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 Cadillac Escalade wins for buyers prioritizing immense space, raw V8 power, and a commanding presence at a more accessible starting price. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLS offers superior fuel efficiency, a higher level of refined luxury, and a broader range of engine choices for those willing to invest more for a sophisticated driving experience.
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Price Comparison
Starting at462,500 – 735,000 AED490,000 – 940,900 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)4.6 – 6.3 s4.9 – 6.2 s
Top Speed (Km/h)180 – 201 km/h250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)14 – 18.1 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 – 2,555 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)430 – 722 L355 – 680 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity8 seats7 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 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 BoltsAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (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 Handles - Body ColoredDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDVDDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportMap 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 OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MassageSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSensorSide Impact BarSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Large Families

The Cadillac Escalade comfortably seats 8 passengers and offers up to 722 liters of trunk space, making it the ideal choice for bigger families needing ample room and cargo capacity.

2

Best for Raw Power

With its top-tier 6.2L V8 engine delivering 682 hp and a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.6 seconds, the Escalade V is the undisputed winner for performance enthusiasts seeking brute force.

3

Best for Fuel Efficiency

The Mercedes-Benz GLS, with its most efficient engine achieving 9 L/100km, is the clear choice for drivers who prioritize lower running costs and better fuel economy.

4

Best for Refined Luxury

The Mercedes-Benz GLS commands a higher price ceiling and offers a more sophisticated, technologically advanced cabin experience, appealing to those seeking ultimate prestige and refinement.

Pros & cons

Cadillac Escalade

Pros

  • Higher maximum seating capacity (8 passengers)
  • More powerful top-tier V8 engine (682 hp)
  • Lower starting price point
  • Larger maximum cargo volume (722 L)
  • Quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration (4.6s)

Cons

  • Significantly higher fuel consumption (up to 18.1 L/100km)
  • Lower top speed (180 km/h)
  • Heavier vehicle weight
  • Fewer engine options

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Pros

  • Significantly better fuel economy (as low as 9 L/100km)
  • Higher top speed (250 km/h)
  • Broader range of engine configurations
  • Lighter kerb weight for agile handling
  • Higher perceived luxury and brand prestige

Cons

  • Higher starting price and much higher top-end price
  • Lower maximum seating capacity (7 passengers)
  • Less powerful top-tier engine option (612 hp)
  • Smaller maximum trunk capacity (680 L)

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 configuration, compared to the GLS's 7 seats. Additionally, the Escalade offers a larger maximum trunk capacity of 722 liters, providing more space for luggage and gear. If seating for eight and ample cargo room are priorities, the Escalade is the stronger choice.

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

For sheer raw power and acceleration, the Cadillac Escalade's top V-Series trim boasts 682 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds, outperforming the GLS's 612 hp top trim. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLS has a higher top speed of 250 km/h. Choose the Escalade for blistering acceleration, or the GLS for sustained high-speed cruising.

Which is more fuel-efficient: the Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is significantly more fuel-efficient than the Cadillac Escalade. The GLS can achieve as low as 9 L/100km, while the Escalade's fuel economy ranges from 14 to 18.1 L/100km. If fuel consumption is a primary concern, the GLS is the clear winner.

How do the prices of the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS compare in the UAE?

The Cadillac Escalade has a lower starting price range of 462,500 – 735,000 AED, offering strong value for its size and features. The Mercedes-Benz GLS starts higher at 490,000 AED and can reach up to 940,900 AED for its top-tier trims, reflecting its premium positioning. Buyers on a tighter budget might find the Escalade more appealing, while the GLS caters to the ultra-luxury segment.

Does the Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes-Benz GLS offer more cargo space?

The Cadillac Escalade generally offers more cargo space, with a maximum trunk capacity of up to 722 liters. The Mercedes-Benz GLS provides a respectable maximum of 680 liters. For those requiring the absolute largest cargo volume, especially with all seats folded, the Escalade holds the advantage.