Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Tesla Model Y
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$170,169 - $424,900

2026 price

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Tesla Model Y

$58,900 - $89,400

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLS

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Summary

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

2026 Tesla Model Y

By Mark Oastler

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 6, 2.9L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Diesel

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.8L/100km (combined)

Electric range

681 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

82.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Big GVM/GCM ratings
Active air suspension
Performance/economy

Seriously practical
A seating layout that makes perfect sense
Long-distance driving range

Dislikes

No ANCAP rating
High purchase price
Intrusive voice activation

Ride might be too firm for some
Compromised vision from driver's seat
Lack of Apple CarPlay a turn-off

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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2026 Tesla Model Y Summary

This is the new Tesla Model Y L, of course, but before we even start I need to ask you a very important question.

How often, honestly, do you use all seven seats in your seven-seater? Or if you only have five seats, how often is there a human in every single one?

Rarely, if ever?

Yep, me too. So stick around, because this is, by far, the best family SUV seating layout. And one where there’ll finally be no fighting over who gets stuck with the dodgy seat.

And as a result, the six-seat Tesla Model Y L might just be among the best all-electric SUV offerings around.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 2026 Tesla Model Y

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.

Verdict

If you like the five-seat Model Y, then you'll like the six-seat L version even more. I think this the best example of Tesla's electric SUV to date, and the cabin layout just makes a lot of sense, and would suit plenty of families who don't need to squeeze someone into a compromised middle seat.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Tesla Model Y What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Tesla Model Y
What's the difference?