Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
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 GLS-Class
From $199,900
SUV
Diesel
Petrol
270kW
7.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
355L
Mercedes-Benz GLE
From $128,900
SUV
Diesel
Diesel
198kW
6.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
630L
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLE the more affordable entry point by $71,000.
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 $141,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLE by roughly $1,710 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.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with heated front seats that the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses a Petrol producing 270kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Diesel making 198kW and 550Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 198kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is 1.2s 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 5,215mm long on a 3,135mm wheelbase, 291mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 355L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 275L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 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.
12.1m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m 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 $2,223/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and $1,881/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs $1,881 (Mercedes-Benz GLE). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLE takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the cheapest at $128,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by $71,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 GLE has the largest boot at 630L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 6.1s.
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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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