Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for Your Lifestyle
Mercedes-Benz offers an especially extensive range of SUVs in different body styles, performance characteristics, and equipment options. This makes Mercedes-Benz an especially good choice for finding something that’s just right for you and your lifestyle, but it is a lot to keep track of. To help make sense of the many options available from Mercedes-Benz, we’ve put together this guide to Mercedes-Benz SUVs and which one will suit your needs the best.
Mercedes-Benz SUVs Highlights
| Model | Starting MSRP* | Seats | Max Cargo Space | Standard Horsepower | Available Horsepower |
| GLA | $41,500 | 5 | 50.5 cubic feet | 221 | 302 |
| GLB | $43,800 | 5 (7 optional) | 62 cubic feet | 221 | 302 |
| GLC Electric | TBA | 5 | 61.4 cubic feet | 483 | N/A |
| GLC | $49,550 | 5 | 56.3 cubic feet | 255 | 313, 416, 671 |
| GLC Coupe | $59,650 | 5 | 52.6 cubic feet | 255 | 416, 671 |
| EQB | $53,050 | 5 (7 optional) | 61.8 cubic feet | 188 | 225, 288 |
| GLE | $62,250 | 5 (7 optional) | 74.9 cubic feet | 255 | 375, 381, 429, 510, 603 |
| EQE | $64,950 | 5 | 55 cubic feet | 315 | 617 |
| GLE Coupe | $77,250 | 5 | 64.1 cubic feet | 375 | 429, 603 |
| GLS | $90,250 | 7 (6 optional) | 84.7 cubic feet | 375 | 510, 603 |
| EQS | $89,950 | 5 (7 optional) | 74 cubic feet | 355 | 536 |
| G-Class | $153,900 | 5 | 68.5 cubic feet | 443 | 577, 579 |
As you can see, this is quite an extensive lineup. Not just a lot of models, but a lot of drivetrain options, and even a large number of models with optional seating configurations. There are a few things on the chart that should be clarified, as they can be a little confusing. Max cargo capacities are all listed with the second row of seats folded down, and the third row of seats omitted in the case of everything but the GLS, which has a third row as standard, and is therefore listed with those seats folded down as well. In the case of the GLE, it might be confusing why both a 375-horsepower and a 381-horsepower drivetrain are both listed. The reason for this is that the 381-horsepower version is a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It is intentionally similar in power to the 375-horsepower gasoline engine so that it can deliver a similar driving experience; it just burns less gas in the process. It’s a very similar story with the G-Class, where there is an available 577-horsepower gasoline V8 and an all-electric drivetrain producing 579 horsepower.
Mercedes-Benz Compact SUVs
Compact luxury SUVs are one of the most popular segments in the US market, so it should come as no surprise that this is the vehicle type that Mercedes-Benz offers the most of. The lineup includes gasoline-powered models like the GLA, GLB, GLC, and GLC Coupe, as well as electric models like the EQB and GLC Electric. There isn’t a big difference between these vehicles as far as lifestyle goes; all of them are built to a high standard of luxury and technical excellence, and higher-performance versions are available for all but the GLC Electric, although the standard version of that one is plenty potent already. Even the GLC Coupe doesn’t make you give up much cargo space for the sake of the sloping coupe-like roofline. The biggest issues to consider with a compact Mercedes-Benz are whether you’re looking for gas or electric, and whether or not you need a third row of seats. There are some differences in cargo space, but most of the rest of the differences come down to preference.
Mercedes-Benz Midsize SUVs
The midsize SUV lineup from Mercedes-Benz is smaller than the compact lineup, but it is also the most versatile. The lineup consists of the GLE, GLE Coupe, EQE, and G-Class. Between them, there are gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric drivetrains offered, with the GLE and G-Class both offering entirely different types for the same model. In fact, the GLE has the most drivetrain options to choose from of any SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. But the versatility doesn’t end there; the G-Class is also an extremely capable off-road vehicle, an area where most luxury brands don’t even attempt to compete. Performance versions of these SUVs are nearly all offered with over 600 horsepower, including the EQE, one of the most powerful models offered by Mercedes-Benz. And if you need a third row of seats, the GLE is offered with one, and it’s more spacious than the three-row GLB.
Mercedes-Benz Full Size SUVs
There are just two full-size SUV models from Mercedes-Benz: the GLS and its electric counterpart, the EQS. As the largest SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, it should come as no surprise that the GLS is also the only one that comes with a third row of seats as standard. These are the flagship models of the Mercedes-Benz SUV fleet, so they offer features that other models don’t, particularly when it comes to customization. This includes a six-seat configuration that replaced the usual second-row bench with a pair of especially luxurious captains’ chairs. The GLS is also tied with the GLE for the highest towing capacity of any Mercedes-Benz SUV at 7,700 pounds. And although electric vehicles aren’t typically used for towing, the EQS ties with the EQE for the highest EV towing at 3,500 pounds, which is still high enough for most lifestyles. If comfort, luxury, and room to stretch out are high priorities, there is no substitute for these two models.
Special Models
For those who want a bit more out of their SUV than the standard, there are two sub-brands, Mercedes-AMG® and Mercedes-Maybach®, that handle these specialized versions. Mercedes-AMG® builds high-performance versions of existing models; the highest power ratings that you see in the chart at the top are all Mercedes-AMG® versions of those models (with the exception of the GLC Electric), and in some cases, the second-highest as well. Beyond just more power, these versions come with special upgraded brakes, special suspension tuning, unique wheels, and other performance-oriented features. Mercedes-Maybach® makes ultraluxury versions of Mercedes-Benz flagship models, which, in the case of SUVs, means the GLS and EQS. These come with thoroughly reworked exteriors and entirely different interiors, using only the highest quality materials and offering unmatched levels of bespoke customization.