VS
At a Glance
Power
430 engine kW
410 engine kW
Torque
850 Nm
730 Nm
Fuel
14.7 l/100km
13.8 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.4 s
4.9 s
Engine
3982 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG G-Class and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-AMG G-Class delivers 430 engine kW while the Mercedes-Maybach GLS produces 410 engine kW. On fuel, the G-Class returns 14.7 l/100km while the GLS uses 13.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R4 506 775 for the G-Class and R4 650 671 for the GLS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
430 engine kW
410 engine kW
Torque
850 Nm
730 Nm
0-100 kph
4.4 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3982 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
14.7 l/100km
13.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
350 g/km
312 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4624 mm
5205 mm
Width
1984-2187 mm
2030-2157 mm
Height
1976 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2890 mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance
244 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2565 DIN / 2640 EU Kg
2815 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
640-2010 l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
560 l
455 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-AMG G-Class
2 / 4 categories
Performance
G-Class
Fuel Economy
GLS
Value
G-Class
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-AMG G-Class
More powerful engine (430 engine kW)
Lower starting price (R4 506 775)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (14.7 l/100km)
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Better fuel economy (13.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (410 engine kW vs 430 engine kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the G-Class or GLS?
The G-Class uses 14.7 l/100km and the GLS uses 13.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLS is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the G-Class or GLS?
The G-Class produces 430 engine kW and 850 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 410 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque. The G-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the G-Class and GLS?
The G-Class starts from R4 506 775 and the GLS from R4 650 671. The G-Class is cheaper by R143 896 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the G-Class or GLS?
The G-Class has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the GLS can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the G-Class or the GLS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.