2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing presence. Its massive size was unapologetically highlighted by a large grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, gave the impression of a diesel locomotive. The styling elements were distinct from other GM full-size SUVs, emphasizing the Escalade's bulk. The 22-inch wheels seemed small against the vast sheet metal, and the vehicle offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, although its interior lacked a cohesive design theme. Leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof were available, but the use of cheap-looking plastic detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC, meanwhile, presented a blend of new and old. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing a platform with the C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models carried over from the previous year. The new GLC 300 had subtle design changes, with narrower taillights being the most noticeable. Its styling remained classy and timeless, though it lacked a bit of personality to distinguish it from its predecessor. The interior received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials and construction were of high quality, and the design was simpler and cleaner compared to rivals. The GLC Coupe retained its first-generation interior, which aged well and offered some usability advantages over the newer model.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options, both shared with other GM SUVs and trucks. The standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel-drive in Canada. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and was advantageous for low-end torque. The gasoline engine had a slight edge in towing capacity, with a maximum of 3,629 kilograms, though it fell short of the Lincoln Navigator's capacity. The Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less luxurious feel compared to unibody SUVs. It lacked off-road capability, unlike some of its GM cousins.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive were standard in Canada. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, with an estimated 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal was a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC Coupe continued with its older four-cylinder turbo engine, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, offering a sportier driving experience. The GLC 300 delivered a smoother ride than its rivals, with a nearly silent cabin.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, offering a cavernous cabin. It provided the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, though the Lincoln Navigator offered more second-row headroom. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the front seats, while adjustable, felt like they could have come from GM's other SUVs. Cadillac did include dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, and large sun visors for the expansive side-window glass.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, and real leather was available for a smoother feel. The GLC provided sufficient storage space, with a large centre console bin, cupholders, and well-sized door pockets. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, though headroom was slightly limited for taller passengers. The standard GLC offered 620 litres of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals, but still adequate for most shoppers. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and affected rear headroom.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured an elaborate 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of three screens. The 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster was flanked by a 16.9-inch touchscreen and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with functional touchscreen icons. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and an augmented-reality navigation system. The 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was standard, though tuning it was challenging.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The new system lacked physical buttons for audio and climate controls, making it more distracting. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Burmester 3D Surround Sound system was available.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assistance features, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were not yet available, but the previous GLC received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe shared similar safety features, with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera as standard.