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 Ford Territory: the short answer
GLS has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Territory remains close.
Territory starts ZAR 1,815,281 cheaperGLS from ZAR 2,350,181 · Territory from ZAR 534,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
GLS
Territory
Maximum Power
GLS270 kW
Territory138 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque
GLS750 Nm
Territory318 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm
Engine Size
GLS2989 cc
Territory1799 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
GLS12.3 km/l
Territory13.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
GLS215 mm
Territory190 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
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Territory
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
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
Territory
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
GLS
Territory
Model Introduced Year
2026
2024
Generation
Current South African GLS generation represented by derivative GLS 450 d
First-generation South African Territory, 2026 update
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
2026 South African design and equipment update
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Suv
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Premium SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue
Dealer Stock Note
-
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Tare Mass Kg
-
1705 kg
Spec
GLS
Territory
Length
5209 mm
4685 mm
Width
1956 mm
1935 mm
Height
1823 mm
1706 mm
Wheelbase
3135 mm
2726 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
215 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
220 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
60 l
Boot/Cargo Space
355 l
448 l
Kerb Weight
2550 kg
1705 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
2025 kg
Payload Capacity
750 kg
320 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
1310 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.25 m
5.68 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
997 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
971 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1034 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
956 mm
Spec
GLS
Territory
Engine
2989/L6
1.8-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
OM656M
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2989 cc
1799 cc
Cylinders
6
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
15.5:1
10.5:1
Bore
82.0 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
94.3 mm
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
270 kW
138 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque
750 Nm
318 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm
Combined Power
270 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
750 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
RWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
250 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
6.1 sec
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
5000 rpm
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
80.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
186.5 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Spec
GLS
Territory
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
7-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
RWD
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
9
7
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic DCT
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Dual-clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
AWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Yes
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Yes
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic DCT
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Speeds
9
7
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
GLS
Territory
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
13.5 km/l
City Mileage
12.3 km/l
10.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
12.3 km/l
15.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
60 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
23 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
13.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
60
Combined Driving Range
0
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
Not Applicable
Spec
GLS
Territory
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Spec
GLS
Territory
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
GLS
Territory
Seat Material
Nappa leather
Premium fabric upholstery
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
No
Ventilated Seats
Yes
No
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
No
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual adjustment
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Premium fabric upholstery
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
5
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Large infotainment display, digital cluster, panoramic sunroof, roomy cabin
Interior Colours
-
5
Spec
GLS
Territory
Climate Control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
No
Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
AC Type
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1422 l
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1422 l
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
territory
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Sub Frame
-
Monocoque
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
top
Variant Role
-
Core range derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
GLS
Territory
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Ford touchscreen infotainment 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
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
8-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB-C ports
USB-A and USB-C
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
10.1
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
10.1
Infotainment Screen Size
MBUX multimedia system
10.1
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
GLS
Territory
LED Headlamps
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Multiple Ford South Africa factory exterior colours
Headlights
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
-
5
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
GLS
Territory
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Off-road mode
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
190 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
190 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
GLS
Territory
Tyre Size
275/45 R21
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
21-inch alloy wheels
T145/80R18
Wheel Rim Size
21
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electronic parking brake
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
GLS
Territory
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Front Track Width
-
1635 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1635 mm
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Chassis Material
-
Monocoque
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
GLS
Territory
CO2 Emissions
206 g/km
168 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
GLS
Territory
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
6 years / 90 000 km
Spec
GLS
Territory
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.
Current flagship derivative
Price Zar
2350181 ZAR
643900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current official listed price
Starting Price
2500000
643900
Starting Price Zar
2500000
643900
Spec
GLS
Territory
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This GLS and Territory 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 Territory 63.
Efficiency index: GLS 52 vs Territory 53.
Safety-equipment index: GLS 99 vs Territory 90.
Practicality index: GLS 67 vs Territory 60.
Ownership-cover index: GLS not separately scored vs Territory 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 Territory 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 14 points
GLS has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Territory remains close.
Moderate 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
Territory
Performance
63/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
60/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLS
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 67 pts for Territory
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLS leads. However, Territory 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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