2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe presented a balanced approach to the SUV coupe design. Nestled in Selenite Gray paint, it featured 22-inch forged aluminum wheels and a generous array of polished brightwork. Despite the controversial nature of SUV coupes, this model felt like a sleek pair of athletic sneakers from a front three-quarter perspective. Mercedes had trimmed down on its V8 offerings for 2022, including the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe with its robust 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine. Left was the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, starting at $77,800, and our test model, flaunting nearly every available feature, pushed the MSRP to just over $100,000.

Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe was a sanctuary of luxury with Nappa premium leather upholstery, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen setup blended instrumentation with infotainment elegantly, and ambient lighting added a sophisticated ambiance during night drives. The interior design managed to mask the vehicle's complexity but could be initially challenging for newcomers due to the lack of traditional controls.

Conversely, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made an unapologetic statement with its imposing size. The front end resembled a diesel locomotive, complete with a mammoth grille, vertical running lights, horizontal headlights, and massive LED taillights echoing classic Cadillac tailfins. Despite the 22-inch wheels, they appeared minuscule against the Escalade's vast sheet metal.

The Escalade boasted variations between its "sport" and "luxury" models, with bright exterior trimmings for the luxury versions and darker trims for the sport variants. Sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs, the Escalade still managed to carve out its unique identity while emphasizing its bulk. Its interior ticked all luxury boxes, featuring leather upholstery and wood trim, yet lacked a distinctive theme, unlike the midcentury-modern-inspired Lincoln Navigator. Cheap plastic bits undermined its otherwise luxurious cabin.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that churned out 429 hp at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhanced its performance and fuel conservation. The EPA rated our test vehicle at 19 mpg combined, while our real-world test yielded 18.5 mpg.

Adding to its robust engine, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe flaunted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD, and an AMG Dynamic Select system offering various driving modes. Performance was augmented by an AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes.

The GLE’s speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering aided low-speed maneuverability, making city driving smoother. However, the AMG Performance braking system could be challenging to modulate for seamless stops in urban settings. While the AMG Active Ride Control suspension handled moderate speed humps well, it struggled with sharper bumps and poorly maintained roads at higher speeds.

Switching to Sport+ mode, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe showcased its performance prowess on Malibu's Deer Creek Canyon Road, with the AWD system and performance tires providing excellent grip and brake performance, although its size and weight were noticeable drawbacks on twisty roads. Once in Sport mode, the SUV balanced performance with a more subdued exhaust note, making it more enjoyable on less demanding routes like Mulholland Highway.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: A 6.2-liter gasoline V8 producing 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque or a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine generating 277 hp and an identical torque figure of 460 pound-feet. Both engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in either RWD or 4WD. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, impressed with seamless power delivery and better torque at lower RPMs, making it an excellent choice for urban driving.

For towing, the gasoline engine had a slight edge with an 8,200-pound capacity, only marginally better than the diesel and just shy of the Navigator's 8,700-pound capacity. However, the Escalade's ride quality remained unsettled, reflecting a less luxurious experience, especially compared to the NM X7 or even its direct competitor, the Lincoln Navigator. Body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributed to this jiggling and vibrating ride over imperfect road surfaces.

Off-road capabilities were not the Escalade's forte, unlike its GM relatives, such as the Tahoe Z71 or Yukon AT4. The Escalade was more suited for its high-end claims but fell short when the tarmac ended.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe catered to up to five passengers, best suited for four adults or families with younger children in the rear seat. The front seats featured numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage, providing comfort on long drives and support on winding roads. Forward visibility was satisfactory, though rear visibility demanded the use of the available camera system.

Surprisingly accommodating, the back seat offered ample legroom, and the cargo hold was rated at 27.5 cubic feet, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Comfort features included heated front/rear seats, four-zone automatic climate control, heated armrests, and an in-cabin fragrance system, making the interior an opulent space.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, offered a vast interior space stretching to 211.9 inches in the standard model and 227 inches in the Escalade ESV. This spaciousness translated to leading legroom in the first and third rows among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row headroom slightly less than the Navigator.

Standard cabin features included second-row captain’s chairs and an optional power-folding 60/40 split bench. The Escalade excelled in cargo capacity with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 63 cubic feet behind the second row, and 109.1 cubic feet with all seats folded flat, outshining the Navigator.

However, certain interior design choices hindered functionality. The center console provided limited storage, and while 12-way power front seats with massage and lumbar support (except during chip shortages) were standard, they felt interchangeable with GM's lower-tier SUVs.

In 2022, the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system, standard with dual 12.3-inch screens under one glass panel. This setup included a digital instrument cluster with a touchscreen, offering features like navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The standard Burmester surround-sound system ensured high-quality audio.

Though potentially overwhelming, MBUX's ease of use was enhanced by its modern smartphone resemblance, logical menu structures, and multiple interaction methods. Its natural voice recognition technology was particularly effective, rivaling assistants like Alexa. However, the touchpad's placement near the cupholders often led to accidental activation, and options like MBUX Interior Assistant and augmented video for navigation added functionality but varied in practical value.

The Escalade was unmatched 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 trip-computer screen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity housed within an ergonomically aligned dash design.

Although the advanced touchscreen setup was visually appealing and functional, some features like the carousel radio station setup were cumbersome. Additionally, Cadillac's rotary controller felt redundant, and its voice recognition system lagged behind competitors like BMW and Mercedes.

A distinct advantage for the Escalade was its high-resolution OLED displays, essential for utilizing the 360-degree camera system, which could be accessed on both the central touchscreen and the instrument cluster. The rearview camera mirror enhanced visibility by eliminating blind spots from pillars or seat obstructions. Besides these, it featured high-tech options, including night vision and augmented-reality navigation, but struggled with sound tuning on its 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came well-provisioned with expected safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique to Mercedes, Pre Safe Sound emitted a tone intended to protect hearing before a collision. The Emergency Call Service remained accessible and free as long as the vehicle was owned.

The optional Driver Assistance Package offered a suite of 15 driver support and collision avoidance systems, including the new Traffic Jam Assist. Our test vehicle performed commendably, with systems like Active Lane Change Assist functioning smoothly. Route-based speed adaption, part of the adaptive cruise control, could be irksome, slowing the SUV based on navigation data.

Although crash-test results specific to the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA, suggesting robust safety credentials.

Standard on the 2022 Cadillac Escalade were advanced features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking (front/rear), and lane-keeping assistance. These alerts were interfaced through Cadillac’s vibrating Safety Alert Seat. Intermediate trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trims added trailer blind-spot monitoring.

Super Cruise was a standout feature, enabling hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, monitoring driver attention via an in-cabin camera to ensure safety. Although slightly inconsistent on certain road conditions, Super Cruise impressed with its smooth, natural responses.

However, crash-test ratings for the 2022 Escalade from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, leaving a gap in comprehensive safety evaluation data.