2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a unique retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, it featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and ambient cabin experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically large size and distinct styling elements. Its front end, reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, featured a tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. The Escalade's design emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels appearing small against its vast sheet metal. It offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with bright or darkened exterior trims. Sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs, the Escalade provided a spacious interior but lacked a cohesive design theme. While it boasted luxury features like leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, it fell short in delivering a distinctive interior design.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs enhancing its performance. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for an SUV of its size. It had a robust suspension system, with a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The G-Class also offered adjustable suspension and three independent locking differentials for off-road adventures. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel-drive standard and four-wheel-drive optional. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, making it efficient for city driving. The gasoline engine had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, slightly higher than the diesel. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels affecting comfort. It lacked the off-road capability of its GM cousins and fell short in ride quality compared to competitors like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and practical, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was spacious, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. The second row offered comfortable seating for three adults, with a 60/40 split-folding option. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also lacked hands-free access for the tailgate, a feature available in lower-tier Mercedes models.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, the raised center console limited storage space, and the front seats, despite being power-adjustable with massage and lumbar support, felt similar to those in GM's less luxurious models. Cadillac did include practical features like dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured impressive tech with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment. These customizable screens allowed drivers to tailor the layout and content, enhancing the driving experience. The Burmester Surround Sound system added to the immersive environment. The infotainment system ran on Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The G-Class offered a rear-seat entertainment system, multiple USB and 12-volt outlets, and standard WiFi, though it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the display integrated seamlessly into the dashboard. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and it featured a rearview camera mirror. Additional tech included a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation. The 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was standard, though tuning it proved challenging.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, potentially causing unintended consequences. The G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assist tech, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with Super Cruise available as an option. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera for safety. While the system occasionally disengaged unexpectedly, it provided smooth and natural responses. The Escalade had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.