2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of nine versions in Canada, with prices spanning from $85,400 to $172,400 before additional fees. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE 350 was the most affordable model, featuring standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At the higher end, the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe boasted a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e variant, a turbo-four plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 79 kilometres of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with the Exclusive Trim Package, featuring exclusive Manufaktur paint, 21-inch wheels, and a Night Package with blacked-out trim. Despite its white paint accentuating the GLE’s egg-on-wheels styling, the GLE Coupe’s swoopy roofline improved the design. Inside, the GLE 450 impressed with its elegant cabin, featuring matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with Canadian prices ranging from $125,395 to $247,795, including a $3,995 destination charge. Built in Alabama, the GLS was subject to tariffs and federal luxury tax. Our GLS 450 test vehicle, the base version, featured 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, and premium leather upholstery. The AMG styling details enhanced the GLS’s sporty appearance, resolving the awkward fake front skid plate standard on the GLS 450. The interior, while similar to the GLE, boasted high-quality materials and detailing. However, body creaks were noticeable on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 offered leather as standard upholstery, with Nappa leather available, and a choice of interior trims. Standard ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof added to the ambience. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, offering a more cohesive look compared to other Mercedes models.

The 2026 GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission, with drivers able to select from Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual driving modes. Despite being a luxury crossover, the GLE 450 was equipped for off-roading and towing, with a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. It included features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a “transparent hood” camera view. However, the standard suspension allowed too much body motion, making it less enjoyable on mountain roads. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode, and while it firmed up in Dynamic mode, it remained uninterested in anything but straight-line travel. The sport braking system resisted fade during enthusiastic driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission hesitated with downshifts. Despite these issues, the GLE was a comfortable long-distance vehicle, achieving a fuel economy of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2026 GLS 450 shared the same turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, generating 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, it accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. While more powerful GLS versions were available, the six-cylinder 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The GLS featured a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension, significantly improving its ride and handling compared to the GLE. The GLS’s braking system provided smoother stops in everyday situations, despite a subtle loss of bite during spirited driving. The powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, but Sport mode mitigated these issues. The GLS offered a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, making it easier to manage in urban settings and more capable off-road than larger competitors.

The 2026 GLE’s interior was quiet at highway speeds, with firm yet comfortable front seats featuring “energizing seat kinetics” to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats, and the standard MB-Tex artificial leather could be upgraded to genuine leather. The back seat was roomy but positioned low relative to the windowsills, providing extra headroom and generous legroom. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE offered 943 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,120 litres with the seats folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with a large spare tire and hidden storage under the load floor.

The 2026 GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as an option. The GLS was exceptionally comfortable, accommodating up to seven adults. Standard features included a four-zone climate control system, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and heated outboard second-row seats. Comfort upgrades included ventilated and massaging second-row seats, a rapid heating system, and heated third-row seats. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat provided good thigh support, though legroom was snug. Storage was limited, with a small centre armrest bin and shallow door pockets. The cargo area offered 355 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second row folded. Despite falling short of traditional full-size luxury SUVs, the GLS provided ample space for luggage and other items.

The 2026 GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered lush graphics and a range of configurations, with a biometric authentication system and a digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and an augmented-reality video function for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and one year of Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package also included Online Music Streaming.

The 2026 GLS’s infotainment system featured dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a simpler, more traditional setup compared to Mercedes’s Superscreen and Hyperscreen technologies. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a one-year subscription to Digital Extras. The GLS came with a standard Burmester surround-sound system, with an optional high-end Burmester 3D audio system. Additional options included a head-up display, a rear passenger tablet, and dual rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant capable of executing various commands.

The 2026 GLE’s standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pre-Safe Sound feature emitted a tone to protect occupants’ hearing during a collision. The GLE also had parking aids, including sensors, a surround-view camera, and a semi-automated parking system. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane keep and centring assist, and other features. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was problematic, and the automated lane-change assist function was inconsistent. The GLE received a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS for 2025.

The 2026 GLS included nearly 40 safety and driver assistance systems, such as Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist technologies. It featured a Car-to-X Communication system and parking aids like sensors and a surround-view camera. The GLS required active driver participation, with a touch-sensing steering wheel and curve speed reduction technology. The system occasionally braked harder than necessary, but it was easy to override. The GLS’s safety features worked well overall, providing a smooth and refined driving experience.