VS
At a Glance
Power
410 engine kW
544 kW
Torque
730 Nm
950 Nm
Fuel
13.8 l/100km
2.5 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
3.7 s
Engine
3982 cc
3996 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS delivers 410 engine kW while the Porsche Cayenne produces 544 kW. On fuel, the GLS returns 13.8 l/100km while the Cayenne uses 2.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R4 650 671 for the GLS and R3 791 000 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
410 engine kW
544 kW
Torque
730 Nm
950 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
3.7 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
295 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3982 cc
3996 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
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
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.8 l/100km
2.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
312 g/km
57 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5205 mm
4930 mm
Width
2030-2157 mm
1983-2194 mm
Height
1823 mm
1685 mm
Wheelbase
3135 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
—
198-243 mm
Kerb Weight
2815 Kg
2570 DIN / 2645 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
520 l
539-621-1557 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
Load Capacity
455 l
645 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
Optional
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
Cayenne
Fuel Economy
Cayenne
Value
Cayenne
Practicality
GLS
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (13.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (410 engine kW vs 544 kW)
Higher starting price
Porsche Cayenne
More powerful engine (544 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R3 791 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLS or Cayenne?
The GLS uses 13.8 l/100km and the Cayenne uses 2.5 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 410 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 544 kW and 950 Nm of torque. The Cayenne is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLS and Cayenne?
The GLS starts from R4 650 671 and the Cayenne from R3 791 000. The Cayenne is cheaper by R859 671 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 3000 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.