VS
At a Glance
Power
404 kW
450 engine kW
Torque
770 Nm
850 Nm
Fuel
12.8 l/100km
13.5 l/100km
Towing
—
3300 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.5 s
4.2 s
Engine
3996 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Bentley Bentayga and the Mercedes-AMG GLS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Bentley Bentayga delivers 404 kW while the Mercedes-AMG GLS produces 450 engine kW. On fuel, the Bentayga returns 12.8 l/100km while the GLS uses 13.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R5 430 000 for the Bentayga and R4 259 018 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
404 kW
450 engine kW
Torque
770 Nm
850 Nm
0-100 kph
4.5 s
4.2 s
Top Speed
290 Km/h
280 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 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
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.8 l/100km
13.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
296 g/km
306 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5125 mm
5243 mm
Width
1998-2222 mm
1956-2157 mm
Height
1742 mm
1782 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
3135 mm
Kerb Weight
2416 EU Kg
2700 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 4 / opt 7)
7
Load Volume
484-1774 (with 5 seats) l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
3300 Kg
Load Capacity
—
695 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLS
Fuel Economy
Bentayga
Value
GLS
Practicality
Bentayga
Pros & Cons
Bentley Bentayga
Better fuel economy (12.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (404 kW vs 450 engine kW)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG GLS
More powerful engine (450 engine kW)
Lower starting price (R4 259 018)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.2 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.5 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Bentayga or GLS?
The Bentayga uses 12.8 l/100km and the GLS uses 13.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Bentayga 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 Bentayga or GLS?
The Bentayga produces 404 kW and 770 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 450 engine kW and 850 Nm of torque. The GLS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Bentayga and GLS?
The Bentayga starts from R5 430 000 and the GLS from R4 259 018. The GLS is cheaper by R1 170 982 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Bentayga or GLS?
The Bentayga has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the GLS can tow 3300 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Bentayga 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.