2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance that was characteristic of modern Mercedes design, with a subtle sensuality that, while bordering on the mundane, promised to age gracefully. Our GLS 450 test vehicle was adorned with striking 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, and polished metal accents, all of which complemented its lustrous paint. Inside, the GLS 450 featured a sophisticated Bahia Brown over Black interior, enhanced by natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, creating an inviting and luxurious environment.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade presented a bold and imposing presence, further distinguishing itself from its Chevrolet and GMC siblings. The updated design featured a new front end with large vertical headlights and 24-inch wheels, enhancing its massive appearance. Inside, Cadillac focused on a high-tech, screen-centric interior with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The Escalade offered a variety of curated interior motifs, with our Premium Luxury Platinum test car showcasing Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, delivering a level of finish that belied its mainstream origins.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided smooth and swift acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The GLS 450 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, offering driving modes such as Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. With a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms and a fuel economy rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres, the GLS 450 delivered a balanced performance.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, meanwhile, offered a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine, generating 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V variant boasted a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower. All models were equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. The Escalade's four-wheel-drive system was standard in Canada, with the Escalade-V featuring a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system. Despite its power, the Escalade's handling was less refined than its competitors, and its brakes lacked confidence, though an optional Performance Upgrade Package was available.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with supple leather surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, and a commanding view of the road. The second-row captain's chairs provided excellent thigh support, while the third-row seat, though snug for adults, was suitable for children. Cargo space was practical, with 355 litres behind the third row, 1,209 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,400 litres behind the front seats.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase configurations, provided ample interior space. The Escalade ESV offered increased cargo space and third-row legroom. The standard model boasted 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,412 litres behind the front seats. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some of the towing features offered by rivals.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered improved graphics and intuitive operation, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and centre console could be frustrating. The MBUX system excelled in voice recognition and augmented reality navigation.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade embraced a high-tech interface with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The system included a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger touchscreen, complemented by a 19-speaker AKG audio system. Cadillac retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a user-friendly interface. The optional Executive Second Row Package added additional screens and controls for rear passengers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with over 20 significant safety features, including advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that could be adjusted through MBUX. The GLS's ADAS provided smooth and subtle operation, enhancing driver confidence and safety.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was also available, though it required driver attention. Current crash test ratings were unavailable at the time of writing.