VS
At a Glance
Power
380 engine kW
346 kW
Torque
730 Nm
650 Nm
Fuel
13.7 l/100km
1.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
4.9 s
Engine
3982 cc
2995 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLS delivers 380 engine kW while the Porsche Cayenne produces 346 kW. On fuel, the GLS returns 13.7 l/100km while the Cayenne uses 1.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 972 800 for the GLS and R2 719 000 for the Cayenne. 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
380 engine kW
346 kW
Torque
730 Nm
650 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
254 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3982 cc
2995 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
Optional
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.7 l/100km
1.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
75 l
CO2 Emissions
310 g/km
44 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5207 mm
4930 mm
Width
1956-2030 mm
1983-2194 mm
Height
1823 mm
1674 mm
Wheelbase
3135 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
—
210 (188-233 with opt air suspension) mm
Kerb Weight
2640 Kg
2455 DIN / 2530 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
4 (opt 5)
Load Volume
355-2400 l
404-434-1344 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
660 l
655 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
8 (opt 10)
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 160000 hybrid batter
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Porsche Cayenne
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLS
Fuel Economy
Cayenne
Value
Cayenne
Practicality
Cayenne
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLS
More powerful engine (380 engine kW)
Higher fuel consumption (13.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Porsche Cayenne
Better fuel economy (1.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 719 000)
Less power than rival (346 kW vs 380 engine kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLS or Cayenne?
The GLS uses 13.7 l/100km and the Cayenne uses 1.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Cayenne 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 GLS or Cayenne?
The GLS produces 380 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 346 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The GLS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLS and Cayenne?
The GLS starts from R2 972 800 and the Cayenne from R2 719 000. The Cayenne is cheaper by R253 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLS or Cayenne?
The GLS has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Cayenne can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLS or the Cayenne?
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.