Cadillac Escalade vs Mercedes-Benz GLS: Which Should You Buy in UAE?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Cadillac Escalade⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLS⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.

⁦Cadillac Escalade⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLS⁩: the verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLS edges out the Cadillac Escalade for buyers prioritizing a blend of refined German luxury, superior performance, and better fuel efficiency. However, the Escalade remains the top choice for those seeking unparalleled interior space, a commanding American presence, and a powerful, traditional V8 engine experience.
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Price Comparison
Starting at510,500 – 788,000 AED470,300 – 1,105,900 AED
Engine & Power
Engine6,162 cc · 8 cyl2,999 – 4,600 cc · 6 – 8 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)420 – 682 hp367 – 612 hp
Torque (Nm)623 – 885 Nm500 – 850 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)6.3 s4.9 – 6.2 s
Top Speed (Km/h)180 km/h250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)14 L/100km9 – 11.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity98 L90 – 100 L
Gears107 – 9
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.2 / 5.4 m × 2.0 / 2.1 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m5.1 / 5.2 / 5.2 m × 2.0 / 2.0 / 2.1 m × 1.8 / 1.8 / 1.9 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.9 / 3.1 m3.1 / 3.1 m
Curb Weight (kg)2,624 kg2,385 – 2,740 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)430 – 722 L355 – 680 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity8 seats4 / 7 seats
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody KItBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCool boxCooled SeatsCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDVDDVD PlayerDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeEmergency Brake AssistFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHead-Up DisplayHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresRunning BoardScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSecurity SystemSide Impact BarSilver TrimSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTailgate with HatchTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchscreenTowing HookTraction ControlTraffic Jam AssistantTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)Bi-Xenon HeadlampsBluetoothBody Colored Bumper - Front and RearBody Colored GrilleBody Colored MirrorsBonnet LightBrake CalipersBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassCornering LightsCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Handles - Body ColoredDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDVDDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door HandlesImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLumbar SupportMagnesium Paddle ShiftersMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersParallel Parking AssistParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MassageSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSensorSide Impact BarSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Voice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Ultimate Space & Large Families

The Cadillac Escalade is the clear winner here, offering up to 8 seats and a larger maximum trunk capacity of 722 liters, making it ideal for big families and cargo.

2

Best for Driving Performance

The Mercedes-Benz GLS takes the lead with significantly faster acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in as little as 4.9 seconds, and a much higher top speed of 250 km/h.

3

Best for Fuel Efficiency

For those concerned with running costs, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is more fuel-efficient, achieving as low as 9 L/100km compared to the Escalade's 14 L/100km.

4

Best for Commanding Road Presence

The Cadillac Escalade's bold design, larger dimensions, and iconic American luxury styling ensure it makes a more pronounced statement on the road.

Pros & cons

Cadillac Escalade

Pros

  • Higher maximum seating capacity (8 passengers)
  • Larger maximum cargo volume (up to 722 L)
  • Iconic American luxury and commanding road presence
  • Standard larger 6.2L V8 engine
  • Higher max horsepower in V-Series trim (682 hp)

Cons

  • Lower fuel efficiency (14 L/100km)
  • Slower acceleration compared to GLS's top trims
  • Lower top speed (180 km/h)
  • Higher starting price point

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Pros

  • Superior fuel economy (as low as 9 L/100km)
  • Faster acceleration (as quick as 4.9 seconds)
  • Higher top speed (up to 250 km/h)
  • Broader price range with a lower entry point
  • More diverse engine options (6-cylinder available)

Cons

  • Lower maximum seating capacity (7 passengers)
  • Smaller maximum trunk capacity (680 L)
  • Higher price for top-tier AMG performance trims
  • Less powerful standard engine (V6 in base models)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes-Benz GLS better for large families in the UAE?

The Cadillac Escalade is generally better for large families due to its standard 8-seat capacity, compared to the GLS's 7 seats. Furthermore, the Escalade offers a more generous maximum trunk capacity of 722 liters, providing ample space for luggage. If passenger and cargo volume are top priorities, the Escalade is the stronger choice.

Which SUV, the Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes-Benz GLS, offers better driving performance?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS delivers superior driving performance. It boasts a quicker acceleration of 4.9 seconds to 100 km/h in its performance trims, significantly faster than the Escalade's 6.3 seconds. The GLS also has a higher top speed of 250 km/h, making it the better option for those who prioritize dynamic driving and speed.

Between the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS, which is more fuel-efficient?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is considerably more fuel-efficient than the Cadillac Escalade. The GLS achieves fuel economy as low as 9 L/100km, while the Escalade consumes 14 L/100km. For buyers in the UAE looking to minimize fuel costs, the GLS presents a more economical option.

What are the main differences in luxury experience between the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The Cadillac Escalade offers a bold, distinctly American luxury experience, emphasizing spaciousness, powerful V8 engines, and an imposing road presence. The Mercedes-Benz GLS provides a refined, technologically advanced German luxury, focusing on sophisticated driving dynamics, premium materials, and cutting-edge features. Your preference depends on whether you seek traditional grandeur or modern, understated elegance.

Which SUV has a higher starting price in the UAE, the Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The Cadillac Escalade has a higher starting price of 510,500 AED compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS, which begins at 470,300 AED. While the GLS's top trims can exceed the Escalade's highest price, the Escalade requires a larger initial investment. Consider your budget for the entry-level models when making your decision.