2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its 2024 facelift, retained a distinctive design that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights that gave it a wide stance. The side glass tapered sharply inward, creating a rakish windshield and back window, resulting in somewhat odd proportions, especially on the GLE Coupe models. Despite not being the most handsome model in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered closely to the brand's identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

For 2025, the GLE offered new customization options, including four new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors available across all models. The interior, with its Yacht Blue option, exuded luxury, featuring Nappa leather upholstery, chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, and 64-color ambient lighting. These elements combined to create an upscale and special cabin environment, enhancing the overall appeal of the GLE.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, adding 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, the Night Package, and the Exclusive Package with massaging front and heated second-row captain’s chairs. While the exclusive paint colors didn't stand out, the AMG and Night styling details gave the GLS a sporty appearance.

The GLS interior shared similarities with the smaller GLE-Class but boasted high-quality materials and detailing. However, body creaks were noticeable on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 came with standard artificial leather upholstery, with three grades of leather available. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the standard ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof added to the luxurious ambiance. The GLS offered a tailored feel, accommodating passengers comfortably while maintaining a manageable size for urban and suburban driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering an EPA-rated 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft.

The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models rounded out the lineup. The GLE 53 used an uprated inline-six powertrain with 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The GLE 63 S featured a hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-60 mph time by 1.2 seconds. The GLE 63 S Coupe delivered exhilarating stoplight launches with a classic V8 soundtrack. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, even in AMG spec, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. While more powerful GLS versions were available, the six-cylinder 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The GLS featured a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The Airmatic suspension significantly improved the GLS's ride and handling compared to the GLE. The GLS 450's powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, but Sport mode mitigated these issues. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, accommodating passengers comfortably while maintaining manageable dimensions for urban and suburban driving. It offered a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, making it a standout in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes did not publish third-row space specifications. The GLE offered competitive headroom and a high seating position, but outward visibility was limited. The front seats in the AMG test car were heavily bolstered, making entry and exit challenging. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with ample headroom and additional legroom compared to rivals like the BMW X5 and Lexus RX.

The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, competitive but not class-leading. With all seats folded, it offered 74.9 cubic feet of cargo space, the most among its competitive set. The GLE's center console provided reasonable storage for small items, and it had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as a no-cost option. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, accommodating up to seven adults. Standard features included a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled cupholders. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third-row seat.

The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, with a spare tire under the cargo floor. Power-folding the third row expanded cargo space to 42.7 to 48.7 cubic feet, depending on second-row seat positioning. Maximum capacity with the second-row folded was 84.7 cubic feet, falling short of traditional full-size luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade. The GLS provided a comfortable and spacious interior, but storage locations were limited.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one serving as a digital instrument cluster and the other as an infotainment touchscreen. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in navigation. The interface could be accessed through various methods, including a center-console touchpad, steering-wheel touchpads, and voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car offered additional settings, including six drive modes and off-road displays.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a more traditional approach compared to Mercedes' Superscreen and Hyperscreen technologies. The MBUX infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and online music access. The GLS came with a standard Burmester surround-sound system, with a high-end Burmester 3D audio system available. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. MBUX was user-friendly, with a digital assistant capable of executing various commands.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, although some were not standard. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and cross-traffic functionality. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. It also had a Car-to-X Communication system. Parking was facilitated by front and rear sensors and a surround-view camera system. The GLS required active driver participation, with a hands-on system that worked well in most situations. The GLS exhibited some braking issues, but overall, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience.