Porsche Cayenne 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.
Price Breakdown
The Porsche Cayenne starts from $138,800 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class opens at $199,900. 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 $152,680 and $219,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by roughly $2,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Porsche Cayenne stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and BOSE audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Porsche Cayenne uses a Petrol producing 260kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 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 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.
Space & Comfort
The Porsche Cayenne measures 4,930mm long on a 2,895mm wheelbase, 277mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class at 5,207mm (3,135mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 698L in the Porsche Cayenne and 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, giving the Porsche Cayenne a 18L 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 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.8m diameter
Large
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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,477/year for the Porsche Cayenne and $2,993/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. That is a $484 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Estimated annual total: $3,477 (Porsche Cayenne) vs $2,993 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). 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: 3 years / 999,999km (Porsche Cayenne) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Porsche Cayenne if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Porsche's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class will save you roughly $484 a year in fuel. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
The Porsche Cayenne is the cheapest at $138,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by $61,100.
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 — Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Porsche Cayenne has the largest boot at 698L.
Which can tow the most?
The Porsche Cayenne has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class makes the most power at 270kW. The Porsche Cayenne is quickest to 100km/h in 5.7s.
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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