Mercedes has substantially upgraded its luxury SUVs, the Mercedes GLE and GLS, which now offer very similar technology. Is the roughly €16,000 price difference for the Mercedes GLS justified?
Mercedes has significantly improved its luxury GLE and GLS SUVs, which were among the brand’s oldest models. The current-generation Mercedes GLE (the W167 SUV and C167 SUV Coupé) debuted in autumn 2018 at the Paris Motor Show, while the Mercedes GLS (X167) was unveiled in spring 2019 at the New York Auto Show.
Both models underwent a facelift in 2023, although the changes were largely cosmetic. In March 2026, however, Mercedes introduced substantial updates, equipping both models with a completely new MB.OS multimedia system based on Google services, featuring Google Maps, artificial intelligence from Microsoft, Google and ChatGPT, as well as the ability to download third-party video and audio streaming applications.
The engine range has also been thoroughly revised, and the four-cylinder engines have been dropped from the GLE lineup.
Both the Mercedes GLE and GLS can be ordered with 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engines producing 286 hp and 367 hp, as well as a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with 381 hp and a 4.0-litre V8 with 537 hp. All engines feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.
Because the GLS comes standard with seven seats, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is not available for the GLS and is offered only on the GLE. In addition, AMG versions are exclusive to the GLE range, including the AMG GLE 53 4Matic and AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic.
A Price Difference of Around €16,000
Whether we are talking about the GLE/GLS 350 d 4Matic, GLE/GLS 450 d 4Matic or GLE/GLS 450 4Matic (the GLE/GLS 580 4Matic will be available later), the price difference is approximately €16,000. Is it worth paying the extra amount?
First of all, the Mercedes GLS comes standard with seven seats, all of which are electrically adjustable. The Mercedes GLE can also be configured with seven seats, but the option for the two third-row seats costs €1,082.90. In addition, the electrically adjustable rear bench seat on the GLE costs an extra €1,428.00.
In addition, the Mercedes GLS offers significantly more space in the third row, where even passengers as tall as 1.94 meters can sit comfortably, which is not the case in the GLE. The cargo capacity is also considerably larger in the GLS: 890 liters with the third-row seats folded into the floor, compared with 630 liters in the GLE. With the second-row seats folded down, the GLS offers 2,400 liters of cargo space versus 2,055 liters in the GLE.
Furthermore, for only €595, the Mercedes GLS is available in a luxurious six-seat configuration featuring two electrically adjustable individual seats in the second row.
Only the Mercedes GLS comes standard with multicontour front seats including a massage function, an option that costs an additional €2,499 on the GLE.
Both models can be equipped with Thermotronic climate control, which costs €821.10 on the GLS and €797.30 on the GLE. However, the GLS features a five-zone system (two zones for each of the first two rows and one dedicated zone for the third row with separate heating and cooling controls), while the GLE offers only four zones (two for each of the first two rows).
Both models come standard with three displays, including one for the front passenger. The difference is that on the GLE it is included as part of a standard package, whereas on the GLS it is listed separately but still comes as standard equipment. On the GLS, the Burmester 3D Surround Sound System costs €1,350.65, while the High-End 3D system costs €6,140.40. On the GLE, only the Burmester 3D Surround Sound System is available, and it is included in the Advanced Plus package, which costs €4,855.20. This effectively offsets another €3,500 of the price difference.
In addition, only the GLS can be ordered with the High-End Rear Entertainment Package, priced at €3,736.
Another major difference concerns the suspension. The Mercedes GLS comes standard with the intelligent Airmatic air suspension, which costs an additional €2,142 on the GLE. By contrast, the E-Active Body Control suspension is priced similarly on both models at €7,735, as is the Off-Road Package (€702.10).
As a result, the equipment differences offset more than €10,500 of the price gap (€2,500 from the seating configuration, €2,500 from the multicontour seats, €3,500 from the audio system, and €2,142 from the Airmatic suspension). In the end, at least €10,500 of the €16,000 price difference is effectively accounted for, in addition to the GLS’s more generous interior space and exclusive features that are not available on the GLE.
| Model | GLE 350 d 4Matic | GLE 450 d 4Matic | GLE 450 4Matic | GLE 450 e 4Matic | GLS 350 d 4Matic | GLS 450 d 4Matic | GLS 450 4Matic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine/no. Of cylinders | L6 | L6 | L6 | L6 | L6 | L6 | L6 |
| Displacement | 2,989 | 2,989 | 2,999 | 2,999 | 2,989 | 2,989 | 2,999 |
| Max. Power/revs (PS/rpm) | 286/3,200-4,800 | 367/4,000 | 381/5,000-6,100 | 326/2,200-4,250 | 313/3,600-4,400 | 367/4,000 | 381/5,000-6,100 |
| Max. Torque/revs (Nm/rpm) | 650/1,200-3,000 | 750/1,350-2,800 | 560/2,000-4,500 | 650/1,200-3,200 | 750/1,350-2,800 | 560/2,000-4,500 | |
| Electric motor | |||||||
| Max. Power (PS) | 23 | 23 | 23 | 184 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Max. Torque (Nm) | 205 | 205 | 205 | 480 | 205 | 205 | 205 |
| Acceleration 0-100 kph (s) | 6.2 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 5.9 | 5.7 |
| Top speed (kph) | 235 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 238 | 250 | 250 |
| Fuel consumption (l/100 km | 7.4-8.2 | 7.4-8.2 | 9.5-10.6 | 3.2-4.0 | 7.8-8.5 | 7.8-8.5 | 9.9-11.9 |
| Energy consumption (kWh/100 km) | 22-23 | ||||||
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | 195-215 | 195-215 | 216-240 | 72-91 | 205-223 | 205-223 | 225-248 |
| Prices (euro with VAT) | 92,064 (99,163) | 98,282 (109,420) | 95,164 | 95,176 (100,739) | 108,106 | 113,211 | 111,551 |
