VS
At a Glance
Power
320 engine kW
270 engine kW
Torque
560 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
10.3 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.0 s
6.1 s
Engine
2999 cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG GLE and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-AMG GLE delivers 320 engine kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the GLE returns 10.3 l/100km while the GLS uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 586 165 for the GLE and R2 368 818 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
Mercedes-AMG GLEAMG GLE 53 Coupe 4matic 2023 - From R2 586 165
Mercedes-Benz GLS450d 4matic (mild Hybrid) 2024 - From R2 368 818
Performance
Power Output
320 engine kW
270 engine kW
Torque
560 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
5.0 s
6.1 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.3 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
228 g/km
206 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4961 mm
5207 mm
Width
1947-2156 mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1720 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
3135 mm
Kerb Weight
2325 Kg
2615 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
655-1795 l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
725 lkg
685 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
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
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
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
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLS
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLE
Fuel Economy
GLS
Value
GLS
Practicality
GLS
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-AMG GLE
More powerful engine (320 engine kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.0 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 368 818)
Less power than rival (270 engine kW vs 320 engine kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLE or GLS?
The GLE uses 10.3 l/100km and the GLS uses 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLS 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 GLE or GLS?
The GLE produces 320 engine kW and 560 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The GLE is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLE and GLS?
The GLE starts from R2 586 165 and the GLS from R2 368 818. The GLS is cheaper by R217 347 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLE or GLS?
The GLE has a braked towing capacity of 3500 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 GLE 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.