What is the difference between Mercedes-Benz GL and GLS?

[McEliza]

The differences between Mercedes-Benz GL and GLS are: 1. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time is different: the Mercedes-Benz GL takes 8.3 seconds; the Mercedes-Benz GLS takes 6.9 seconds. 2. The fuel tank capacity is different: the Mercedes-Benz GL has a fuel tank capacity of 100 liters; the Mercedes-Benz GLS has a fuel tank capacity of 85 liters. 3. The body dimensions are different: the Mercedes-Benz GL has a length, width, and height of 5120mm, 1934mm, and 1850mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 3075mm; the Mercedes-Benz GLS has a length, width, and height of 5214mm, 1956mm, and 1823mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 3135mm.

[Pamela]

I'm a long-time Mercedes-Benz enthusiast. I remember the GL was the pioneering model of Mercedes' large SUVs, and it was renamed GLS after 2016. The GL emphasized a rugged off-road style with boxy body lines, driving like a mobile fortress. In contrast, the redesigned GLS in 2019 took a luxury route, featuring a prominent front emblem and sleek styling that really stands out. The interior differences are even more pronounced—the GL retained a traditional layout with physical buttons, while the GLS introduced a full-width digital dashboard and even offers optional hot stone massage seats. The GLS also excels in space, with a 5cm longer second-row sliding track, making the third row comfortable even for adults. As for off-road capability, both have 4MATIC all-wheel drive, but the GLS offers an optional Off-Road Engineering Package for tackling deeper water crossings. In the used car market, the GL is quite affordable now, available for just over 300,000 RMB, while a new GLS starts at 1.2 million RMB.

[McMaggie]

Having specialized in high-end SUVs for so many years, I believe the core difference between GL and GLS lies in their positioning. The GL is a practical luxury SUV, like the old GL450 with its V8 engine producing 340 horsepower and low-range four-wheel drive, making it suitable for construction sites or mountain roads. Post-2019, the GLS transformed into the flagship model, featuring standard air suspension across the lineup, with even the entry-level GLS450 equipped with the EQ Boost mild hybrid system—its electric motor intervention during traffic jams is incredibly fuel-efficient. Design-wise, the GLS abandoned the classic square window on the C-pillar in favor of a floating roof design, and the body is 80 kg lighter. The handling difference is stark: the GL's steering feels as heavy as driving a truck, while the GLS offers lighter steering but with less road feedback. For client meetings or family use, the GLS's rear wireless charging and five-zone climate control are clear winners; but for pure off-roading, the old GL's body-on-frame construction is more durable.

[MacClayton]

From a technical perspective, the gap between these two generations is quite significant. The engine has been upgraded from the GL's M276 twin-turbo to the GLS's M256 mild hybrid, with the 48V motor eliminating start-stop jerkiness. The transmission evolved from a 7AT to a 9AT, reducing RPM by 500 at 120 km/h. The most noticeable change is in the chassis - the old GL used steel springs that bounced harshly over speed bumps, while the GLS features standard air suspension with adaptive damping. Body rigidity improved by 35%, and boron steel reinforcement was added to the A-pillars. The infotainment system upgraded from GL's COMAND knob control to GLS's MBUX with natural voice commands for climate control. Active safety shows generational differences too - blind spot monitoring, previously only on top-tier GL trims, became standard across all GLS models, with the latest version adding automatic lane change assist. Maintenance costs require attention - replacing the GLS's ISG motor costs over 20,000 yuan, double the price of GL's alternator.

[EmersonDella]

The difference in daily driving experience is the most noticeable. Driving my friend's 2014 GL500 on a long trip, the V8 engine sound was thrilling but the fuel consumption was shocking—at least 18 liters per 100km. Last week, I test-drove the new GLS480 with a 3.0T mild hybrid system, and it only consumed 11 liters in the city. The noise insulation is even more different—the old GL had loud wind noise at high speeds, while the GLS features double-layer laminated glass and active noise cancellation, so you don’t have to shout to converse inside. The seat comfort has also improved significantly; the GL's seats were on the firmer side, while the GLS comes standard with soft aviation-style headrests. The storage design in the GLS is more thoughtful, with a hollowed-out space under the center console that can fit a DSLR camera bag and dedicated cup holders in the third row. On rough roads, the air suspension automatically raises the vehicle by 6 cm, and the wipers come with heated washer nozzles to prevent freezing in winter. Of course, there are downsides—the GLS has far fewer service centers, and replacing a taillight might require a two-week wait for parts from Germany.

[CarterLee]

From a market positioning perspective, these are two entirely different generations of vehicles. Before its discontinuation, the GL had a manufacturer suggested retail price ranging from 800,000 to 1.5 million yuan, competing against American full-size SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade. The current GLS directly rivals the Range Rover Autobiography, with a starting price exceeding one million yuan, while the top-tier Maybach GLS680 sells for over 4 million yuan. The customer base has also shifted—GL buyers were mostly construction business owners or off-road enthusiasts, whereas GLS owners are typically tech entrepreneurs or family users. In terms of design philosophy, the GL emphasized versatility, featuring roof racks with a 150kg load capacity capable of securing ladders; the GLS pursues refinement, with a starlight headliner and fragrance system as standard features. Regarding resale value, a five-year-old GL retains about 35% of its original value, while a GLS of the same age can retain up to 55%. Choosing between them depends on needs: picking up a used GL is cost-effective for construction site use; but for prestige, the GLS is the way to go, with Mercedes dealerships offering VIP DMV registration services.