2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker from certain angles, was complemented by polished brightwork. 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, although the lack of traditional controls posed a learning curve for new users.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its imposing size and presence, towering nearly two metres above the ground. Its design cleverly masked its bulk with thin LED lights and darkened chrome elements in the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was a marvel of space efficiency, offering generous room for passengers and cargo. The dashboard featured a 38-inch curved screen array, and the choice of wood trims added a touch of luxury. However, some interior elements borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from the overall premium feel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost system provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE Coupe's performance was enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension contributed to a nimble and composed driving experience, especially in Sport+ mode.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, its acceleration felt sluggish compared to competitors. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 horsepower. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was less sophisticated, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and ride comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous adjustments and features like heating, ventilation, and massage. The rear seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo space ranged from 655 to 1,790 litres. Visibility was a challenge, necessitating the use of available cameras.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, with 722 litres behind the third row and up to 3,426 litres with seats folded. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, and features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension facilitated easier loading and unloading.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, navigation, and smartphone integration. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and optional upgrades like a Burmester surround-sound system. However, the touchpad on the centre console was prone to accidental activation.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a cutting-edge OLED screen setup, providing clear visuals and augmented reality navigation. Standard features included wireless smartphone connectivity, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot. The optional Super Cruise system offered advanced hands-free driving capabilities, while the 36-speaker AKG audio system delivered an immersive sound experience.

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 driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's safety ratings were based on the standard GLE, which received top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Night Vision added to its safety suite.