VS
At a Glance
Power
338 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
660 Nm
730 Nm
Fuel
1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Towing
3000 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
4.9 s
Engine
2997 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Range Rover Sport and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport delivers 338 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 380 engine kW. On fuel, the Range Rover Sport returns 1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km while the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 927 900 for the Range Rover Sport and R2 972 800 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.
Specification
Land Rover Range Rover Sport3.0 Autobiography (p460e) 2026 - From R2 927 900
Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4matic (mild Hybrid) 2024 - From R2 972 800
Performance
Power Output
338 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
660 Nm
730 Nm
0-100 kph
5.6 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
225 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
71 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
38 when hybrid battery charged g/km
310 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4946 mm
5207 mm
Width
2047-2209 mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1820 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2997 mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance
209-273 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2660 DIN / 2735 EU Kg
2640 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
647-1491 l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
660 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
2
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
—
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLS
Fuel Economy
Range Rover Sport
Value
Range Rover Sport
Practicality
GLS
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Better fuel economy (1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 927 900)
Less power than rival (338 kW vs 380 engine kW)
Mercedes-Benz GLS
More powerful engine (380 engine kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Range Rover Sport or GLS?
The Range Rover Sport uses 1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km and the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Range Rover Sport is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Range Rover Sport or GLS?
The Range Rover Sport produces 338 kW and 660 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 380 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque. The GLS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Range Rover Sport and GLS?
The Range Rover Sport starts from R2 927 900 and the GLS from R2 972 800. The Range Rover Sport is cheaper by R44 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Range Rover Sport or GLS?
The Range Rover Sport has a braked towing capacity of 3000 Kg and the GLS can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Range Rover Sport 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.
Also Consider