2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent a generational redesign, maintaining a familiar aesthetic to appease its loyal North American fanbase. The exterior changes were subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, while the headlights adopted a more aggressive look. The rear design saw updates with a connecting trim piece across the taillights and a less chrome-heavy bumper. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive fastback roof, and the grille design differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300. Inside, the GLC boasted a luxurious interior with two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash, complemented by an array of screens and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy yet sumptuous space.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade embraced its role as a symbol of old-school Cadillac luxury with a modern twist. The exterior featured a new front end aligning it with Cadillac's EV lineup, with vertical headlights and massive 24-inch wheels. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with various trim levels, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from its GM siblings with a screen-centric design, highlighted by a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The interior offered a range of leather options and curated motifs, with the Premium Luxury Platinum trim showcasing Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, delivering a high-end feel.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with a plug-in hybrid AMG GLC 63 expected in 2025. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with both models using a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 43's AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission provided faster shifts, enhancing performance driving, though it resulted in rougher shifts. The performance suspension improved handling but offered a firmer ride, making it less ideal for daily commuting.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models used a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and efficient highway cruising. Most models came with 4WD, while the Escalade-V had a performance-focused AWD system. Magnetic Ride Control damping was standard on most trims, but the Escalade's body-on-frame design limited its handling compared to unibody competitors. The V8 offered strong acceleration, but the brakes lacked confidence, with Brembo calipers available as an upgrade.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled towards the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with ventilation and heated rear seats available. The GLC SUV provided 620 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered 545 litres of cargo volume, increasing to 1,490 litres with the seats down, though it was tighter inside compared to the SUV.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered spacious interiors in both standard and long-wheelbase configurations. The ESV model extended cargo space and third-row legroom, with seating for up to eight. The Escalade boasted best-in-segment cargo space, with 722 litres behind the rear seats, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,412 litres behind the front seats. The ESV model further increased these figures. The Escalade's towing capacity met segment expectations, though it lacked some towing features offered by competitors.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, with voice command functionality. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. Additional features included an off-road dash display, head-up display, and augmented reality navigation.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade integrated a 55-inch display across the dashboard, with a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger screen. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a hard button for vehicle operation. The optional Executive Second Row Package added screens, controls, and upgraded seats for second-row passengers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe, among others. Advanced driver-assistance systems were optional.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver assist features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM-specific features included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat and Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system. Current crash test ratings were unavailable at the time of writing.