2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade stood as a testament to Cadillac's commitment to luxury, embodying the grandeur once associated with Fleetwoods and DeVilles. Its updated design further distinguished it from its platform-sharing siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. The most notable exterior change was the new front end, aligning the gasoline Escalade stylistically with Cadillac's EV lineup. The vertical headlights and taillights paid homage to classic Cadillac designs, while the introduction of 24-inch wheels added to its imposing presence. Inside, Cadillac's efforts to mask the shared platform were evident with a screen-centric interior, highlighted by a 55-inch display stretching across the dashboard. The Escalade offered a range of trims, each with distinct features, and the interior boasted luxurious materials and curated motifs, making it hard to believe it shared any lineage with a Chevy.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, available in several variants including the GLS 450 and the Maybach GLS 600, offered a blend of luxury and performance. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, which added AMG wheels and exclusive interior upgrades. The GLS maintained a high standard of comfort, with options for massaging seats and a premium leather interior. Despite its luxurious appointments, the GLS exhibited some body creaks in colder conditions. The interior layout was reminiscent of the smaller GLE-Class, with high-quality materials and a focus on passenger comfort. The GLS's control layout, including seat adjusters on the doors and a gear-selector stalk, required some acclimation, but the dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated and user-friendly.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade relied on a naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While the diesel option was dropped, the V8 remained a solid performer, though it fell short of the Lincoln Navigator's twin-turbo V6. The Escalade-V variant boasted a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a balance of low and high ratios for efficient driving. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional, and the Escalade-V had a performance-focused all-wheel drive system. Despite its power, the Escalade's handling couldn't match the refinement of competitors like the Range Rover or BMW X7. The brakes, while adequate, could benefit from the optional Brembo upgrade for better performance.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, and Sport, with the Airmatic adaptive suspension enhancing ride quality. The GLS's towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, slightly less than the Escalade's. While the GLS's powertrain occasionally exhibited delays in responsiveness, it provided a smooth and composed ride, with a tailored feel that made it easier to manage in urban settings. The GLS's handling and ride quality were superior to many of its full-size SUV competitors, offering a quiet cabin and solid dynamics.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase configurations, with the latter providing additional cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade's interior was spacious, with best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity was impressive, with the standard model offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 121 cubic feet with seats folded. The ESV model further increased cargo space, making it a leader in the segment. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some of the advanced towing features found in rivals like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided standard seven-passenger seating, with an option for six-passenger seating with captain's chairs. The GLS excelled in comfort, offering features like four-zone climate control and massaging seats. While storage space was somewhat limited, the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with seats folded. Though it fell short of the Escalade in cargo capacity, the GLS's interior comfort and luxury features were noteworthy. The GLS's design made it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, and its ride quality was consistently praised.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a futuristic interface, featuring a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 19-speaker AKG audio system standard. The Escalade offered advanced features like an augmented-reality head-up display and night vision. While the tech could be overwhelming, Cadillac's design choices aided usability, with easy-to-navigate screens and a traditional steering wheel. The optional Executive Second Row Package added rear-seat entertainment and comfort features, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a more traditional approach compared to Mercedes' newer Superscreen technologies. The MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GLS included a Burmester surround-sound system, with an optional high-end audio upgrade. Additional tech options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear-seat entertainment screens. The MBUX system was praised for its ease of use, though the digital assistant occasionally struggled with specific commands.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on mapped roads, though it required driver attention. The Escalade's safety features were conveyed through a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, and teen-driver monitoring was also available. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist. The GLS featured a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel, though it lacked hands-free highway driving technology. The system required active driver participation, and while it performed well in most situations, it struggled with tighter curves. The GLS's braking system occasionally applied excessive force, but overall, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience.