Mercedes-Benz GLS vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

What's the difference?

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Mercedes-Benz GLS
Mercedes-Benz GLS

2021 price

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$170,169 - $424,900

2026 price

Summary

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 6, 3.0L

Diesel Turbo 6, 2.9L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

Diesel
Fuel Efficiency
9.2L/100km (combined)

7.8L/100km (combined)
Seating
7

7
Dislikes
  • Hard lower door plastics
  • Could make even more noise
  • High fuel consumption

  • No ANCAP rating
  • High purchase price
  • Intrusive voice activation
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS Summary

It’s fair to say Mercedes-AMG GLS63 buyers really want it all; good looks, cutting-edge technology, seven-seat practicality, leading safety and V8 performance to name a few key desirables. And, lucky for them, the new model is finally here.

Yep, the latest GLS63 is yet another exercise in excess, leaving very little to be desired by its buyers. Indeed, it ticks almost every box when it comes to a utility vehicle that well and truly puts the sports in Sports Utility Vehicle.

But, of course, this raises questions over whether or not the GLS63 is trying to do too much. And given this model does a whole lot more than its predecessor, these questions need to be answered again. Read on.

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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 Mercedes-Benz GLS 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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