Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Porsche Cayenne

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Porsche Cayenne opens at $138,800. That makes the Porsche Cayenne the more affordable entry point by $61,100.

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 $152,680 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by roughly $2,420 in fuel alone.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Porsche Cayenne hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Porsche Cayenne. The Porsche Cayenne counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Porsche Cayenne responds with a Petrol making 260kW and 500Nm, paired to a 8-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 260kW. In the real-world sprint, the Porsche Cayenne is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class measures 5,207mm long on a 3,135mm wheelbase, 277mm longer than the Porsche Cayenne at 4,930mm (2,895mm 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 698L in the Porsche Cayenne, giving the Porsche Cayenne a 18L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Porsche Cayenne leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,993/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and $3,477/year for the Porsche Cayenne. That is a $484 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs $3,477 (Porsche Cayenne). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class saves you roughly $484 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 3 years / 999,999km (Porsche Cayenne). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has longer coverage.