cadillac customers? (MB, BMW & Audi aren’t necessarily looking for the same “value” as their brand provides cache and already connotes something about the customer).
Mary & Mark need to go, especially Mary!