Mercedes-Benz G-Class 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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$214,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$199,900RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's standard kit: $199,900 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class starts from $214,900 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 $15,000.
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 $236,390 and $219,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- REC-006071 · published 3 Sep 2024The jack provided with the vehicle may not include a base plate.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2023
- REC-005747 · published 8 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel delivery unit may fail causing the fuel pump to switch off.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005667 · published 4 May 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the front axle wiring harness may come in contact with the oil cooler.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2022
- 10 more on the model page.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
- REC-006362 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the multi-purpose camera and/or the interior rear-view mirror on the windscreen may not have been bonded correctly and could detach.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005922 · published 20 Mar 2024Due to a software issue in the transmission control module, the transmission may not downshift under certain conditions and could result in a sudden loss of engine power.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- REC-005747 · published 8 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel delivery unit may fail causing the fuel pump to switch off.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 7 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class features a 12.3-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 GLS-Class counters with panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class uses a Diesel producing 270kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class responds with a Petrol making 270kW and 750Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class measures 4,825mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 390mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class at 5,215mm (3,135mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 355L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a 125L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,700kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 13.0m
Based on 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,480/year for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and $2,223/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 66 vs 65
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (66 vs 65), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: practicality (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 9), fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ahead by 8). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz G-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 G-Class 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 G-Class by $15,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the largest boot at 480L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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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