Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLS: Which Luxury SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?

If you’ve been looking for a new SUV, you’ve likely come across the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Mercedes-Benz GLS. While both vehicles are wildly impressive luxury machines, there are some key differences between them, with each catering to a different driving experience. In this Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLS comparison, we’ll look at their specs, features, and more to see how they differ and what makes each one unique. If you’re considering a Mercedes SUV, you’ll want to keep reading. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLS: Specs 

For starters, we’ll look at the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the slightly smaller of the two vehicles. Regardless of the engine you choose, you’ll have a tighter, more agile experience in it. However, we’re here to look at specs, so let’s look at the Mercedes-Benz GLE engine options:  

• Base engine: Turbo 2.0L, 4-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque 
• Optional engine: Turbo 3.0L, 6-cylinder hybrid with 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque 
• Strongest engine: Biturbo 4.0L, V-8 hybrid with 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque 

The base engine has the option of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (known as 4MATIC® by Mercedes), while the next two engines get all-wheel drive as standard. Each engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for smooth sailing.  

By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLS steps things up from the start. The base engine is the Turbo 3.0L, V-6 found as an option on the GLE, and the 4.0L V-8 is the next available option for those who want some extra power. The same nine-speed automatic transmission is the de facto pairing with both engines, and all-wheel drive is the standard regardless of which engine you choose. Both vehicles, with the proper equipment, can tow up to 7,700 pounds.  

Fuel efficiency is a little tricky, since the engine and drivetrain have a big effect on how many miles you’ll get per gallon. For the GLE with the base engine, you’ll get 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. For the GLS, you’re looking at 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, which makes sense when you consider the GLS has the larger standard engine.  

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLS: Size 

We mentioned it earlier, but one of the biggest Mercedes GLE vs. GLS differences is their size. The GLE has standard seating for five, while the GLS has standard seating for seven. Now, one thing to consider is that you can add a third row to the smaller GLE, but it’s admittedly a little tight for adult passengers back there. By comparison, the GLS was designed to have three rows with ample space for all riders. The space difference is blatantly obvious when you look at the numbers:  

• Mercedes-Benz GLE passenger volume: 111 cubic feet 
• Mercedes-Benz GLS passenger volume: 144 cubic feet 

The max cargo space of the vehicles is a little less disparate, but the GLS still has the edge: 

• Mercedes-Benz GLE max cargo: 74.9 cubic feet 
• Mercedes-Benz GLS max cargo: 84.7 cubic feet 

If you have a larger family or intend to drive around with friends, we’d recommend the GLS solely for the extra space. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLS: Interior 

Since they’re both Mercedes vehicles, you can expect plenty of luxury features for the interior. Both vehicles offer:  

• Available Napa leather 
• Heated and ventilated powered seats 
• Ambient lighting 
• Burmester premium sound system 
• And more 

The big advantage the GLS has over the GLE is that these premium features extend across all three rows, while the optional third row in the GLE won’t be quite as comfortable.  

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLS: Tech 

Once again, we’re looking at a lot of similarities between the two vehicles when it comes to tech. Both feature dual 12.3” screens in one continuous display, housing the driver information center and the infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as well as MBUX, the Mercedes AI assistant. The GLS gets wireless charging standard, but both feature Wi-Fi hotspot capability. 

On the safety tech side, both have blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. To put it plainly, you’re more than well-connected in either the Mercedes GLE or GLS. In the GLE vs. GLS debate, it’s mostly a tie for tech, unsurprisingly. It should be noted that the GLS has a few extra bells and whistles, not to mention an upgraded infotainment system, to give it an edge. But overall, they’re pretty much neck-and-neck. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLS: Price  

For Mercedes GLE vs. GLS differences, price is perhaps one of the biggest. The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts at $62,250, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS starts at $90,250. This is obviously a pretty large gap, but all things considered, the GLS is much larger, more powerful out of the gate, and better equipped at the base model than the GLE. If you don’t need every additional luxury or the extra power the GLS delivers, the GLE will serve you well.  

Explore the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS Today  

Whether you want the smaller, more agile GLE or the larger, more luxury-laden GLS, our team is happy to help you determine the best vehicle for your wants and needs. Head down to Mercedes-Benz of Littleton today to explore our lineup of Mercedes vehicles or contact us online to schedule a test drive.