Haval H6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
What's the difference?

Haval H6

$17,590 - $22,990

2021 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$170,169 - $424,900

2026 price

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Summary

2021 Haval H6

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

9.8L/100km (combined)

7.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great value
Looks stunning
Nice to drive

Big GVM/GCM ratings
Active air suspension
Performance/economy

Dislikes

No hybrid version
Thirsty petrol engine
No diesel version

No ANCAP rating
High purchase price
Intrusive voice activation

2021 Haval H6 Summary

There are good surprises and bad surprises. Like the time I was driving my ute and the steering wheel came off. Bad surprise. Or the time the chicken shop accidentally gave me a large chips when I paid for a medium. Good surprise. The Haval H6 also surprised me. And it was up there with a large chips type of surprise.

See, my expectations of Haval have been of a brand which is really big in China where its owned by Great Wall Motors, but can’t keep up with the likes of Toyota and Mazda when it comes to driving and styling. Instead, their strength seemed to be just value-for-money.

Surprise! The new generation H6 isn’t just good value-for-money any more. It’s still really well priced but it has stunning looks, too. But that wasn’t the biggest surprise.

If you are considering a mid-sized SUV such as a Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5, I strongly suggest you widen the net and consider the H6, too. Let me explain.

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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

2021 Haval H6 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Verdict

The H6 could be the turning point for Haval in Australia. The brand’s first big success that changes the way Aussies view this Chinese carmaker. The H6’s great value and stunning looks will win over many but add an excellent warranty, advanced safety tech, plus the surprisingly good, and you have a package that appears right up there with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

The sweet spot of the range would have to be the Lux - the car I tested with its leatherette seats, privacy glass and dual-zone climate control.

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.

Haval H6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Haval H6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
What's the difference?