VS
At a Glance
Power
420hp @ 5600
550hp @ 6000
Torque
460lb-ft @ 4100
538lb-ft @ 2500
Fuel
17 mpg est.
16 mpg est.
Towing
8000lbs
—
Engine
6.2L/375ci
4.0 L/243ci
Choosing between the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes-Benz Gls Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Cadillac Escalade delivers 420hp @ 5600 while the Mercedes-Benz Gls Class produces 550hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Escalade returns 17 mpg est. while the Gls Class uses 16 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $120,400 for the Escalade and $90,250 for the Gls Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Cadillac EscaladeRWD 4dr Platinum Sport 2026 - From $120,400
Mercedes-Benz Gls ClassMaybach GLS 600 4MATIC SUV 2026 - From $90,250
Performance
Power Output (hp)
420hp @ 5600
550hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
460lb-ft @ 4100
538lb-ft @ 2500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
6.2L/375ci
4.0 L/243ci
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
17 mpg est.
16 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
15mpg
13mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
19mpg
18mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
28gal
23.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
226.95in
205in
Width (in)
81.08in
79.9in
Height (in)
76.40in
72.4in
Wheelbase (in)
134in
123.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
6106lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
8000lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Gls Class
Fuel Economy
Escalade
Value
Gls Class
Practicality
Escalade
Pros & Cons
Cadillac Escalade
Better fuel economy (17 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz Gls Class
Lower starting price ($90,250)
Higher fuel consumption (16 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Escalade or Gls Class?
The Escalade gets 17 mpg est. and the Gls Class gets 16 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Escalade is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Escalade or Gls Class?
The Escalade produces 420hp @ 5600 and 460lb-ft @ 4100 of torque while the Gls Class delivers 550hp @ 6000 and 538lb-ft @ 2500 of torque. The Gls Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Escalade and Gls Class?
The Escalade starts from $120,400 and the Gls Class from $90,250. The Gls Class is cheaper by $30,150 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Escalade or Gls Class?
The Escalade has a braked towing capacity of 8000lbs and the Gls Class can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Escalade or the Gls Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.