A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Suzuki Celerio vs Mercedes-Benz GLS: the short answer
GLS has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Celerio.
Celerio starts ZAR 2,161,281 cheaperCelerio from ZAR 188,900 · GLS from ZAR 2,350,181
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Celerio
GLS
Maximum Power
Celerio49 kW
GLS270 kW
Maximum Torque
Celerio89 Nm
GLS750 Nm
Engine Size
Celerio998 cc
GLS2989 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Celerio18.2 km/l
GLS12.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
Celerio0 mm
GLS215 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Suzuki Celerio
1.0 GL AMT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Celerio
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
GLS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Celerio
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
GLS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current market generation
Current South African GLS generation represented by derivative GLS 450 d
Facelift History
Current market specification
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2026
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Suv
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
Hatchback
Premium SUV
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
SUV
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Length
3695 mm
5209 mm
Width
1655 mm
1956 mm
Height
1555 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2435 mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
0 mm
215 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
150 mm
220 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
32 l
90 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
355 l
Kerb Weight
825 kg
2550 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1260 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
435 kg
750 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
6.25 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
950 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1050 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Engine
1.0-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2989/L6
Engine Code
K10C
OM656M
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
998 cc
2989 cc
Cylinders
3
6
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
12
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Multi-point fuel injection
Common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
15.5:1
Bore
73.0 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
85.0 mm
94.3 mm
Maximum Power
49 kW
270 kW
Maximum Torque
89 Nm
750 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
270 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
750 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
AWD
Transmission
5-Speed AMT
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
12.0 sec
6.1 sec
Quarter Mile
18.0 sec
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
59.4 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
107.9 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
No
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Gearbox
5-speed automated manual
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
2WD
AWD
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Permanent AWD transfer system
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
4.3
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
5
9
Transmission Type
5-speed automated manual
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Dry single-plate clutch
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
2WD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Yes
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
5-speed automated manual
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
Front driven axle
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Speeds
5
9
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Claimed Mileage
18.2 km/l
12.3 km/l
City Mileage
16.0 km/l
12.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
12.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
32 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6 equivalent
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
23 l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Real-world Mileage
18.2 km/l
12.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
32
66
Combined Driving Range
700
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
650 km
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
600 km
0 km
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Not Applicable
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
No
Front and rear
AEB
No
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
No
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Not Applicable
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
No
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
Yes
ABS EBD
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Cruise Control
Cruise control
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Applicable
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
No
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Applicable
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Park Assist
No
Yes
Around View Monitor
No
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Applicable
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
No
Yes
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Seat Material
Fabric upholstery
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
No
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
No
Yes
Ambient Lighting
No
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Fabric upholstery
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Climate Control
Manual air conditioning
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
Yes
Sunroof
No
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Applicable
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Manual air conditioning
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment system
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
4
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Analogue instrument cluster with multi-information display
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB-A / USB-C
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
7
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
7
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Celerio
GLS
LED Headlamps
No
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
No
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
No
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple Suzuki factory exterior colours
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
No
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Off-road mode
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Yes
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Tyre Size
195/60 R16
275/45 R21
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space-saver spare wheel
21-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
16
21
Handbrake Type
Manual parking brake
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
Celerio
GLS
CO2 Emissions
125 g/km
206 g/km
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Service Plan
5 Years / 90000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Ownership Role
Suzuki ownership programme
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
250000 ZAR
2350181 ZAR
Pricing Role
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
250000
2500000
Starting Price Zar
250000
2500000
Spec
Celerio
GLS
Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Celerio and GLS comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Celerio 20 vs GLS 98.
Efficiency index: Celerio 69 vs GLS 52.
Safety-equipment index: Celerio 67 vs GLS 99.
Practicality index: Celerio 43 vs GLS 67.
Ownership-cover index: Celerio not separately scored vs GLS not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Celerio and GLS image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
GLS leads by 33 points
GLS has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Celerio.
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLS
Performance
98/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
67/100
Celerio
Performance
20/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
67/100
Practicality
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLS
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 48 pts for Celerio
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLS leads. However, Celerio may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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