2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class presented a more understated and less ostentatious appearance compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, unlike the exaggerated designs on the BMW X7 or Lexus LX. Future variations of the GLS promised increased visual flair with the AMG GLS 63 featuring flared wheel arches, a more robust grille and bumper, prominent rectangular exhaust tips, and AMG-specific 21-inch wheels. The Maybach version added chrome detailing everywhere, a traditional hood ornament, power running boards, and massive 23-inch wheels.

The GLS’ interior, although sometimes basic by luxury standards, exuded high quality. Highlights included non-Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, ambient lighting, and intricate speaker grilles. Notably, the GLS avoided fragility in its interior design, feeling both luxurious and durable. Among its key features, the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were housed under one glass piece, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and practical dashboard layout.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade exuded sheer size and presence, standing nearly six-and-a-half feet tall and stretching between 18 to 19 feet in length. This aspect lent the Cadillac a show-stopping appeal ideal for pop musicians, overzealous parents, or those desiring visibility on the road. Sporting thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits, particularly in the Sport Platinum trim, the Escalade managed to look streamlined despite its huge dimensions. The vehicle’s intricate lighting sequences added further charm, making it a true visual spectacle.

Inside, the Escalade's front row flaunted a wealth of luxury materials, including a curved leather-edged display spanning 38 inches. In contrast, lower trims had some cheaper GM-sourced components, distancing themselves from the premium feel expected from a vehicle of its price range. However, the vehicle's overall size meant it could comfortably accommodate passengers in all three rows, setting a benchmark for passenger space among luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It was further assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor. Although the potential return of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 models—the GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600—was on the horizon, the six-cylinder variant impressed with its balance and smoothness. However, its suspension left more to be desired, exhibiting discomforting motions and a lack of body control.

In terms of towing, the GLS 450 could haul up to 7,700 pounds, a respectable figure, though it lagged behind competitor SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator’s 8,700-pound towing capacity.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering adequate performance for towing up to 8,200 pounds on the RWD model. The 10-speed automatic transmission proved decent for gentle cruising but underwhelming for spirited driving. The more potent Escalade-V incorporated a supercharged Corvette V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, but its performance, although exhilarating, seemed excessive.

Additionally, Cadillac provided a 3.0-liter turbodiesel option, achieving a combined 22 mpg with 4WD and matching the standard V8's torque. Despite the rudimentary 4WD system, the Escalade’s magnetic dampers and optional air suspension contributed to a nimbler ride with nearly zero body roll, even though it could feel unsettled on rough terrains.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class came standard with a seven-seat configuration, offering a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench and two third-row seats. A six-seat option with individual captain’s chairs was also available. Cargo-wise, the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and expanded to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The one-touch power-folding seats facilitated easy loading and unloading, enhanced by an air suspension that could lower the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most spacious interior of any large SUV. It provided 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The long-wheelbase ESV model took it a step further with a maximum of 143 cubic feet. Innovative design choices, like the independent rear suspension, maximized passenger comfort without compromising on headroom or legroom, even in the third row.

Both SUVs featured ergonomic designs, catering to ease of use, but the Escalade's controls were particularly intuitive. From a front console refrigerator to power-retractable side steps, the Escalade integrated practical solutions to enhance everyday usability.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. Voice recognition, touchpad controllers, and touchscreen operation were among the interaction options, though its navigation system did display some inconsistencies.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade took a leap forward with its OLED screens spanning the dashboard, providing unparalleled clarity. The instrument panel's integration of a high-resolution front camera feed with directional overlays offered superior navigation assistance, surpassing both Mercedes and BMW systems. Furthermore, Cadillac's Super Cruise emerged as the leading hands-free highway driving system, surpassing Tesla by incorporating infrared eye-tracking for safety. The Escalade also featured massaging seats, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, rear-seat entertainment, and night vision, emphasizing its commitment to high-end technology.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offered a suite of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, and Pre Safe. For more advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, buyers had to opt for extras.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned a four-star NHTSA rating due to lower scores in front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a vibrating Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, and a rear seat reminder. Additional safety features like reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise were optional, though some functions, like reverse emergency braking, performed inconsistently during tests.