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.
Mercedes-Benz GLS vs Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach SL: the short answer
GLS has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mercedes-Maybach SL remains close.
GLS starts ZAR 2,741,819 cheaperGLS from ZAR 2,350,181 · Mercedes-Maybach SL from ZAR 5,092,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Maximum Power
GLS270 kW
Mercedes-Maybach SL430 kW
Maximum Torque
GLS750 Nm
Mercedes-Maybach SL800 Nm
Engine Size
GLS2989 cc
Mercedes-Maybach SL3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
GLS12.3 km/l
Mercedes-Maybach SL7.7 km/l
Ground Clearance
GLS215 mm
Mercedes-Maybach SL115 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.
Mercedes-Benz GLS
GLS 450 d
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)
Specification evidence leader
GLS
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
GLS
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current South African GLS generation represented by derivative GLS 450 d
Current South African Mercedes-Maybach SL generation represented by derivative SL 680 Maybach
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Suv
Convertible
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
Current South African retail range
Segment
Premium SUV
Luxury convertible
Vehicle Type
SUV
Convertible
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Length
5209 mm
4705 mm
Width
1956 mm
1915 mm
Height
1823 mm
1359 mm
Wheelbase
3135 mm
2900 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
215 mm
115 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
220 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
70 l
Boot/Cargo Space
355 l
213 l
Kerb Weight
2550 kg
2050 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
750 kg
400 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.25 m
6.25 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Engine
2989/L6
3982/V8
Engine Code
OM656M
M177
Fuel Type
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2989 cc
3982 cc
Cylinders
6
8
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
15.5:1
8.6:1
Bore
82.0 mm
83.0 mm
Stroke
94.3 mm
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
270 kW
430 kW
Maximum Torque
750 Nm
800 Nm
Combined Power
270 kW
430 kW
Combined Torque
750 Nm
800 Nm
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
1
1
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
260 km/h
0-100 km/h
6.1 sec
4.1 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
5000 rpm
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
0
0
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
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
No
No
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
AWD
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Permanent AWD transfer system
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
9
9
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Yes
No
4WD Hi Range
0
0
4WD Lo Range
0
0
4WD Selector
Yes
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Yes
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
0
Low Range
0
0
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Speeds
9
9
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
7.7 km/l
City Mileage
12.3 km/l
7.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
12.3 km/l
7.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
23 l
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
7.7 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
66
Combined Driving Range
0
0
Electric Consumption
0
0
Range Real World Highway
0 km
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
0 km
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Seat Material
Nappa leather
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Climate Control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB-C ports
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
LED Headlamps
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Off-road mode
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
Yes
No
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Tyre Size
275/45 R21
275/45 R21
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
21-inch alloy wheels
21-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
21
21
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
CO2 Emissions
206 g/km
309 g/km
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
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
2350181 ZAR
5092000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
2500000
5500000
Starting Price Zar
2500000
5500000
Spec
GLS
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This GLS and Mercedes-Maybach SL 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: GLS 98 vs Mercedes-Maybach SL 100.
Efficiency index: GLS 52 vs Mercedes-Maybach SL 38.
Safety-equipment index: GLS 99 vs Mercedes-Maybach SL 95.
Practicality index: GLS 67 vs Mercedes-Maybach SL 46.
Ownership-cover index: GLS not separately scored vs Mercedes-Maybach SL 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
GLS and Mercedes-Maybach SL 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 9 points
GLS has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mercedes-Maybach SL remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLS
Performance
98/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
67/100
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
38/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
46/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLS
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 72 pts for Mercedes-Maybach SL
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLS leads. However, Mercedes-Maybach SL 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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