2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor overly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels lending it a sporty yet understated appearance. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork, creating a balanced aesthetic. Inside, the GLE Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a high-tech touch, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization for new users.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically large size and distinctive styling elements. The massive grille and LED lighting emphasized its bulk, while the 22-inch wheels appeared small against the expansive body. The Escalade's design was distinct from other GM full-size SUVs, offering different trim options for sport and luxury models. Inside, the Escalade provided a spacious cabin with leather upholstery and wood trim, though it lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite some cheap-looking plastic bits, the Escalade's interior was luxurious, with ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system added extra power and improved fuel efficiency, with a tested consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes and an optional AMG sport exhaust system. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, making the GLE Coupe nimble and composed in urban and highway settings.

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 with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. The diesel engine provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, while the gasoline engine had a higher towing capacity of 3,629 kilograms. Despite its size, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with vibrations from pavement imperfections affecting comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the back seat provided ample legroom. The cargo hold measured 655 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin with the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. The Escalade offered 722 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 3,426 litres with the rear seats folded. While the interior was spacious, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the seats felt similar to those in GM's other SUVs. However, Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing functionality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and optional features like gesture recognition and augmented video for navigation. The touchpad on the centre console was a minor drawback, as it was easy to activate inadvertently.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens for a comprehensive infotainment experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with physical toggles for climate control. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. However, the rotary controller and carousel format for changing radio stations were less intuitive.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional systems, such as Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though crash-test results were unavailable.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assistance features like cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. While the Escalade's safety features were impressive, crash-test ratings were not published.