2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels, embodying the subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's design over the past decade. However, it also introduced a rugged aesthetic with blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body and wheel arch cladding, and fake skidplates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being offensive.

When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and available 20-inch wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. The new CX-50 Meridian Edition, introduced later in the model year, added exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform. Inside, the top-of-the-line CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus featured black leather with caramel-colored stitching, quality materials, and a driver-focused design. Despite a few design quirks, the CX-50 was a good-looking compact crossover.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a soft sensuality that aged well, especially with upgraded wheels. The GLS 450 test vehicle sported 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and Twilight Blue paint. Inside, the GLS 450 showcased a new Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents. The GLS 450 was the most affordable version, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology.

Our GLS 450 test vehicle included the AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, Acoustic Comfort Package, 22-inch wheels, leather upholstery, wood trim, and artificial leather on the dashboard and door panels. The second-row captain’s chairs were a no-charge option, and these upgrades brought the MSRP to $97,730, including the $1,150 destination charge. The GLS 450’s interior was luxurious, with comfortable front seats, excellent outward visibility, and a new steering wheel, though its touch-sensing controls could be irritating.

Most buyers of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 likely opted for the more affordable and fuel-efficient 2.5 S model, which had a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda estimated this version would return 27 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking stronger acceleration and increased towing capacity, the CX-50 2.5 Turbo was the better choice, with a turbocharged engine making between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel used. Torque varied between 310 lb-ft and 320 lb-ft. Mazda predicted the CX-50 2.5 Turbo would get 25 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 23.4 mpg.

Driving the CX-50 Turbo on various roads revealed smooth acceleration and minimal turbo lag. The SUV offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, though the differences between them were slight. The CX-50 felt firmer than the CX-5, with a hint of torque steer during tight turns. Despite its higher ride height and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the CX-50 felt more like a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment. It handled off-roading well but lacked a downhill assist control system. The CX-50 2.5 Turbo also demonstrated reliable towing capability, though it might struggle on mountain grades.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, provided smooth and swift acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The mild-hybrid system added an instant 148 lb-ft of torque, making the GLS 450 feel lively from a stop. A nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system ensured seamless power delivery. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and an official fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 19.9 mpg.

Driving the GLS 450 was a sublime experience, with quiet, quick, and perfectly calibrated performance. Sport mode firmed up the suspension, eliminating lateral body rocking, while Individual mode allowed for customized settings. The adaptive air suspension enabled the GLS 450 to handle twisty roads with ease, though some dips caused unusual oscillations. The massive Continental Premium Contact tires provided excellent grip but picked up road grit, resulting in rustling within the wheel wells. The brakes performed admirably, allowing for smooth stops in the city. The GLS also featured an Off-Road menu within MBUX, providing a transparent view of the terrain and front wheel position.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo came equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. On a sunny day in Southern California, the ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were more useful. The driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat were comfortable for long drives, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy enough for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports in nearly all trims. The rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, making entry and exit easier.

Storage space in the CX-50 was adequate, though Mazda missed opportunities for additional bins. The available smartphone charger had its own slot under the center armrest. The power rear liftgate revealed 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, with a long load floor but narrow width between the wheel wells. Maximum cargo space was 56.3 cubic feet, slightly less than the CX-5 due to the CX-50’s lower roofline.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with the AMG Line package, had sportier styling that could get in the way when entering or exiting the SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with supple leather surfaces, heating and ventilation, massage programs, and a wide range of adjustments. The new steering wheel was a delight to grip, though its touch-sensing controls could be irritating. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system, ensuring everyone was comfortable. The no-charge optional captain’s chairs offered excellent thigh support and expansive second-row legroom.

Accessing the third-row seat was a hassle, with limited space for adults and reduced second-row legroom. However, the third-row seat cushion provided decent leg support for kids. Interior storage space was decent in all three rows, though the bin under the front center armrest was small. Cargo space was practical, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet 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. The base 2.5 S had an 8.8-inch display, while other trims included a larger 10.25-inch display. Historically, Mazda Connect did not offer touchscreen control, relying on center console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delivered a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display, or head-up display (HUD), projected data within the driver’s line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came 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. However, touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console touchpad could cause confusion and distraction. Despite this, MBUX was otherwise intuitive, with outstanding natural voice recognition and helpful augmented reality for navigation. The standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology provided an impressive audio experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to rate high for safety, though the IIHS had not yet performed crash tests. Mazda provided a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors with reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with over 20 significant safety features. Many of the advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) could be adjusted through MBUX, allowing for customization of alerts and sensitivity. The forward-collision warning system, lane-departure warning system, and lane-keeping assist system all performed well. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems handled various driving conditions smoothly and transparently. There was a single instance of the lane-centering assist turning off, but otherwise, the GLS’s ADAS was outstanding.