2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured subtle yet impactful aesthetic updates. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares, added a touch of modernity. The grille received chrome inserts, enhancing its appeal, especially with the optional AMG Line package. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 21-inch for a bolder look. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though the combination of Bahia Brown seating and walnut trim in our tester felt dated. Opting for lighter leather could improve the interior ambiance.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade embraced its role as a symbol of luxury, with a design update that aligned it more closely with Cadillac's EV lineup. The new front end featured large vertical headlights and horizontal daytime running lights, while the rear retained its iconic vertical taillights. Available 24-inch wheels emphasized its imposing presence. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from its GM siblings with a screen-centric design, replacing the previous 38-inch display with a 55-inch one. The interior offered various leather options and curated motifs, with our test car's Whisper Beige upholstery showcasing impressive craftsmanship.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline-six, and the GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. Our test vehicle, the 450e plug-in hybrid, combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four with an electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the 450e was slightly slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its battery weight. The plug-in hybrid could travel up to 55 miles on electric power, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. Charging was efficient, with an 11-kW onboard charger and 60-kW DC fast charging capability.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel option, leaving the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V boasted a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with optional four-wheel drive and a performance-focused all-wheel drive for the Escalade-V. Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension provided a comfortable ride, though the Escalade's handling couldn't match rivals like the BMW X7. Brembo brakes were available for enhanced stopping power.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxury, offering heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with heated and cooled cup holders. Ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the comfort. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered both short and long-wheelbase versions, with the ESV providing additional cargo space and third-row legroom. Seating for up to eight was available, with captain’s chairs as an option. The Escalade led in first-row headroom and legroom, while the ESV excelled in cargo capacity, offering up to 142.8 cubic feet. Towing capacity reached 8,100 pounds, though it lacked some of the towing aids found in competitors.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than in other Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with voice control and a touchpad. Augmented reality navigation and an off-road page added functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, with additional touchscreens for climate control. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker upgrade available. The interface was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though voice recognition lagged behind competitors. The Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers, including screens and massage seats.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The GLE received high safety ratings from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on mapped roads, though manual control transitions could be abrupt. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable.