VS
At a Glance
Power
404 kW
410 engine kW
Torque
770 Nm
730 Nm
Fuel
13.3 l/100km
13.8 l/100km
Towing
—
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.6 s
4.9 s
Engine
3996 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Bentley Bentayga and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Bentley Bentayga delivers 404 kW while the Mercedes-Maybach GLS produces 410 engine kW. On fuel, the Bentayga returns 13.3 l/100km while the GLS uses 13.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R5 825 000 for the Bentayga and R4 650 671 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
410 engine kW
Torque
770 Nm
730 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
290 Km/h
250 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
13.3 l/100km
13.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
302 g/km
312 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5305 mm
5205 mm
Width
1998-2222 mm
2030-2157 mm
Height
1739 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
3175 mm
3135 mm
Kerb Weight
2514 EU Kg
2815 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 4 / opt 7)
5
Load Volume
484-1774 (with 5 seats) l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
455 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 (13.3 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6 ss)
Less power than rival (404 kW vs 410 engine kW)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
More powerful engine (410 engine kW)
Lower starting price (R4 650 671)
Higher fuel consumption (13.8 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Bentayga or GLS?
The Bentayga uses 13.3 l/100km and the GLS uses 13.8 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 410 engine kW and 730 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 825 000 and the GLS from R4 650 671. The GLS is cheaper by R1 174 329 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 3500 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.