2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 exhibited a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels, embodying the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates, which were common among crossovers masquerading as SUVs. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually offensive. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year brought exclusive features like unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and a roof-mounted load platform.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a soft sensuality typical of modern Mercedes design, which, while bordering on boring, aged gracefully. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured stunning 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and lustrous paint, creating a counter-cultural statement against the blacked-out trend. Inside, the GLS 450 showcased a new Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, embodying the rich detailing Mercedes interiors are known for. The GLS 450 was the most affordable version, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while higher trims offered a twin-turbo V8 with varying power ratings.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. It boasted fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power and increased towing capacity, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim was available, featuring a turbocharged version of the standard engine. This engine produced between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine provided smooth acceleration across a broad power curve, with no noticeable turbo lag. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, working with G-Vectoring Control technology to ensure natural vehicle behaviour. Despite a firmer ride quality, the CX-50 felt more like a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment, offering a higher ride height and up to 21.8 cm of ground clearance.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, provided smooth and seamless acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The mild-hybrid system added an instant 148 lb-ft of torque, enhancing the vehicle's liveliness from a stop. A nine-speed automatic transmission distributed power to all four wheels through a variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLS 450 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg. The official fuel economy rating was 11.3 L/100 km combined, though our evaluation loop averaged 11.8 L/100 km. The GLS 450 delivered a sublime driving experience, with quiet and quick performance. The adaptive air suspension allowed the SUV to handle twisty roads with ease, while the massive Continental Premium Contact tires provided excellent grip. The brakes performed admirably, offering smooth stops in city driving. The GLS also featured an Off-Road menu within MBUX, providing a transparent view through the hood and improved off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for winter with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added comfort on warmer days. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The back seat offered ample room for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, facilitating easy entry and exit. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The available power rear liftgate revealed 889 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 1,595 litres when the rear seats were folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with the optional AMG Line package, featured sportier styling, though the side sill trim could be cumbersome during entry and exit. The front seats, with supple leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs, offered perfect comfort. The new steering wheel was enjoyable to grip, though its touch-sensing controls could be irritating. The standard heated rear seats and four-zone automatic climate control ensured comfort for all passengers. The no-charge optional captain's chairs provided excellent thigh support, though they felt a bit low. The GLS offered expansive second-row legroom and a standard panoramic sunroof. Accessing the third-row seat was challenging, with limited space for adults. Interior storage was decent, though the front centre armrest bin was small. Cargo space was practical, with 355 litres behind the third-row seat, 1,209 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,400 litres behind the front seats.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. In Canada, a 10.25-inch display was standard. Historically, Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, relying on centre console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delivered a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected data within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS was equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered improved graphics and various themes and modes. While MBUX was generally fast and easy to use, touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and centre console could cause confusion and distraction. The standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology provided impressive audio quality. MBUX's intuitive touchscreen operation, natural voice recognition, and augmented reality for navigation made it a standout technology.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and less-than-stellar results in night-time pedestrian collision avoidance and the updated side crash test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not rated the CX-50 at the time of writing. Mazda provided a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control system occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with over 20 significant safety features. The advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) could be adjusted through MBUX, allowing drivers to customize settings and alerts. The forward-collision warning system, lane-departure warning system, and lane-keeping assist system were effective without being intrusive. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems handled various driving conditions smoothly. The GLS's ADAS performed exceptionally well, with only a single instance of the lane-centring assist momentarily turning off.