Looking for luxury SUVs that get their priorities straight? We know what you're searching for. These two models are top-of-the-line, designed by a couple of the best names in the industry. Explore the new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS and the 2026 Cadillac Escalade inside and out with this comparative guide. Test drive new luxury SUVs in Lexington, KY, when you visit James Motor Company Mercedes-Benz!
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2026 Cadillac Escalade
You know exactly what you want in a luxury car. A confident ride that carries itself with an elegant demeanor, innovative safety upgrades, and a lavish interior that can be labeled as designer. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, available in Lexington, KY, effortlessly fits the description, with the Cadillac Escalade attempting to be what it's not: An adventurous family car.
Learn more > Review Roundup: What Are Car Critics Saying About The 2026 GLS-Class?
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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS |
2026 Cadillac Escalade |
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Starts at $90,250 MSRP |
Starts at $91,100 MSRP |
Performance
The new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS in Lexington, KY, starts your drive with a standard 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine supported by mild hybrid drive for 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. We can testify to the fact that this is all that local families need for daily drives and most road trips. An AIRMATIC adaptive air suspension also comes standard, ensuring a smooth, high-quality drive feel that easily classifies as luxury. For higher-quality drives, the GLS's available engine option upgrades you to a 4.0L V8 turbocharged with mild hybrid drive for a total of 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. Gentle yet capable, the perfect balance for a luxury SUV.
The 2026 Escalade. Is it a luxury car, or an untamed beast? When you've put sophisticated, high-end driving in the forefront of your mind, you're not imagining a rugged off-roader. Cadillac seemed to have lost its way designing the Escalade, leaning too hard into boastful territory with specs that many didn't ask for. And we can't help but ask, who would want to pay $168,000 MSRP for a higher trim just to own a 682-HP engine? Nobody needs that, especially not in Florida.
Safety Features
Mercedes-Benz does more than equip you with the usual standard features you would find in your typical SUV. The 2026 GLS-Class in Lexington, KY, offers unconventional driver-assist features as standard, such as Surround View with a special "Transparent Hood" view. This angle gives you a clear, real-time visual of where you can't see right in front of the car. Another standard feature we love to see is DISTRONIC Adaptive Cruise Control with Active Steering Assist, relieving you of some fatigue during long trips or hectic days. In case of an accident, PRE-SAFE works quickly to adjust the seats, seat belts, and sunroof to prepare for impact, all while emitting pink noise to protect your hearing from loud crashing sounds.
We admire Mercedes-Benz's efforts to innovate and find new, exciting, and effective ways to watch out for your safety. The GLS has set the bar pretty high, and that's unfortunate for Cadillac. Aside from the typical standard features everyone has come to expect, the only other addition that stands out in the Cadillac Escalade is Super Cruise. But hands-free driving only works on supported roads, whereas the GLS's optional features are useful everywhere you go.
Interior
Crafting luxury means balancing sophisticated style and nice-to-have amenities without going overboard. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS maintains a harmonious atmosphere with powered seating adjustments, ambient lighting, 4-zone climate control, and just enough seats to accommodate a large family in Lexington while leaving room for hand-picked luxuries. A bench-seat layout offers 7 seats, and captain's chairs deliver 6 comfortable spots for everyone to hunker down and be comfortable. Dual 12.3-inch displays are designed to be easy for the driver to navigate, and it's your choice between a 13 or 29-speaker setup with High-End 3D sound.
The new Cadillac Escalade seats up to 8, but extra passengers can compromise the comfort of the family as a whole with less passenger space to spare. Many large families in Florida can get by just fine with only 6 or 7 seats for the sake of greater interior space and more luxuries. The rest of the seating situation comes as no surprise, with the availability of heating elements and power adjustments.
Bottom Line
Every version of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS in Lexington, KY, delivers top-tier luxury that looks great and makes sense. Focusing on what matters (and not going heavy-handed where it doesn't) makes for a successful recipe, one that the Cadillac Escalade could use some work on before being considered a better option. But for now, your family will appreciate the GLS-Class with features that put them first!
Read more > Ultimate 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS Trim Guide
Take the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS for a Test Drive!
We're ready to introduce you to the luxury SUV that you and your loved ones deserve. Visit James Motor Company Mercedes-Benz today to test drive the new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS in Lexington, KY! Call us today at (859) 268-1150 to ask us about high-end family-friendly SUVs near you.
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