VS
At a Glance
Power
270 engine kW
380 engine kW
Torque
750 Nm
730 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Towing
2700 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.7 s
4.9 s
Engine
2989 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLE delivers 270 engine kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 380 engine kW. On fuel, the GLE returns 7.5 l/100km while the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 395 267 for the GLE and R2 972 800 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
270 engine kW
380 engine kW
Torque
750 Nm
730 Nm
0-100 kph
5.7 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
240 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2989 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
Optional
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
194 g/km
310 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4939 mm
5207 mm
Width
1947-2157 mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1730 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2935 mm
3135 mm
Kerb Weight
2295 Kg
2640 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
655-1790 l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2700 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
745 l
660 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✓ 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 (max 20000)
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLS
Fuel Economy
GLE
Value
GLE
Practicality
GLS
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 395 267)
Less power than rival (270 engine kW vs 380 engine kW)
Mercedes-Benz GLS
More powerful engine (380 engine kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLE or GLS?
The GLE uses 7.5 l/100km and the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLE 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 GLE or GLS?
The GLE produces 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 380 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque. The GLS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLE and GLS?
The GLE starts from R2 395 267 and the GLS from R2 972 800. The GLE is cheaper by R577 533 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLE or GLS?
The GLE has a braked towing capacity of 2700 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 GLE 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.