2017 Cadillac Escalade vs 2017 Mercedes GLS: Which is Best?

2017 Mercedes Benz GLS450 hero ・ Photo by Mercedes-Benz

It isn’t simple, choosing a winner between the 2017 Cadillac Escalade and the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Although they have many things in common — they're large luxury SUVs with seating for at least seven passengers — each seems to occupy a slightly different space in the automotive landscape. Using the unscientific but time-honored method of looking at the streets, the GLS is often bought by (well-off) families, whereas the Escalade seems to frequently be more of a business purchase. That might settle the choice right there, but for those who prefer to go into more depth, our will break everything down into several categories.

Escalade vs. GLS: Pricing and Trim Levels

The entry-level, rear-wheel drive Escalade starts at $74,390. Next is Luxury ($79,390), then Premium Luxury ($83,890) and Platinum ($93,190). The rear-drive ESV — the extended-length model — starts at $77,390 and goes up to $96,190. Four-wheel drive costs $3,000 extra in any version. Meanwhile, every GLS has all-wheel drive standard, with the base GLS450 starting at $69,695. It’s $94,845 for the GLS550 and $125,095 for the AMG GLS63. Mercedes-Benz should be applauded for providing multiple choices, although the high-performance AMG version is a niche product. Buyers must decide if they really need the extra space of the ESV. But between the regular Escalade and the GLS pricing, it’s a tough call.

: Tie

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Escalade vs. GLS: Options

Given the size of these vehicles, it’s good to have help — so both offer self-parking for parallel and perpendicular spaces. Both also have optional driver assistance packages of advanced safety aids, including adaptive cruise control with forward-collision mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring. But the Benz can also be equipped with clever wipers, an active curve system for better handling, cabin air ionizing and an Off-Road Engineering package for more ability over the rough stuff. A rear passenger reminder is available in the Escalade, so the driver doesn’t lock the doors and walk off with someone left in the vehicle. You’d think most adults can count up to six, but it could be useful. Even so, while the Mercedes' options are pricey, it does offer more.

: Mercedes-Benz GLS

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Escalade vs. GLS: Powertrains

Every Escalade has a 6.2-liter V8 engine offering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GLS450 enjoys 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels in this and the GLS550, which has a twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 generating 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Power-crazed SUV buyers will love the AMG GLS63 and its twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. To cope with greater forces, Mercedes deploys a specially tuned seven-speed automatic transmission. : Mercedes-Benz GLS

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Escalade vs. GLS: Fuel Consumption

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates fuel consumption for the Escalade and Escalade ESV at 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive or 15/20/17 mpg with four-wheel drive. The GLS450 achieves 17/22/19 mpg, the GLS550 manages 14/18/16 mpg and the AMG GLS63 runs to 13/17/14 mpg. At this level of personal transportation, fuel costs are probably low on the list of priorities. It becomes even lower with the desire for greater power. But it's notable that the Mercedes brings more efficiency as well as superior performance.

: Mercedes-Benz GLS

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Escalade vs. GLS: Stand-out Features and Technology

Cadillac’s rearview camera mirror is standard, eliminating the blind spots that would show in a regular mirror. The Escalade also has five USB ports (compared to two in the GLS), active noise cancellation, Magnetic Ride active suspension and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system has not won many fans, though. The Comand system in the GLS is more user-friendly. The GLS450 also has an air suspension. With bigger engines come more lavish appointments — for example, the GLS550 has massaging front seats, three-zone climate control, 360-degree cameras and Harman Kardon audio. The AMG version enjoys a sport exhaust and uprated brakes. Both rivals have a power-folding third row and power liftgate, but the GLS has more choices. 

: Mercedes-Benz GLS

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Escalade vs. GLS: Exterior Design

Presence. The Escalade has wads of it, an imposing figure in a sea of smaller vehicles — and virtually every vehicle seems smaller by comparison. On a practical note, side steps (power-retractable in the two higher trims) ease entry and exit — another reminder that this vehicle makes a classy shuttle. And the back window wiper is hidden cleverly in the rear spoiler. The GLS, by contrast, has lines that de-emphasize its bulk. Looked at head-on, it might be confused for the smaller GLE. It’s no shrinking violet, but it’s as though the GLS has a quiet authority — which is how Mercedes-Benz generally likes to roll. This section has to be tie, because taste is subjective.

: Tie

Photo by General Motors

Escalade vs. GLS: Interior Design

The Escalade's sculpted door handles, the same as in some other Cadillacs, are nicely shaped and well-executed. It's tactile details like these that influence the perception of luxury. Like its exterior, the Escalade’s cabin has a distinct design and layout that declares its high-end status, using wood, leather and ambient lighting. Like its exterior, the GLS remains understated inside. It’s still undoubtedly luxurious and the quality of materials suits the pricing, while the shapes and lines are arguably easier on the eye than those in the Escalade. If there’s one criticism: The infotainment screen doesn’t look as integrated into the rest of the dashboard. A tie again, since one person’s oasis is another person’s sand dune.

: Tie

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Escalade vs. GLS: Comfort

Both SUVs are about as comfortable as it’s possible to be. The Escalade has massaging front seats with an anti-fatigue setting for the driver (in the Platinum trim), heated/cooled seats in the first two rows and a reclining second row, while bank-vault silence is enhanced by triple-sealed doors and acoustic laminated glass. A similar array of sumptuous details can be found in the GLS. Both are also convincing seven-seaters. The standard Escalade’s third row has 24.8 inches of legroom; the ESV’s has a massive 34.5 inches. The GLS — which comes in just one size, remember — has 35 inches of legroom for its third row. Assuming it’s about equal for convenience features, the space/dollar ratio tips this category in favor of the GLS.

: Mercedes-Benz GLS

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Escalade vs. GLS: Cargo Capacity

Behind the regular Escalade’s third row is 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space. That expands to 51.6 cubic feet with the third row folded down, then 94.2 cubes with both rows flattened. The ESV feels like it can hold a small town: 39.3, 76.7 and 120.9 cubic feet. The GLS manages 16, 49.4 and 93.8 cubic feet, but its second row doesn’t go completely flat. The best Escalade towing figure goes to the regular rear-drive version: 8,300 pounds. That’s the advantage of old-school body-on-frame construction. The GLS with the highest towing capacity, the GLS550, reaches 7,500 pounds. : Cadillac Escalade

Photo by General Motors

Escalade vs. GLS: Safety Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Escalade an overall score of four stars out of a maximum five. It hasn’t crash-tested the GLS. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn’t tested either vehicle.   With so many passengers to be responsible for, it’s natural that drivers will value every piece of safety equipment in these two SUVs. Both offer various advanced driver aids. The Escalade also has a front center airbag that prevents driver and front passenger colliding in the event of a side impact; the GLS, meanwhile, has Crosswind Assist to help out in blustery weather. : Tie

Photo by General Motors