2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly two metres high and stretching up to six metres in length. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and an array of advanced technology. The Escalade ESV extended this further, adding 38 centimetres to the wheelbase. Designed for show, it was a favourite among pop musicians and large families, with its imposing size making a statement on the road. Despite its bulk, the Escalade managed to look athletic, thanks to design tricks like thin LED lights and darkened chrome on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior boasted a luxurious first row with a 38-inch curved screen and fine wood inlays, though some elements borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from the overall luxury experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC, meanwhile, offered 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 design changes were subtle, with narrower taillights being the most noticeable update. The GLC maintained its classy and timeless styling, though some felt it lacked personality. Inside, the GLC received a significant makeover with a modern, high-tech interior featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The materials and construction were top-notch, offering a simpler and cleaner design compared to rivals. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive sloping roofline, setting it apart from the standard model.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured 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 heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp, offering a more spirited drive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided 277 hp and better fuel economy. The Escalade's 4WD system was basic, with a manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. Its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved manoeuvrability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

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, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD were standard in Canada. Acceleration was smooth, reaching 100 km/h in about 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal was soft but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC Coupe retained its older engine, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier drive with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing 385 hp. The GLC 300 provided a smooth ride with a quiet cabin, though it wasn't as lively as some competitors.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,426 litres with seats down. The Escalade ESV offered even more room, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. Features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, though the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC provided comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery. The interior featured a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC offered sufficient space for taller passengers, though rear headroom was slightly limited. The standard GLC had 620 litres of cargo space, while the Coupe's sloping roofline reduced it to 500 litres. The rear seats folded flat for larger items, and a panoramic sunroof was optional.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. The front camera displayed a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays directly in the driver's view. Standard features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Super Cruise, an advanced hands-free highway driving system, was optional, offering impressive functionality. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, providing a rich audio experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior was dominated by an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. However, its lower placement made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

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 forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. Optional features included reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but previous models received high scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.