2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made an unforgettable first impression with its unapologetically massive size. The front-end design, inspired by a diesel locomotive, featured an oversized grille, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights, creating a unique and powerful visage. The taillights, recalling classic Cadillacs' tailfins, complemented its bold stance. Different trim levels offered variations in styling; the Luxury and Premium Luxury models boasted bright exterior trims and wheels, while the Sport model had darkened trim and a mesh grille.

The Escalade's interior exuded luxury with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, yet it lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite having plush materials, some cheap plastic bits were present. The SUV shared its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs, making its immense bulk clear, especially when comparing its 22-inch wheels against the vast sheetmetal surface.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offered a more subtle and refined aesthetic in its base GLS 450 form, avoiding gaudy elements like an oversized grille. It sported a more muscular grille and front bumper in the AMG GLS 63 performance model, while the Maybach version indulged in chrome detailing and 23-inch wheels for an extra dose of luxury.

Inside, the GLS exhibited understated opulence. Even with a basic interior setup, features like leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting created a luxurious ambiance. Small details, such as the intricate speaker grilles and rectangular air vents, gave it an edge of sophistication. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, encased under one glass piece, were beautifully integrated into the upright dashboard.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered robust engine options. A standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while an available 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine produced 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission paired with either rear-wheel or optional four-wheel drive configurations. An Escalade-V model was available with a supercharged V8, making 682 hp.

In testing, the diesel engine was impressive despite its lower horsepower, offering smooth power delivery thanks to a peak torque at just 1,500 rpm. However, the Escalade's ride quality was less than ideal, with body-on-frame construction leading to a bumpy, unsettled ride and significant cabin vibrations. The maximum towing capacity was 8,200 pounds with the gasoline engine, though it fell short of competitors like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, specifically the GLS 450, came with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine supported by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid setup added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque intermittently. Other models included the GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with up to 603 hp.

The GLS 450 performed commendably, with the six-cylinder engine providing ample power. However, its ride quality was marred by poor body control, resulting in excessive bouncing and leaning. The GLS 450's towing capacity stood at 7,700 pounds, which, while competent, was surpassed by other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, both standard and extended (ESV) versions, shared their architecture with other GM full-size SUVs. The standard model measured 211.9 inches long, and the ESV stretched to 227 inches. This translated to a cavernous cabin with excellent first and third-row legroom. Cargo space was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 63.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

Functionality issues included limited storage space in the center console and standard seats that fell short of luxury expectations, though they did offer 12-way power adjustment with massage and lumbar support. Large sun visors and dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation were practical touches.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, standard as a seven-seater, could be configured with six seats with captain’s chairs in the second row. The second-row seats could slide fore and aft, adding 3.4 inches of legroom. However, cargo space was less generous compared to the Escalade. It provided 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Still, one-touch folding seats and a power tailgate facilitated easier loading. The GLS' air suspension could lower for more convenient cargo access.

The Cadillac Escalade stood out with its 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 control panel. Its interface was user-friendly, with thoughtful integration into the dashboard and smartly arranged icons. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard, along with a tricky-to-tune 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system.

The technology offered convenience, but some elements, like the carousel radio station changer and the rotary controller, felt awkward. The advanced 360-degree camera system provided high-resolution views, accessible from both the instrument cluster and central touchscreen, aiding in maneuvering this large vehicle. Cadillac also included Super Cruise, a sophisticated $2,500 optional driver-assist system that facilitated hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, natural language voice recognition starting with "Hey Mercedes," and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. Navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity were standard, with an optional head-up display.

While MBUX provided several control options including voice commands, touchpads, and touchscreens, the voice recognition was the most reliable. Graphics were sharp, though the GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation seen in the latest S-Class. The touchpad controller, designed for menu navigation, was overly sensitive and cumbersome compared to rotary controllers used by other manufacturers. The navigation system also had an unusual tendency to suggest impractical routes.

The Cadillac Escalade came equipped with numerous standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Super Cruise provided advanced hands-free driving capabilities on highways.

We found Super Cruise impressive for its smooth, natural responses and lane-keeping prowess. However, specific crash-test ratings from IIHS or NHTSA were unavailable, meaning the Escalade's crash protection capability remained undetermined.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offered forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, among other features. Optional safety technologies included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and several advanced driver-assistance systems like Active Steering Assist and Evasive Steering Assist.

Standard safety included Crosswind Assist and Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for collisions by tightening seat belts and closing windows. Yet, like the Escalade, comprehensive crash-test ratings were not available.