2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead found its niche among pragmatic, affluent buyers seeking a luxurious family SUV. The GLS's design softened its angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 included remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine, heated-and-cooled front seats, massaging front seats, and more. The AMG GLS 63, with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, stood out with a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel and a leather strip on the Alcantara wheel.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically massive size. Its grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were scaled to match its bulk, giving it a distinct presence. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, resembled a diesel locomotive. The Escalade's 22-inch wheels appeared small against its vast sheet metal, emphasizing its size.

The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim and wheels, while the Sport trim had darkened trim and a mesh grille. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs, the Escalade's interior aimed for luxury with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. However, it lacked a cohesive design theme and included some cheap-looking plastic bits.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph.

The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension system adjusted ground clearance between 7.9 and 8.5 inches, enhancing cornering and obstacle clearance. It featured double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, providing precise cornering. Multiple drive-mode settings, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for customized driving experiences. The GLS's E-Active Body Control ensured a smooth ride, even on rough roads, making it maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel-drive or optional four-wheel-drive. The Escalade diesel, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, making it responsive from a stop.

The gasoline engine had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, slightly higher than the diesel's 8,100 pounds. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less comfortable experience compared to unibody SUVs. The Escalade lacked the off-road capability of its GM cousins and felt less composed than competitors like the Lincoln Navigator and Grand Wagoneer.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row, while not as spacious, was suitable for full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The GLS's interior featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad. The center console, though not large enough for a purse, offered additional storage space. The GLS's power-folding third row and toggles near the tailgate made it easy to expand cargo space.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, offered a cavernous cabin. The standard Escalade measured 211.9 inches long, while the extended ESV version was 227 inches. The Escalade provided the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat as standard.

The Escalade excelled in cargo space, offering 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 for loose items. The Escalade's 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support were a highlight, though the seats themselves felt similar to those in other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a massive touch screen and a central trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station," and the digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel.

The GLS's infotainment system had a learning curve but offered a customizable and tech-rich experience. The touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel allowed for easy control of the infotainment and instrument panel, enhancing the overall user experience.

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, along with Bluetooth connectivity, were standard. The display blended seamlessly into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape.

The Escalade's infotainment system included physical toggles for climate control and other functions, though the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward to use while driving. The Escalade's 360-degree camera system provided unparalleled resolution, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation. The 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system, while impressive, was challenging to tune properly.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver-assist tech such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with trailer blind-spot monitoring available on Premium Luxury Platinum trims and above. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was a $2,500 option on most trims, providing hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways.

Super Cruise used a driver-facing camera to ensure safety, allowing for smooth and natural responses. However, the Escalade lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA for this model year.