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 Renault Trafic Passenger: the short answer
GLS has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Trafic Passenger remains close.
Trafic Passenger starts ZAR 1,370,182 cheaperGLS from ZAR 2,350,181 · Trafic Passenger from ZAR 979,999
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
GLS
Trafic Passenger
Maximum Power
GLS270 kW
Trafic Passenger125 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
GLS750 Nm
Trafic Passenger380 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Engine Size
GLS2989 cc
Trafic Passenger1997 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
GLS12.3 km/l
Trafic Passenger13.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
GLS215 mm
Trafic Passenger199 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
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Trafic Passenger
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
GLS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Trafic Passenger
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
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
GLS
Trafic Passenger
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current South African GLS generation represented by derivative GLS 450 d
Current long-wheelbase nine-seat Trafic Passenger introduced to the South African retail range in 2026 with 125 kW Blue dCi power and EAG9 automatic transmission
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Current Trafic face and smart-cockpit specification with three South African grades: Evolution, Evolution+ and Techno+
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Suv
MPV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Premium SUV
Large MPV
Vehicle Type
SUV
MPV
Spec
GLS
Trafic Passenger
Length
5209 mm
5480 mm
Width
1956 mm
1956 mm
Height
1823 mm
1973 mm
Wheelbase
3135 mm
3498 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
215 mm
199 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
220 mm
160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
355 l
1890 l
Kerb Weight
2550 kg
2160 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
3070 kg
Payload Capacity
750 kg
910 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
2500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
9 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.25 m
6.9 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
1019 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
1060 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1028 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
930 mm
Spec
GLS
Trafic Passenger
Engine
2989/L6
2.0-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
OM656M
M9R
Fuel Type
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Diesel
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2989 cc
1997 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
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
15.5:1
15.1:1
Bore
82.0 mm
85 mm
Stroke
94.3 mm
88 mm
Maximum Power
270 kW
125 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
750 Nm
380 Nm @ 1500 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
FWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
6.1 sec
12.5 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
17.8 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
5000 rpm
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
57.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
175.9 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
Trafic Passenger
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
9-Speed EAG9 Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Available
Number of Gears
9
9
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
Front-Wheel Drive
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 Available
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Torque Converter Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
9
9
Spec
GLS
Trafic Passenger
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
13.9 km/l
City Mileage
12.3 km/l
11.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
12.3 km/l
16.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
80 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
23 l
24.7 l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
13.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
80
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
Trafic Passenger
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
GLS
Trafic Passenger
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Spec
GLS
Trafic Passenger
Seat Material
Nappa leather
Imitation Leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Driver
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Removable Rear Benches
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual Height and Reach
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
driver-assistance and comfort flagship
Price Zar
2350181 ZAR
1049999 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
top
Starting Price
2500000
1049999
Starting Price Zar
2500000
1049999
Spec
GLS
Trafic Passenger
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5 years / 150000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This GLS and Trafic Passenger 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 Trafic Passenger 55.
Efficiency index: GLS 52 vs Trafic Passenger 55.
Safety-equipment index: GLS 99 vs Trafic Passenger 90.
Practicality index: GLS 67 vs Trafic Passenger 88.
Ownership-cover index: GLS not separately scored vs Trafic Passenger 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 Trafic Passenger 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 8 points
GLS has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Trafic Passenger 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
Trafic Passenger
Performance
55/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
88/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLS
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 73 pts for Trafic Passenger
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLS leads. However, Trafic Passenger 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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