2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Differences Between 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE & GLS

Let’s start with the basics: what sets these cars apart from each other? To start, there’s a bit more of a differentiated design language between the GLE-Class and the GLS-Class compared to their sedan counterparts, the E-Class and the S-Class. The GLE is known for its sweeping curves and sloped rear hatch, whereas the GLS-Class is the beast of the two, with more defined corners and a ride height that’s a bit taller. In general, expect the GLS to be bigger than the GLE in every respect, as it’s nine inches longer when measured from the outside. This accounts for the GLE being able to seat up to 7 passengers on the inside, compared to the GLE’s maximum of 5 passengers.

Engine Options and Performance

In general, you’ll find that the GLE and GLS tend to have the same powertrains to choose from, although that doesn’t necessarily mean that these vehicles handle exactly the same. The taller overall height and a heavier curb weight of the GLS make it the slightly smoother driver of the two, although a bit less responsive than the GLE.

Both of these vehicles get access to a seriously substantial engine— the Mercedes 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with EQ Boost, on their respective 580 models. On the GLE, this engine will produce 483 horsepower, 516 pound-feet of torque, and get your SUV from 0 to 60 in a ridiculous 4.9 seconds. On the GLS this same engine produces the same horses, the same overall torque, and can get your 7-seater from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds. Estimated fuel consumption from this engine is 17/21 city/hwy for the GLE, and 16/21 city/hwy for the GLS. Of course, there are other engine options— let’s talk about the fuel efficiency winners. On the GLE that would be the 2.0L inline-4 turbo, which puts out 255 hp, 273 pound-feet of torque, and a significant boost up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. The GLS is a slightly larger vehicle, so its smallest engine is a 3.0L V6 turbo with an EQ boost. This powertrain produces 362 hp, 369 pound-feet of torque, and an admirable 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Overall, both of these cars offer an impeccable balance of blistering speed and affordable fuel economy, meaning that you’d be hard-pressed to go wrong no matter which GLE or GLS you choose.

2020 Mercedes GLE vs. GLS Interior Features

For the most part, either of these vehicles can come with any interior amenity you’re looking for. Both of these SUVs feature natural wood and fine leather options, coupled with freshly redesigned interior dashboards that are sleek, minimal, and blissfully intuitive. That being said, The GLS is unquestionable, intended to be the leader in SUV interiors among the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and it offers some particularly special features that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. The GLS has one of the largest touch screens available in any car on the market, making managing your vehicle’s functions easier than ever. The GLS features 64 colors of ambient lighting, as well as power 2nd-row seats so that everyone in the vehicle gets to experience the pinnacle of interior comfort. Available luxuries include four ventilated and massaging seats, heated 3rd-row seats, and 5-zone climate control. There’s no question that the GLE offers fantastic interior amenities (massaging seats are available on this car as well), but if you’re looking for the best of the best, the GLS has to be the winner here.

Phenomenal Safety Scores

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick + for 2020, indicating that this vehicle scores very well in both crashworthiness and crash prevention. While the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS has yet to be rated by prominent safety institutes such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the IIHS, it shares similar design philosophy with other Mercedes vehicles, none of which have received poor scores from independent safety authorities like the IIHS or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both of these vehicles can be upgraded with Driver Assist Packages, which feature active steering assist, lane keep assist, and active distance assist. While both of these vehicles are phenomenal safety choices, The GLS has a slight edge in terms of total available safety features.

Which 2020 SUV Should You Choose?

When choosing between the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS, performance and available features are the biggest factors. You can get access to very high levels of power and acceleration in the GLE Class for a lower overall price, but if you’re looking to maximize comfort and passenger space, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is the clear victor here. As the highest offering SUV from Mercedes, the GLS is the only choice for those who want to be certain they’re getting the very best experience possible.

Your Mercedes Questions, Answered:

Is the New Mercedes-Benz GLS Suitable for Families?
The GLS is an excellent choice for families, considering the comfort features included with the vehicle, like five-zone climate control.

How does the GLA Compare to the GLE?

The GLA is the Mercedes SUV with the lowest starting price. You’ll find less interior luxury and a little less space inside on the GLA, but it’s worth investigating if you’re looking for a slightly smaller SUV.

Is the AMG® GLE 63 S 4MATIC®+ SUV Available yet?

Not yet. The GLE 63 S will feature a Handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 biturbo with EQ Boost that puts out 603 horsepower, and 627 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most powerful SUVs entering the market. Keep your eyes peeled for additional updates from Mercedes.

Why Choose Mercedes-Benz of Florence?

Mercedes-Benz of Florence offers VIP delivery at no extra cost to you, so you can purchase a new or used Mercedes without ever having to step foot on the lot. You can even value your trade online, and request financing information as well, so you can buy a new car without ever leaving the comfort of your home. We sell cars, but we also have a top-of-the-line service center on the premises as well, so we can help keep your luxury vehicle looking and driving like-new for as long as possible. Contact us with any questions you have about Mercedes-Benz, and you’ll see why we’re top-rated in customer service.

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