2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS vs 2026 Cadillac Escalade

$178,450 · Crossover

$91,100 · SUV

Comparison Overview

Deciding between ultimate opulence and imposing practicality often boils down to budget versus badge. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS starts at a steep $178,450, nearly double the $91,100 MSRP of the 2026 Cadillac Escalade. While the Maybach flaunts superior power with 550 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque compared to the Escalade's 420 hp, this performance comes at a cost to efficiency; the Maybach manages only 15 combined MPG on required premium fuel. Conversely, the Escalade, while slightly larger at 211.9 inches long, offers substantially more utility with 25.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Maybach's meager 18.4 cu ft. The significant $87,350 initial saving, combined with marginally better fuel economy (17 combined MPG), makes the Escalade a compelling proposition for everyday luxury use.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac Escalade

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade is slightly more efficient, achieving 17 combined MPG versus the Maybach GLS’s 15 MPG, making daily driving slightly less painful.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade provides significantly more room for gear and luggage, offering 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Maybach GLS's 18.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

The 2025 Maybach GLS offers significantly more output, boasting 550 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque to the Escalade's 420 hp and 460 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac Escalade

The $87,350 price gap between the two vehicles places the 2026 Escalade far ahead in terms of cost-to-feature ratio.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...

You require the absolute pinnacle of performance with 550 horsepower on tap.
You prioritize the exclusive status indicated by the $178,450 starting MSRP.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint for urban maneuvering (204.9 inches long vs. 211.9 inches).

Choose the Cadillac Escalade if...

Keeping the purchase price near $91,100 is a primary concern.
You need maximum storage, utilizing the 25.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You want to save money by using recommended premium fuel rather than required premium fuel like the Maybach.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS	Cadillac Escalade
Length	204.9"	211.9"
Width	79.9"	81.1"
Height	72.4"	76.7"
Wheelbase	123.4"	121.0"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	6.2 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	550 hp @ 6500 rpm	420 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	538 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Number of Valves	32	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)	13/18 MPG	15/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	15 MPG	17 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	309.4/428.4 mi.	360.0/456.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	24.0 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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Four 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	55.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Stereo System	Burmester	—
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	AKG
Stereo Power	1590W	—
Speaker System	27	21
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Subscription Duration	36 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Sunroof Type	1st Row Power Fabric Extended	—
Moonroof Type	2nd Row Fixed Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Front Head Room	42.5 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	44.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	65.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-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	12-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 Massage Function	✓	—
Front Hip Room	—	61.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	38.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.4 in.	41.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	64.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	✓
Rear Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	61.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	22 x 11.5 in.	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	325/40R22	275/50R22
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Dimensions	—	22 x 9.0 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Full Size Non-Matching
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

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 Maybach GLS and 2026 Cadillac Escalade.

What is the main drawback of choosing the Maybach GLS over the Escalade?

The primary drawback is cost, as the Maybach GLS has an MSRP of $178,450, creating an $87,350 difference compared to the Escalade. Additionally, the Maybach is less fuel-efficient, delivering only 13 city MPG.

Is the power difference between these two vehicles noticeable in real-world driving?

Yes, the 2025 Maybach GLS packs a hefty 130-hp advantage (550 hp vs. 420 hp), which should result in quicker acceleration and more assertive passing power compared to the standard Escalade.

Which vehicle is better suited for hauling luggage or supplies?

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade wins easily in utility; it provides 25.5 cu ft of cargo space, significantly overshadowing the 18.4 cu ft offered by the Maybach GLS.

Do I have to use premium fuel in both luxury SUVs?

The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS requires premium unleaded fuel for its 550 hp engine. However, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade only recommends premium fuel for its 420 hp V8.

How much larger is the Escalade physically compared to the Maybach GLS?

The Escalade is larger in nearly every dimension, measuring 211.9 inches long, 76.7 inches tall, and 81.1 inches wide, making the Maybach GLS (204.9 inches long, 72.4 inches tall) feel more compact.

Does the Maybach GLS offer better highway fuel economy despite its power?

No, both vehicles achieve similar highway ratings, with the Maybach getting 18 MPG and the Escalade achieving 19 MPG, though the Escalade is better overall with 17 combined MPG.