Compared Model: GL-Class
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Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 45 advantages that the Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD has over the Mercedes GL-Class.
| MSRP Range | |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD | |
| Mercedes GL-Class | |
Performance
Engine
The standard engines in the Escalade ESV AWD are more powerful than those in the GL-Class, as detailed by trim and engine below:
 | | | Horsepower (SAE net) | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 403 HP | |
| GL-Class GL450 4MATIC 4.6L V8 | | 335 HP | |
| GL-Class GL550 4MATIC 5.5L V8 | | 382 HP | |
The Escalade ESV AWD's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the GL-Class's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:
| | | RPM's to Peak HP | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 5700 | |
| GL-Class GL450 4MATIC 4.6L V8 | | 6000 | |
| GL-Class GL550 4MATIC 5.5L V8 | | 6000 | |
The standard engines in the Escalade ESV AWD have more torque (low-end power) than those in the GL-Class, as detailed by trim and engine below:
| | | Torque | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 417 lb-ft | |
| GL-Class GL450 4MATIC 4.6L V8 | | 339 lb-ft | |
| GL-Class GL550 4MATIC 5.5L V8 | | 391 lb-ft | |
The Escalade ESV AWD utilizes more effective sequential electronic fuel injection system than the GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC, which uses electronic fuel injection system. The sequential electronic fuel injection system allows for more precise control of the fuel mixture providing the Escalade ESV AWD with improved engine response, increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Escalade ESV AWD, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the GL-Class, as detailed below by trim level and engine:
| | | Power To Weight Ratio | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 14.8 | |
| GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 3.0L V6 | | 26.2 | |
| GL-Class GL450 4MATIC 4.6L V8 | | 16 | |
Reliability
The Escalade ESV AWD has a larger engine displacement than the GL-Class. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life. Details by engine below:
| | | Displacement CC | |
| Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 | | 6199 cc | |
| GL-Class 4.6L V8 | | 4663 cc | |
| GL-Class 5.5L V8 | | 5461 cc | |
Powertrain Warranty
Cadillac's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the Mercedes-Benz's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
| | | Powertrain Warranty Months | | Powertrain Warranty Miles | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 60 | | 100000 | |
| GL-Class | | 48 | | 50000 | |
Corrosion Warranty
Cadillac's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Mercedes-Benz's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).
| | | Corrosion Warranty Months | | Corrosion Warranty Miles | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 72 | | Unlimited | |
| GL-Class | | 48 | | 50000 | |
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The Escalade ESV AWD has a larger fuel tank than the GL-Class, 31.0 gal. vs. 26.4 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.
The Escalade ESV AWD is more fuel efficient than the GL-Class. Superior fuel efficiency makes the Escalade ESV AWD both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the GL-Class.
| | | Fuel Economy Hwy | | Fuel Economy City | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 18 mpg. | | 13 mpg. | |
| GL-Class GL550 4MATIC 5.5L V8 | | 17 mpg. | | 12 mpg. | |
*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)
The Escalade ESV AWD gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the GL-Class, as detailed below by trim and engine:
| | | Driving Distance | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 434 mi. | |
| GL-Class GL450 4MATIC 4.6L V8 | | 396 mi. | |
| GL-Class GL550 4MATIC 5.5L V8 | | 369.6 mi. | |
Cost to Own
The base MSRP on the Escalade ESV AWD is less than the base MSRP on the GL-Class as shown in the table below.
| | | Base Price MSRP | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Base | | 68,320 | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Luxury | | 72,545 | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Premium | | 77,425 | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Platinum Edition | | 85,095 | |
| GL-Class GL550 4MATIC | | 85,300 | |
Airbags
Both the Escalade ESV AWD and the GL-Class feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Escalade ESV AWD is heavier than the GL-Class, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| | | Curb Weight AT | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 5,963 lbs. | |
| GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC | | 5,512 lbs. | |
| GL-Class GL450 4MATIC | | 5,346 lbs. | |
| GL-Class GL550 4MATIC | | 5,545 lbs. | |
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Escalade ESV AWD is longer than the GL-Class, 222.9 in. vs. 200.7 in.
