2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$87,595 · SUV

$89,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Cadillac Escalade and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class often boils down to power versus practicality. If sheer presence and muscle matter most, the Escalade boasts a muscular 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the GLS-Class's 375 horsepower. However, this power comes at a cost, reflected in its lower combined fuel economy of 17 MPG compared to the GLS-Class's superior 21 MPG. Furthermore, the Escalade is a larger vehicle, measuring 211.9 inches long, while the Mercedes offers better efficiency for daily drives. While the Escalade's $87,595 starting MSRP is slightly lower than the GLS-Class's $89,200, buyers must weigh initial purchase price against long-term running costs, especially considering the Escalade's premium unleaded recommendation versus the GLS-Class’s mandatory requirement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 21 MPG combined efficiency versus the Escalade's 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Cadillac Escalade

Families needing maximum hauling capacity will prefer the Escalade's larger 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space over the GLS-Class's 17.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Cadillac Escalade

Performance enthusiasts will favor the Escalade for its higher output of 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class offers better overall value by delivering significantly better fuel economy (4 MPG combined difference) for a slightly higher initial cost.

Choose the Cadillac Escalade if...

You prioritize outright towing capability and on-road authority, benefiting from 420 horsepower.
Maximum cargo utility is essential, as the Escalade provides 25.5 cu ft behind the last row.
You prefer the commanding presence of a larger SUV, evidenced by its 211.9-inch length.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if...

You want better everyday efficiency, returning 21 MPG combined versus 17 MPG for car1.
All-Wheel Drive capability for varying weather conditions is a non-negotiable requirement.
A more compact footprint is desired for easier maneuvering, as the GLS is 6.9 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac Escalade	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Length	211.9"	205.0"
Width	81.1"	79.9"
Height	76.7"	71.8"
Wheelbase	121.0"	123.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	6.2 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	420 hp @ 5600 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Overhead valves (OHV)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/19 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	360.0/456.0 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.0 gal.	23.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	55.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	AKG	Burmester
Speaker System	19	13
Subwoofer Count	1	2
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	590W
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	42.3 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	44.5 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	65.5 in.	59.3 in.
Front Hip Room	61.7 in.	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.9 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.8 in.	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	64.2 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	61.0 in.	60.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Dimensions	22 x 9.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	275/50R22	315/40R21
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	21 x 11.0 in.

Suspension

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac Escalade and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

What is the major fuel economy difference between the 2025 Escalade and the 2025 GLS-Class?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class holds a notable advantage with a combined 21 MPG rating. Conversely, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade is rated for only 17 MPG combined, presenting a 4 MPG difference in efficiency for daily driving.

Which SUV provides more power for acceleration?

The Cadillac Escalade offers superior power, generating 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque from its engine. This significantly outmuscles the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, which produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

How much more cargo room does the Escalade offer over the GLS-Class?

The Escalade is substantially more spacious for hauling gear, offering 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The GLS-Class trails behind with 17.4 cubic feet, meaning the Escalade offers over 8 cubic feet more capacity.

Do these vehicles have different drive systems?

Yes, the driving hardware differs; the standard Cadillac Escalade comes with Rear Wheel Drive. In contrast, the standard Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is equipped with All-Wheel Drive, which many buyers prefer for traction.

Is there a big price gap between the two starting models?

There is a modest price difference, with the 2025 Cadillac Escalade starting at $87,595 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class listed at $89,200. This difference suggests the GLS-Class commands a premium of $1,605 for its standard AWD and efficiency.

Are both luxury SUVs tuned for premium fuel?

Both vehicles require premium fuel, but the Escalade recommends it while the GLS-Class mandates it for operation. This is an important factor for long-term ownership costs.