2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV

$89,200 · Crossover

$94,100 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV lies in sheer size and utility, specifically the 22.0-inch length advantage the Escalade ESV holds (227.0 inches vs. 205.0 inches). This disparity translates directly into a massive 41.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity for the Cadillac, dwarfing the GLS-Class’s 17.4 cu ft. Performance also favors the Escalade ESV, which boasts 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLS-Class's 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. Conversely, fuel economy clearly favors the Mercedes, achieving a combined 21 MPG versus the Cadillac's 17 MPG. Priced $4,900 lower at $89,200, the GLS-Class offers a more efficient entry point into the full-size luxury segment, making the ultimate choice a trade-off between massive utility and superior running efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers a superior combined fuel economy of 21 MPG versus the Escalade ESV's 17 MPG, reducing operational costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV provides nearly double the utility with 41.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, essential for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The Escalade ESV generates more power with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, indicating stronger acceleration capabilities.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Starting at $89,200, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is $4,900 less expensive while still providing comparable luxury and efficiency metrics.

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

Fuel economy is a primary concern, given its 21 MPG combined rating versus the competition's 17 MPG.
You require a slightly more manageable vehicle length of 205.0 inches for easier urban parking.
The initial purchase price must be kept under $90,000, as the MSRP is $89,200.

Choose the Cadillac Escalade ESV if...

Maximum hauling capability is necessary, evidenced by its dominant 41.5 cu ft cargo volume.
Superior raw engine output is preferred, thanks to its 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
The extra physical presence and interior volume provided by its 227.0-inch length are mandatory.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class	Cadillac Escalade ESV
Length	205.0"	227.0"
Width	79.9"	81.1"
Height	71.8"	76.4"
Wheelbase	123.4"	134.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/24 MPG	15/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	17 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	452.2/571.2 mi.	420.0/532.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	28.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls 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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	55.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	AKG
Stereo Power	590W	—
Speaker System	13	21
Subwoofer Count	2	1
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

What is the exact difference in engine output between the GLS-Class and the Escalade ESV?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV is significantly stronger, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

How much more fuel efficient is the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class compared to the Escalade ESV?

The GLS-Class achieves 21 MPG combined (19 City/24 Highway), making it exactly 4 MPG more efficient on the combined cycle than the Escalade ESV, which is rated at 17 MPG combined (15 City/19 Highway).

Is the rear-wheel drive configuration of the Escalade ESV a disadvantage compared to the GLS-Class's AWD?

The GLS-Class includes standard All-Wheel Drive, while the Escalade ESV is specified with Rear-Wheel Drive; however, buyers must confirm if an AWD option is available for the Escalade ESV for adverse weather conditions.

What is the practical implication of the difference in vehicle length on cargo space?

The Escalade ESV is 22.0 inches longer (227.0 inches total) than the GLS-Class (205.0 inches), which translates directly into an additional 24.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity (41.5 cu ft vs. 17.4 cu ft).

Does the fuel requirement differ significantly between the two luxury vehicles?

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class requires premium unleaded fuel, while the Cadillac Escalade ESV only recommends it, potentially leading to lower ongoing fuel expenditure for the Cadillac owner.

Which vehicle offers a lower initial investment before options?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $89,200, which is $4,900 less than the Cadillac Escalade ESV's starting price of $94,100.