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• The Mercedes-Benz GLS faces several rivals in South Africa.
• Among those challengers are the Lexus LX and the Maserati Levante.
• The GLS is powered by a choice of two engines.
• For more motorsports stories, visit www.Wheels24.co.za
Mercedes-Benz had a massive product offensive in early November 2020, launching six new SUVs in the South African market. Part of the launch arsenal was the automaker’s revised luxury SUV, the GLS. Dubbed the S-Class of SUVs, the new GLS hits the market with several luxurious features and technologies that should make it a true competitor in its segment.
Two models make up the range, one petrol and the other diesel, with prices starting at R1 842,000 for the GLS 400d 4Matic and R2 025,000 for the GLS 580 4Matic. The 580 is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 and the 400d by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine. Both engines are turbocharged.
The GLS faces formidable rivals in the South African market that competes with it in terms of price and trim levels.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS (MotorPress)
The new kids
The new Audi Q8 and the new BMW X7 are among the latest luxury SUVs on our market, but each model is incredibly proficient in its respective tasks. Each SUV ranks at the top of their respective lineups, with six-cylinder engine options in both gasoline and diesel versions. These two SUVs can take on the established GLS without having to worry about offering an inferior package.
One odd option on the list of rivals is the Maserati Levante. Launched in South Africa for the first time in 2017, the SUV has become the Italian automaker’s most successful model in terms of sales and is quite an exclusive offering. Buyers can choose between gasoline and diesel options, with a new model Trophy topping the range.
READ: Mercedes-Benz launches new GLS luxury SUV in SA: leaves ‘class’ in its segment
The two remaining rivals on our list compete against the GLS in terms of size. The GLS is a fairly large vehicle, compared to the Lexus LX and Range Rover. Both SUVs are large and will take up a lot of space in your closest mall, yet they come with a substantial amount of curb appeal and road presence. Both SUVs are equipped with high-capacity engines, including V8 options such as the GLS 580.
2020 Audi Q8 45 TDI Quattro (Wheels24 / Charlen Raymond)
2020 BMW X7 (PressClub / BMW)
2020 Maserati Levante (Maserati Media)
2020 Lexus LX (MotorPress)
Range Rover Sport 2021 (MotorPress)
