Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Audi e-tron GT
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi e-tron GT opens at $209,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
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 $219,890 and $230,890 respectively.
The Audi e-tron GT 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
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Audi e-tron GT hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi e-tron GT packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 8 in the Audi e-tron GT.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi e-tron GT gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof and Burmester audio that you will not find on the Audi e-tron GT. The Audi e-tron GT counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses a Petrol producing 270kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The Audi e-tron GT responds with a Electric making 435kW and 740Nm, paired to a single speed driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds.
The Audi e-tron GT has the clear power advantage at 435kW vs 270kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi e-tron GT is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class measures 5,207mm long on a 3,135mm wheelbase, 218mm longer than the Audi e-tron GT at 4,989mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 405L in the Audi e-tron GT, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a 275L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 12.8m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 GLS-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi e-tron GT). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi e-tron GT if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Audi e-tron GT trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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 GLS-Class and Audi e-tron GT?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the cheapest at $199,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi e-tron GT by $10,000.
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 GLS-Class and Audi e-tron GT 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 Audi e-tron GT makes the most power at 435kW. The Audi e-tron GT is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
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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