Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
From $225,900
SUV
Electric
265kW
—
5★ ANCAP
645L
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
From $199,900
SUV
Petrol
270kW
10.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
680L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV starts from $225,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class opens at $199,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class the more affordable entry point by $26,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $248,490 and $219,890 respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV stands out with heated front seats and ventilated seats that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV uses a Electric producing 265kW and 568Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class responds with a Petrol making 270kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 265kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV measures 5,125mm long on a 3,210mm wheelbase, 82mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class at 5,207mm (3,135mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 645L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a 35L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.4m to 12.8m
Based on 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the cheapest at $199,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV by $26,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses the least fuel at 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the largest boot at 680L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class makes the most power at 270kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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