The Escalade ESV AWD is equipped with Standard AWD.
An anti-theft stereo is offered as a Standard feature on the Escalade ESV AWD. This provides a strong theft deterrent, as the radio is disabled and rendered useless when removed from the vehicle. This anti-theft feature is Not Available in the GL-Class.
Adjustable foot pedals, Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD, provide for a more comfortable reach to the pedals and allow the driver to sit at a safe distance from the steering wheel and airbag. This feature is Not Available on the GL-Class.
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Escalade ESV AWD but Optional GL-Class (GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC). HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The Escalade ESV AWD has more interior space than the GL-Class in the following areas:
| | | Leg Room, Front | | Shoulder Room, Front | | Leg Room, 3rd row | | Shoulder Room, Rear | | Shoulder Room, 3rd row | | Head Room, Front | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 41.3 in. | | 65.2 in. | | 34.9 in. | | 65.2 in. | | 64.7 in. | | 41.1 in. | |
| GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC | | 40.3 in. | | 58.3 in. | | 34.2 in. | | 58.9 in. | | 50.5 in. | | 40.1 in. | |
| GL-Class GL450 4MATIC | | 40.3 in. | | 58.3 in. | | 34.2 in. | | 58.9 in. | | 50.5 in. | | 40.1 in. | |
| GL-Class GL550 4MATIC | | 40.3 in. | | 58.4 in. | | 34.2 in. | | 58.9 in. | | 50.5 in. | | 40.1 in. | |
Cargo Space
The Escalade ESV AWD has 45.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 14.3 cu. ft. in the GL-Class. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.
Standard front fold-down armrests provide the driver and front passenger a place to rest their forearms for added comfort and reduced driving fatigue. Front fold-down armrests are Not Available in the GL-Class.
Payload and Towing
The Escalade ESV AWD has a higher towing capacity than the GL-Class, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.
| | | Tow Capacity, Max | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 7,700 lbs. | |
| GL-Class | | 7,500 lbs. | |
Chassis
The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the Escalade ESV AWD is greater than that of the GL-Class. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.
| | | Track, Front | | Track, Rear | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 68.2 in. | | 67.0 in. | |
| GL-Class | | 65.0 in. | | 65.1 in. | |
The Escalade ESV AWD's wheelbase is longer than the GL-Class's, 130.0 in. vs. 121.1 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.
Wheels and Tires
The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Escalade ESV AWD may provide better handling capability than those on the GL-Class. Details below:
| | | Tire Aspect Ratio | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Luxury | | 45 | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Platinum Edition | | 45 | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Premium | | 45 | |
| GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC | | 50 | |
| GL-Class GL450 4MATIC | | 55 | |
The Escalade ESV AWD (Base, Luxury, Platinum Edition) comes with a Standard full-size spare tire, a safer alternative to smaller temporary spares. In contrast, a full-size spare is Not Available on the GL-Class.
AdvantagesAdditional Features
The Escalade ESV AWD has a Standard front power memory seat. This feature allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. A front power memory seat is Optional in the GL-Class (GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC).
The Standard cooled front seats in the Escalade ESV AWD offer increased comfort on very hot days by reducing the temperature of the seating surface. Cooled front seats are Optional in the GL-Class (GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC).
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD but is Optional in the GL-Class (GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC).
The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Optional in the GL-Class (GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC).
The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard hands free or voice activated telephone. This feature is Not Available in the GL-Class.
The Escalade ESV AWD provides a Standard separate rear heating and A/C system for the rear passengers comfort. A separate rear heating and A/C system is Optional in the GL-Class (GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC).
The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard passenger-side exterior mirror that automatically tilts downward when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, improving the driver's rear vision. A tilt-down rearview mirror is Not Available on the GL-Class.
Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the Escalade ESV AWD, keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the GL-Class (GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC).