Which Mercedes-Benz SUV Is Right for You?
| Model | Starting MSRP* | Seats | Length (inches) | Max Cargo Space | Standard Horsepower | Available Horsepower |
| GLA | $41,500 | 5 | 173.6 | 50.5 cubic feet | 221 | 302 |
| GLB | $43,800 | 5 (7 optional) | 182.4 | 62 cubic feet | 221 | 302 |
| GLC Electric | TBA | 5 | 190.8 | 61.4 cubic feet | 483 | N/A |
| GLC | $49,550 | 5 | 185.7 | 56.3 cubic feet | 255 | 313, 416, 671 |
| GLC Coupe | $59,650 | 5 | 187.6 | 52.6 cubic feet | 255 | 416, 671 |
| EQB | $53,050 | 5 (7 optional) | 184.4 | 61.8 cubic feet | 188 | 225, 288 |
| GLE | $62,250 | 5 (7 optional) | 194.3 | 74.9 cubic feet | 255 | 375, 381, 429, 510, 603 |
| EQE | $64,950 | 5 | 191.5 | 55 cubic feet | 315 | 617 |
| GLE Coupe | $77,250 | 5 | 194.5 | 64.1 cubic feet | 375 | 429, 603 |
| GLS | $90,250 | 7 (6 optional) | 205 | 84.7 cubic feet | 375 | 510, 603 |
| EQS | $89,950 | 5 (7 optional) | 201.8 | 74 cubic feet | 355 | 536 |
| G-Class | $153,900 | 5 | 190 | 68.5 cubic feet | 443 | 577, 579 |
Obviously, there are quite a few SUV models to choose from. Add to that the number of drivetrain options for each model, and it becomes clear why this guide is needed. There are a few things we should note for clarification purposes. Length for the G-Class includes the spare tire, but not the brush guard. Cargo capacities are listed with the second row of seats folded down, and without the optional third row of seats. The exception is the GLS, where the third row is standard, but in this case, it is folded down as well.
There are a couple of models that offer two different optional drivetrains that have nearly identical horsepower output. In the case of the GLE, there is a mild hybrid drivetrain that comes with 375 horsepower and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that comes with 381 horsepower. These are deliberately similar, offering a similar driving experience, just with a choice of how much electrification you want. The G-Class has a similar situation, but instead of a PHEV drivetrain, the 579-horsepower option is pure electric.
Mercedes-Benz Compact SUVs
Small SUVs are the most popular vehicle type in North America, so it’s no surprise that they make up half of the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. This includes the gasoline-powered models GLA, GLB, GLC, and GLC Coupe, as well as the electric GLC Electric and EQB. Which one is right for you depends on lifestyle and needs. If you need a third row of seats, you have two choices, one gasoline and one electric, in the form of the GLB and EQB. The GLA is popular with people who live in the city, or anywhere where tight parking spaces and narrow streets are regular occurrences. The GLC is roomiest for first- and second-row passengers, while also offering an incredible amount of available power. There is also a pair of PHEV drivetrains available for the GLC. The GLC Coupe blurs the line between SUV and sports car.
Mercedes-Benz Midsize SUVs
The midsize SUV lineup is where you find the most versatility, with the GLE, GLE Coupe, EQE, and G-Class to choose from. The GLE offers the most drivetrain options of any Mercedes-Benz SUV, including a powerful PHEV option. It also offers a third row of seats, with more space for occupants to stretch out compared to the three-row GLB. The G-Class is here because of its size, but is very much in a class by itself; not just in terms of Mercedes-Benz models, but the industry as a whole. Not only does it take luxury and style to an extreme, but it’s also an incredibly capable off-road machine. All of the SUVs in this category are offered with immensely powerful drivetrains, but the EQE in particular is the fastest-accelerating SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup in its most powerful form, with a 0-60 time of just 3.4 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz Full Size SUVs
There are just two full-size SUVs offered by Mercedes-Benz: the gasoline-powered GLS and the electric EQS. The GLS is the bigger of the two, and the only SUV in the lineup to come with a standard third row of seats. And speaking of seats, the GLS is the only model offered with a six-seat configuration, which replaced the second-row bench with a pair of even more comfortable multicontour seats, the same style as the first row. The GLS offers the same towing capacity as the GLE, and the EQS ties with the EQE, but both capacities are excellent and worth mentioning. The EQE can tow 3,500 pounds, high for an EV SUV, while the GLS will tow 7,700 pounds. But it’s really the luxury of these models that makes them so appealing. From the roomy interiors built with high-quality materials to the extensive list of customization options, the full-size lineup is all about comfort and style.
Special Models
Mercedes-Benz offers a number of special versions of existing models, sold under the names Mercedes-AMG® and Mercedes-Maybach®. Mercedes-AMG® models are the high-performance variants, offered for every model in the SUV lineup, with the exception of the GLC Electric, at least for this year. The highest horsepower numbers that you see in the chart are all Mercedes-AMG® variants, and in several cases, the second-highest as well. In addition to the more powerful drivetrain options, these variants also offer bigger brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and a wide variety of aesthetic tweaks to differentiate them from the standard models. For a different take on the GLS or EQS, there is Mercedes-Maybach®. These are ultraluxury variants of the full-size SUVs that have been extensively modified inside and out. They are the absolute pinnacle of luxury for the Mercedes-Benz SUV fleet.