Cupra Ateca vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
What's the difference?

Cupra Ateca

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2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$170,169 - $424,900

2026 price

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Summary

2025 Cupra Ateca

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

By Laura Berry

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Diesel Turbo 6, 2.9L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

7.1L/100km (combined)

7.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

The 'mysterious' brand
Volkswagen quality and engineering
Lower price into the Ateca model

Big GVM/GCM ratings
Active air suspension
Performance/economy

Dislikes

Safety tech could be more cutting edge
Fuel economy on the high side
No head-up display

No ANCAP rating
High purchase price
Intrusive voice activation

2025 Cupra Ateca Summary

Not many people even know what a Cupra Ateca V is… and this is the second best thing about this small SUV. The first best thing is that Cupra is owned by Volkswagen.

So, this means you can have your mysterious SUV not many other people drive while knowing it’s underpinned by one of the largest car manufacturers in the world which makes cars millions of people drive and one which also has a reputation for high quality vehicles.

The big news here is the Ateca model range has a new and lower entry fee with the arrival of this V grade. See, until now the only Ateca Australians could buy is the high-performance VZx which while really sporty also came with a pretty big price tag.

So, how much is the Ateca V and what do you get for the money? We found this out at the Australian launch along with how practical and safe it is and what it’s like to drive.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Summary

The ‘Upper Large SUV over $120K’ segment of the Aussie new-car market is what you might call the top end of town, not only in terms of the extravagant models available but also their purchase prices, which stretch well into six figures and require monthly lease payments that rival home mortgages.

It’s where you’ll find some of the most prestigious marques in the automotive world including Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Range Rover, Lexus and BMW. And, of course, Mercedes-Benz with its big GLS which represents the flagship of the German manufacturer’s SUV fleet.

It was given a refresh in 2023 with cosmetic and multimedia upgrades along with powertrain enhancements, but there have only been minor changes since then. We were recently entrusted with the keys to the latest GLS to see if the ‘S-Class of SUVs’ leaves any room for improvement.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Cupra Ateca 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Verdict

The Cupra Ateca V is a much needed more affordable way into this small SUV while still offering a high-end feeling with plenty of standard features. Yes, the V isn't as high-powered as the VZx but it's still great to drive in the city and on the open road. Big on the inside and small on the outside the Cupra Ateca can perform urban and (small) family duties well.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The GLS450d impresses as an entry-level grade, as it’s a more family-friendly allrounder than the specialised AMG and Maybach variants. Its combination of a torque-rich diesel 48V hybrid drivetrain, air-cushioned suspension and plush interior are as well suited to luxury urban travel as they are to grand touring, where its heavy towing and generous load-carrying capabilities can shine. Whether it’s worth around $200K drive-away, only those who shop at the top end of town can decide.

Cupra Ateca vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Ateca vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
What's the difference?