The popularity of utility vehicles is on the the rise, and wow, could it be more competitive? You just need to take a quick look at the ranks, and the rest is clear-cut, where all the world-wildly known brands are gathered with heaps of models to offer. Good luck trying to pick a definite best, especially between two of the best top-end SUVs, the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes GLS-Class.
General Motors' full-size SUV brought Cadillac's name into the world of SUVs back in 1998 to compete with the Toyota's Lexus LX, Ford's Lincoln Navigator, and the Garman Mercedes's M-Class. GM's five-seat SUV enjoyed a 5.7-liter Vortec 5700 V8 that could make around 255 HP; it turned out to be a fierce rival to all the ongoing models up until now.
On the other side of the table sits the SUV version of the authentic Mercedes-Benz S-Class. 2006 was the starting point of the German 7-seat SUV. A variety of engine options, including turbocharged V6 and V8 fed by diesel, and a V8 petrol one, made it clear that the GLS-class (it was called GL-Class at first) was a far-reaching car. And now, it has passed two generations to end up here, being on top of the rank of German luxury SUVs.
With a minimum price range of about $78,000, the Cadillac Escalade may be a more cost-effective pick in contrast to the GLS-Class, adding roughly $20,000 to that for the basic trim. But they both have a magnificent and photogenic appearance.
Both the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes GLS-Class glow at the high end of the market, making all possible efforts to be the most luxurious and comfortable SUV.
But which one overcomes the other? Let's find out.
Performance: Which One Rules?
Via: Car TV YT[/caption]
The Cadillac Escalade offers a 6.2-liter V8 as standard. Still, there's a six-cylinder turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine available as well, which may seem a better pick for those only seeking out plenty of torques. Massive 420 HP comes out of the V8 option, and the diesel one makes 277 HP, while both deliver a maximum 460 lb-ft of torque.
For the Mercedes, on the contrary, the figures go up around insane 603 HP and 627 lb-ft of torque, derived from the AMG GLS 63's mighty 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Here's where the Cadillac Escalade has not much to say. There's two more engine option (not everyone wishes such a crazy amount of power). A relatively robust twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 called GLS580 is another option, making 483 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. And the third alternative is a softer and less crazy GLS450, a six-cylinder turbocharged 3.0-liter, that can do a great job producing 362 HP and 360 lb-ft.
Via: Pixabay[/caption]
The flagship of Cadillac's SUV line respects those in favor of the rear-wheel-drive setup, but an all-wheel-drive system is what makes it stand against its German rival. The GLS-Class leaves no other choice but the all-wheel drive. The Escalade comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the GLS-Class sticks with a 9-speed one. Both of them play well in terms of suspension; air suspension is standard for the GLS-Class offers while the Escalade saves the privilege only for the higher variants, but an independent rear suspension keeps the basic trims around the track too.
Which One Reaps More Benefits From The Inside?
Via: REC Anything YT[/caption]
It blows anyone's mind how luxurious the inside of the cabin of these two are; both make the most of top-tier materials and provide the passengers with a considerable amount of space. The Mercedes GLS-Class has continued to keep three-rows seating seven passengers. It suggests a decent cargo space of around 48.7 cubic feet if you give up the third row, but a remarkable volume of 84.7 cubic feet is the maximum room it gives, with the second row folded down as well. However, the Escalade is much more generous, with a total cargo space of 121 cubic feet. Of course, this applies to the overall roominess of these two SUVs, as some have reported the GLS-Class to possess a rather more packed passenger space.
Concerning the quality of the cabin, it's hard to tell which one wins the round. The Escalade's seats get spruced up with Faux leather or semi-aniline leather, as well as the steering wheel, the dashboard, and the door panels. It's pretty much the same story with the GLS-Class boasting first-class material inside. Heated electrically adjustable front seats are standard for both, and in both cars, the driver feels they got everything under control because of an excellent view of the road.
The Infotainment System And Safety Features: Is There Anyone Going To Lose?
Via: Cadillac[/caption]
Yes, the one who loses is us because neither of these two would get down the high horses. The Cadillac combined the gauge cluster and the infotainment system into a one-piece brilliant 38-inch curved OLED display that stretches through the dashboard. It's, however, a tiny little different for the GLS-Class, in which you can find two separate 12.3-inch placed close to each other, one as the gauge display and one taking care of entertainment stuff.
Cadillac takes to the next level by putting two specific 12.6-inch touchscreens for the rear passengers, though the Mercedes believes a single 7.0-inch tablet would be sufficient as standard and two extra displays are optional. Which one's better? Honestly, it's a personal preference because both support the same technologies (almost everything available).
Via: RoCars YT[/caption]
You shouldn't be expecting an unlike result, are you? Your safety is well guaranteed to the same level with either of these two. Not all the driver-assistance features come as standard (is that a fact?), but you get several benefits on the basic trims, including lane-keeping assistant, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers good deals performance-wise, while the Cadillac Escalade moderates for a little to keep the price rags sound more reasonable. The Escalade beats the German opponent in terms of cabin space and cargo volume but fails to suggest anything further in respect of designing and tech-related features. Considering all these, which one would be your favorite one?