2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS vs 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV

$178,450 · Crossover

$94,100 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS (Car 1) and the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV (Car 2) is the $84,350 MSRP gap, listing Car 1 at $178,450 against Car 2's $94,100. This price disparity reflects substantial performance differences: Car 1 delivers 550 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, compared to Car 2's 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Fuel economy also favors Car 2 slightly, achieving 17 combined MPG versus Car 1's 15 combined MPG. Furthermore, Car 2 offers substantially more utility, boasting 41.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly eclipsing the Maybach's 18.4 cu ft. Dimensions also separate them, with the Escalade ESV being over 22 inches longer at 227.0 inches, providing greater overall presence and interior volume than the GLS's 204.9-inch length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The Escalade ESV offers superior fuel efficiency with 17 combined MPG and is significantly less expensive to acquire at $94,100.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2026 Escalade ESV provides more than double the cargo volume at 41.5 cu ft compared to Car 1's 18.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

The Maybach GLS holds a substantial performance advantage, producing 550 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Car 2 provides a 130 hp advantage for every $10,000 spent when analyzing the total cost of ownership against Car 1.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...

Maximum power output is the top priority, given its 550 hp engine.
A driver prioritizes a sophisticated, high-end interior experience over utility and cost.
All-wheel drive traction is a mandatory requirement for intended use.

Choose the Cadillac Escalade ESV if...

Utility is paramount, evidenced by its massive 41.5 cu ft cargo space.
A lower initial purchase price of $94,100 is crucial for the budget.
Better fuel economy (17 combined MPG vs 15 MPG) is desired for frequent travel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS	Cadillac Escalade ESV
Length	204.9"	227.0"
Width	79.9"	81.1"
Height	72.4"	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	✓	✓
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.	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	✓	✓
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 ESV.

What is the measurable difference in size between the two vehicles?

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV is substantially larger, measuring 227.0 inches in length and 76.4 inches in height. In comparison, the 2025 Maybach GLS is shorter at 204.9 inches and lower at 72.4 inches.

How does the fuel consumption compare given the power discrepancy?

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is slightly more efficient, reporting 17 combined MPG (15 city/19 highway). The Maybach GLS trails with 15 combined MPG (13 city/18 highway), consistent with its higher power output.

Which vehicle is fundamentally more suited for hauling large items?

The Escalade ESV is the definitive choice for cargo, offering 41.5 cubic feet of storage space. The Maybach GLS provides only 18.4 cubic feet, less than half the capacity of the Escalade ESV.

Is the higher price of the Maybach GLS justified by a significantly larger engine?

Car 1 has 550 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, yielding a 130 hp advantage over Car 2's 420 hp. However, Car 1 costs $84,350 more, making the value proposition debatable for non-performance-focused buyers.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel. The 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV only recommends premium unleaded, allowing for flexibility in fueling.

What is the fundamental difference in drivetrain configuration?

The Maybach GLS utilizes all-wheel drive (AWD) paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the Escalade ESV comes standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD) managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission.