Mercedes-Benz G-Class or GLS: which large SUV fits Austin drivers?
The GLS fits most Austin drivers who carry passengers or cargo every day, and it seats seven. The G-Class fits the driver who wants off-road hardware and its distinct look, and it seats five. Mercedes-Benz of South Austin sells both.
Both share a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, but they are built for different days. Mercedes-Benz of South Austin is at 10900 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78748. Every figure here is the manufacturer’s 2026 figure for the trim it names.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Austin. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
How many people and how much cargo do the G-Class and GLS hold?
The GLS holds more people and more cargo. The GLS 450 4MATIC® seats seven, with a six-seat option, and its maximum cargo room is 84.7 cubic feet. The G 550 offers 37.4 cubic feet at most.
For context, Consumer Reports requires a three-row SUV to have 46 cubic feet or more of usable cargo room to qualify for its “most cargo room” rankings (Consumer Reports, 2026). That is a different measure from the maker’s maximum figure, but it sets a clear bar for a three-row SUV.
Second-row room is close, but the GLS has the edge. The G 550 offers 38.7 inches in row one and 39.5 in row two. The GLS 450 offers 40.3 inches in row one, 41.9 in row two and 34.6 in row three.
For a family that uses a third row every week, the GLS is the choice, with 34.6 inches of third-row legroom.
How do the G-Class and GLS ride and handle on Austin roads?
The GLS is longer and wider than the G-Class, and it sits lower. The GLS 450 measures 205.0 inches long, 79.9 inches wide and 71.8 inches tall, on a 123.4-inch wheelbase. The G 550 measures 190.0 inches long, 76.0 inches wide and 77.7 inches tall, on a 113.8-inch wheelbase.
Those dimensions set the character of each ride. The GLS spreads its length over a longer wheelbase, while the G-Class stands taller on a shorter one.
Austin’s commute tests that difference. On I-35, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute ranks the stretch from US 290 North to Ben White Boulevard in Travis County ninth among Texas’s most congested road segments for 2025 (Texas A&M Transportation Institute, 2025). For a daily drive on that corridor with passengers, the GLS gives you more length, more width and a lower roofline.
What do the G-Class and GLS cost to buy and to fuel?
The G 550 lists at $153,900, and the GLS 450 4MATIC® lists at $90,250. The G 580 with EQ Technology lists at $163,200, and the AMG® G 63 at $198,750. The GLS 580 4MATIC® lists at $116,150, and the AMG® GLS 63 at $151,050.
On fuel, the GLS 450 4MATIC® is EPA-rated at 19 city, 24 highway and 21 combined on its hybrid drive. The G 550 is rated at 17 city, 19 highway and 18 combined. EPA puts annual fuel cost at $3,700 for the GLS 450 and $4,300 for the G 550 (fueleconomy.gov, 2026).
Running costs go beyond fuel. AAA estimates a medium SUV with four-wheel drive costs $12,584 a year to own and operate at 15,000 miles a year (AAA, 2025). That is a category figure, not a number for either model.
Budget for Texas sales tax too. The state charges 6.25% of the sales price, minus any trade-in allowance (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2026).
The GLS 450 seats and tows more; the G 550 goes off-road
The GLS 450 tows 7,700 pounds, against 7,000 pounds for the G 550. The G 550 is the 4-Wheel Drive model in the EPA record, while the GLS 450 is All-Wheel Drive (fueleconomy.gov, 2026). For off-road hardware, the drive system is the starting point.
The G 550 also makes more power, with 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque against the GLS 450’s 375 and 369. Mercedes-Benz publishes these figures for each trim.
| Model | Horsepower (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Max towing (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLS 450 4MATIC® | 375 | 369 | 7,700 |
| GLS 580 4MATIC® | 510 | 538 | 7,700 |
| AMG® GLS 63 | 603 | 627 | 7,700 |
| G 550 | 443 | 413 | 7,000 |
Across the GLS trims, horsepower runs from 375 to 603, and every GLS trim in the table tows 7,700 pounds. If you tow a trailer or a boat on Austin’s highways, the GLS line gives you the higher rating.
What are the GLS and G-Class best for, from family trips to off-road?
Family trips and daily passengers point to the GLS. Seven seats, 84.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo room and 34.6 inches of third-row legroom carry a full car of people and their bags. The GLS 580 and AMG® GLS 63 keep the same seating and cargo, with more power.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 trades a seat for luxury. It seats five, with four optional, 43.4 inches of second-row legroom and 18.4 cubic feet of cargo room.
Off-road and a distinct look point to the G-Class. The G 550 is the 4-Wheel Drive G-Class with 443 horsepower. The AMG® G 63 is a hybrid rated 14 city, 16 highway and 15 combined by the EPA.
Keeping either SUV for years makes service part of the decision. In a five-star Google review from January 2026, Joseph E. wrote: “Imad was great and kept me updated on the progress of the repairs. Repairs were done in a timely manner and resolved all issues. Will definitely bring my car back.” Joseph describes a repair visit at Mercedes-Benz of South Austin where the updates kept coming.
FAQ
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLS come in an AMG® version?
Yes. The AMG® GLS 63 SUV is the performance version, making 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It seats seven, with a six-seat option, and it tows 7,700 pounds.
Is there an electric G-Class or GLS?
The G-Class has one electric model, the G 580 with EQ Technology. The maker lists it at 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque. Every GLS trim on the maker’s 2026 list is a hybrid.
What warranty comes with a new G-Class or GLS?
The maker’s basic warranty on both the G-Class and the GLS is 4 years/50,000 miles for the 2026 model year. The warranty terms are in the maker’s 2026 warranty and service booklet.
What does the GLS 580 add over the GLS 450?
The GLS 580 makes 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, against 375 and 369 for the GLS 450. It carries a higher starting price. Seating, maximum cargo room and towing match the GLS 450 at seven seats (six optional), 84.7 cubic feet and 7,700 pounds.
Can I finance or lease a G-Class or GLS at Mercedes-Benz of South Austin?
Yes. We offer both financing specials and leasing specials. You can also use our secure online finance application.
Test a G-Class and a GLS side by side at Mercedes-Benz of South Austin
Mercedes-Benz of South Austin sells both the G-Class and the GLS, at 10900 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78748. We have 4.6 stars across 862 Google reviews (Google, 2026).
In a five-star Google review from September 2026, Marina O. wrote: “I recently leased a new Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 from Mercedes-Benz of South Austin, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. I highly recommend working with sales agent Nick O’Neil. 5 Star seamless, stress-free process. Sincerely, Marina.”
In a five-star Google review from September 2025, Darsy E. wrote: “Even though I’m just starting to research for my future car, Ken B made my visit such a wonderful experience! He was so kind, patient, and genuinely caring. He took the time to answer all my questions and never made me feel pressured at all. He really made me feel comfortable and welcomed, which meant a lot. When I’m ready to buy, I’ll definitely be coming back to Ken!”
Bring your list of questions about seats, cargo and cost. We offer both financing specials and leasing specials, and our secure online finance application is ready when you are. Start with the new G-Class inventory, then come see both models at 10900 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78748.
Mercedes-Benz of South Austin answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Austin showroom, or call 512-646-6699.
Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Mercedes-Benz of South Austin for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.
