2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that managed to blend size with sophistication. Originally known as the GL-Class, the GLS evolved to offer a more refined and tech-savvy experience, appealing to families seeking comfort and style. Its exterior design featured softened angles and lines, creating a more streamlined appearance compared to its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen, emphasizing its reliance on advanced technology. The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of standard features and optional packages to enhance comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically large and imposing presence. Its design elements, such as the massive grille and LED lighting, accentuated its size, while the 22-inch wheels seemed almost modest against the vast body. The Escalade's interior was spacious, offering ample legroom and cargo capacity, making it a top choice for those needing extra space. However, the interior design lacked a cohesive theme, and some materials appeared less luxurious than expected. The Escalade's ride quality was less refined, with a body-on-frame construction that contributed to a less settled ride compared to its unibody competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines, starting with the GLS 450's twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 stepped up with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. The AMG GLS 63, however, was the pinnacle of performance, featuring a hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that churned out an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive, enhanced by the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, showcasing its remarkable performance for a large SUV.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. Both engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel-drive system in Canada. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, making it suitable for various driving situations. However, the Escalade's ride quality was less refined, with a body-on-frame construction that contributed to a less settled ride compared to its unibody competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. The third row, while not as roomy, could still accommodate full-size adults comfortably. The GLS provided 355 litres of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded, and 2,400 litres with both rear rows down. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including a large centre console and spacious in-door bins.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, boasted a cavernous cabin with the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. It offered 722 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats down. However, the raised centre console provided limited storage space, and the seats, while adjustable, felt less luxurious than expected. Despite these minor issues, the Escalade excelled in cargo capacity, making it a top choice for those needing extra space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, highlighted by a massive touch screen that spanned nearly two-thirds of the dash. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though it required a USB-C cable. The MBUX voice-control system allowed for complex commands, enhancing the user experience. The digital dash extended to the fully digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, offering a customizable display.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations and the rotary controller were less intuitive. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the vehicle offered advanced tech features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a range of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver-assistance technology, such as cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and trailer blind-spot monitoring. The Super Cruise system, available on most trims, provided hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera for safety. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.