Levi68

While all seem to hate it, all Brands are following, with BMW, Audi and Lexus. It is the future, and Cadillac was again first. Maybe other brands will have better implementation, as with many things GM came first to market, but other implemented better.

spwolf

LR has been fixing its quality problems for decades... brand new vehicle squeaking all over with, relatively poor materials, engine that does not feel good... only good point is the looks.

spwolf

I know you are MB fan, but if you actually read the review completely you will see that they liked MB powertrain the best of them all - so choice of powertrain was actually good... And interior is dated - just compare it to S class interior. It looks like it is designed 15 years ago, nicer leather would not change that.

I cant believe that MB is not utilizing C/S class interior design more... GL also gets old interior.

TangoRed

The supercharged 3.0 V6 JLR uses is so compromised it's not even funny. The block is actually the same size as the V8, believe it or not. Can't wait until the Ingenium I6 gets here.

If this was a base level comparison, the Escalade wouldn't have been the top level Platinum level. Also, you can absolutely get the Designo interior upgrade on the GL450. Likely Mercedes just didn't send them one or they didn't ask for it.

I know they did, but the GL550 would've still been faster. And of course the GL interior is dated in comparison to the C/S interior, it was designed a generation before them. The GL was the last of Peter Pfeiffer designs...it gets a facelift next year but won't be moving to the new design language until 2018 when it'll turn into more of a ultra-lux RR competitor.

Just would've preferred a more apples to apples comparison, although I know they're at the mercy of the manufacturer fleet. And for the record, I have other problems with MotorTrend's comparisons over the last year or two. Their most recent minivan comparison in particular was poorly done.

kwr

The Infinifi and LX570 do not have upgraded interior options like the Escalade, RR and Benz. Both the LX and QX come fairly standard. Of course RR and Benz are the only two available with upgraded engines. Again the base engine in a RR is a V6. For '16 there are 4 options: 2 V6s (340 and 380 hp) and 2 V8s (510 and 550 hp). For these reasons this was a base comparison test and the non-platinum version of the Escalade should have been provided for an apples to apples comparison.

Looks like you can only order the Designo steering wheel on the GL450 based on MBUSA. You have to step up to the GL550 for the full Designo upgrade.

TangoRed

The Infiniti QX80 is available in Limited form which comes with the interior package, so it does have an upgrade available (engine aside). See below:



In any event, yes a non-Platinum Escalade would've solved the issue.

Look at the last 3 interior color options for the GL450. You'll see by selecting them you'll add $4800 for the Designo interior.

chromedome

That's a funny review when another recent MT reviewer talked about not getting the point of the LX570 at first, then gushing all about it by the ending paragraph. Too bad there's no Q7 or GL diesel in there, in my opinion the smoky stuff is the only fuel that belongs in a huge SUV.

UZJ100GXR

Keep in mind the LX interior is basically the same interior since the vehicle was first unveiled at the New York motor show in 2007 with only minor tweaks since then. For MY2016 the LX is supposed to get an upgraded interior....can't wait to see how that turns out.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

nice article, good comparison imho.

T0ked

iTrader: (2)

I'm a MB fan and I'm surprised how highly they ranked it, gladly surprised. Same with the LX. Shows how good and capable those two SUVs are. RR is so overrated by the press, it's laughable. The latest Escalade truly is a great vehicle, and I'm glad it's getting the recognition.

Toys4RJill

I disagree, the RR is probably the most prestigious as a status symbol or it is a toss up with the Escalade.

rxonmymind

Ha! My kinda vehicle!
Seriously though I saw one in my company parking lot and it still looked good. Kinda peaked quickly in the interior and granted it was a bit dated but overall aesthetic wise looked good. Not sure if I need something that large but who knows. Might get it in the future.
Just read UZJ100GR comment that Lexus may upgrade the 2016. Looking forward to it.
Also a hat tip to Cadillac improving and keeping up with the limes of MB & Lexus.

spwolf

it is fine to like ML of course, I am sure it is a great car (finished 2nd here!!!), but there is no doubt that its interior design is dated and nowhere as contemporary as S and C class interiors which are market leading interiors.

mmarshall

Yes, the RR a status symbol, but there is also another notorious side to them:

Toys4RJill

Yes repairs do happen more frequently. But the RR is the type of SUV that you would want to change up or upgrade every four years or so when the warranty is finished.

Most owners I know change them up frequently. The LX on the owner hand has a loyal long term owner base.