VS
At a Glance
Power
265 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
800 Nm
730 Nm
Fuel
20.0-22.8 kWh/100km l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.0 s
4.9 s
Engine
electric cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV delivers 265 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 380 engine kW. On fuel, the EQS SUV returns 20.0-22.8 kWh/100km l/100km while the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 735 851 for the EQS SUV 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
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUVEQS 450 4matic 2023 - From R2 735 851
Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4matic (mild Hybrid) 2024 - From R2 972 800
Performance
Power Output
265 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
800 Nm
730 Nm
0-100 kph
6.0 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
210 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
—
8
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
20.0-22.8 kWh/100km l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
118 kWh l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
-
310 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5125 mm
5207 mm
Width
1959-2157 mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1718 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
3210 mm
3135 mm
Kerb Weight
2730 DIN / 2805 EU Kg
2640 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 7)
7
Load Volume
645-2100 l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
570 lkg
660 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
✓ 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
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 160000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLS
Fuel Economy
GLS
Value
EQS SUV
Practicality
EQS SUV
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Lower starting price (R2 735 851)
Less power than rival (265 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 starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the EQS SUV or GLS?
The EQS SUV uses 20.0-22.8 kWh/100km l/100km and the GLS uses 13.7 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 EQS SUV or GLS?
The EQS SUV produces 265 kW and 800 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 EQS SUV and GLS?
The EQS SUV starts from R2 735 851 and the GLS from R2 972 800. The EQS SUV is cheaper by R236 949 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the EQS SUV or GLS?
The EQS SUV has a braked towing capacity of 1800 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 EQS SUV 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.