2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class had an exterior design that many found to be sufficient but not extraordinary. Compared to its competition, the GLE had always appeared somewhat hastily put together. The aggressive front design with its angular nose and low hood promised a lot but fell short past the A-pillar. Despite features like flat taillights and a contoured rear, the GLE struggled to shake off its minivan-like silhouette. In AMG trim, the GLE aimed for a sporty look but didn’t quite pull it off when compared to rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story. Mercedes redefined luxury with high-quality materials, a clever layout, and striking color combinations. The red and black interior was particularly eye-catching. Arched grab handles, LED lighting, and a variety of textures made the interior a tactile delight. However, elements like the flimsy gear selector and turn signal stalks slightly marred the interior's otherwise lavish feel.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade was anything but modest in its design. It was unapologetically massive, with a grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights scaled to its size. The design echoed classic Cadillac cues like sky-high tailfins while the tall hood and vertical running lights gave it a formidable front-end appearance. Even the 22-inch wheels seemed dwarfed by the expansive body. Cadillac differentiated between trim levels by swapping bright trim for darkened “sport” trims, making the overall look varied and appealing. The interior of the Escalade didn’t quite match its bold exterior. While the leather upholstery, wood trim, and massive panoramic sunroof ticked all the luxury boxes, there was no cohesive design theme. Despite this, features like the 12-way power-adjustable seats and extensive cargo space added practicality to the luxury.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled as a versatile luxury SUV, especially when equipped with multiple air suspension and turbocharged engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a 255-horsepower engine, while the more advanced GLE 450 came with a 362-horsepower turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. The AMG GLE 53 provided 429 horsepower, while the top-of-the-line GLE 63 S boasted a staggering 603 horsepower. The GLE 450 and higher trims featured advanced 48-volt hybrid systems, providing additional horsepower and torque, and made for seamless start-stop functionality. This hybrid setup didn’t significantly improve fuel efficiency, but it added to performance finesse. The GLE could tow up to 7700 pounds and displayed impressive ride quality and agile steering. The AMG models featured enormous brakes and sport exhausts, further enhancing their dynamic appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two engine choices: a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 277 horsepower. Both engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The gasoline engine could achieve a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, slightly higher than the diesel’s 8,100 pounds. However, the ride was less comfortable than one would expect in a luxury SUV. The body-on-frame construction, 22-inch wheels, and independent rear suspension didn't fully counteract the truck-like ride quality. Despite the additions of air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control dampers, the Escalade always felt unsettled, especially on imperfect pavement.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class predominantly operated as a roomy two-row SUV with an optional third row. When deployed, the third row allowed seating for seven, but spacewise, it was a tight fit. The second-row featured power controls for recline and headrest adjustments. Cargo space behind the second row stood at 34 cubic feet, expanding to 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe version was less spacious with 23 and 61 cubic feet of cargo capacity, respectively. The sloping roofline and narrow rear door openings due to large tires made access and egress less convenient.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, available in both standard (211.9 inches long) and extended ESV (227 inches long) versions, provided an expansive interior. It led its class in first-row and third-row legroom with ample second-row headroom as well. Standard features included second-row captain's chairs and a power split-folding third-row seat. Cargo capacity was generous at 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Despite the roomy interior, the Escalade’s raised center console lacked adequate storage space for loose items, and the front seats, although well-equipped, didn’t feel as luxurious as expected.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class's infotainment system centered around a 12-inch touchscreen with responsive Interior Assistant capabilities and customizable gestures. Features included seat kinetics for automatic adjustments, mood-enhancing lighting, various scent canisters, and a hyper-configurable head-up display. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a high-quality voice assistant were standard. Advanced features like Track Pace, a virtual pit crew app, and Energizing Comfort with spa-like capabilities added to an already over-the-top tech suite.

On the tech front, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade pulled no punches with a remarkable 38-inch OLED display. This setup included a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 16.9-inch touchscreen, complemented by a smaller screen for additional trip data. The seamless integration within the dashboard, along with diagonally arranged icons, provided a user-friendly experience. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an impressive 360-degree camera system. Additional tech marvels like augmented reality navigation, night vision, and a 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system further elevated the tech experience. However, the rotary controller felt like an afterthought, and the lack of advanced voice recognition was a minor setback.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class had top-tier safety credentials, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for its standard suite of safety features such as forward-emergency braking and superior crash-test scores. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control capabilities. The unique Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional safety layers by preparing occupants and reducing noise and impact effects during a collision.

In comparison, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Most warnings were mediated through the innovative Safety Alert Seat. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Super Cruise, Cadillac’s advanced hands-free driving system. Super Cruise offered a refined hands-free driving experience on pre-mapped highways and featured an integrated driver-facing camera for safety. However, the Escalade lacked official crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, leaving a gap in its safety profile.