Cadillac Escalade vs. Mercedes-Benz GL450

youmils03 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2009, 10:55 AM

I am a bigger fan of the Escalade for two big reasons:
1. It has more power AND higher performance.
2. It has many standard features that the GL450 lacks, such as tri-zone climate controls, leather upholstery, heated 2nd-row seats, remote engine start, power liftgate, memory system, 14-way power front seats, and a premium sound system.

The GL450 has its benefits too, which include:
1. It's less expensive.
2. Better off-road.
3. Standard AWD.

I still would rather have an Escalade, but what are your thoughts?

apolloGT · #2 (**permalink**) 01-31-2009, 10:59 AM

Escalade hands down. When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Escalade is king.

youmils03 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2009, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apolloGT

Escalade hands down. When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Escalade is king.

I completely agree. The GL450 is overpriced. If you were to get options on the GL450 to make the GL450's interior congruent to the Escalade's (by adding tri-zone climate controls, remote engine start, power liftgate, heated 2nd-row seats, leather upholstery, premium sound system, and memory system), then the GL450 would cost somewhere around $70,000. Would you rather spend $70,000 and get 335 horsepower or spend $64,000 (for an Escalade AWD) and get 403 horsepower?

mesarius · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2009, 03:11 AM

I honestly don't understand the appeal of luxury SUVs, I think they are a huge waste of road and fuel to be honest, but I suppose if I were to side with one I'd probably take the Cadillac as well. This sort of vehicle is an American invention and in that the Escalade is the name most associated with the market. As far as standard features it does trump the Mercedes as well.

apolloGT · #5 (**permalink**) 02-01-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mesarius

I honestly don't understand the appeal of luxury SUVs, I think they are a huge waste of road and fuel to be honest, but I suppose if I were to side with one I'd probably take the Cadillac as well. This sort of vehicle is an American invention and in that the Escalade is the name most associated with the market. As far as standard features it does trump the Mercedes as well.

They're incredibly useful if you have a large family or lots of things to carry around. I have a pretty big family, and our SUV really helps a lot.

youmils03 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2009, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apolloGT

They're incredibly useful if you have a large family or lots of things to carry around. I have a pretty big family, and our SUV really helps a lot.

What SUV do you have? (Don't tell me it's a crappy GL.)

apolloGT · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 03:56 PM

haha... an 06 GMC Envoy XL Denali... not the most luxurious or powerful, but it does well. 5.3 Liter V8, 300hp, not to mention we got it in 2006, brand new, for $7K under MSRP. You can switch the drive from the cabin which is really cool.. 2WD to AWD, 4WD up, or 4WD low. It's an animal in the snow, which is good here, and it has cylinder deactivation. With the navigation, dvd player, 3rd row seat, and satellite radio, passengers love it.

youmils03 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apolloGT

haha... an 06 GMC Envoy XL Denali... not the most luxurious or powerful, but it does well. 5.3 Liter V8, 300hp, not to mention we got it in 2006, brand new, for $7K under MSRP. You can switch the drive from the cabin which is really cool.. 2WD to AWD, 4WD up, or 4WD low. It's an animal in the snow, which is good here, and it has cylinder deactivation. With the navigation, dvd player, 3rd row seat, and satellite radio, passengers love it.

I never knew they made an Envoy XL. That's weird. I assume you got the navigation and DVD entertainment as options.

I have a 2008 Infiniti FX45. It's a great car. It's got air conditioning w/dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat, 8-way power passenger seat, memory system, 6-disc CD changer, Bose radio, compass, power liftgate, rearview camera, outside-temperature indicator, remote engine start, keyless access and starting, wireless cell phone link, universal garage door opener, and power sunroof. When I get a new car in two or three years, I'm looking into the Audi S6, but we'll see how things play out.

Bottom line out of this COMPLETE conversation: The Cadillac Escalade is better than the Mercedes-Benz GL450.

apolloGT · #9 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 06:48 PM

Infiniti makes beautiful SUVs.. (much more driver oriented than that of Lexus). I also have lots of stuff you listed in your Infiniti, but I just mentioned the stuff I play with =)

And yes, the Escalade is an impressive car. Having ridden in one, I must say, I did feel like a king