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Mercedes-Benz SUV models – a buyer's guide

What’s the difference between Mercedes’ latest SUV models, and which one could be right for you? Here’s our guide to the Mercedes-Benz SUV model range.

Graham King Cazoo

By Graham King

Updated: 8 February 2024

Mercedes-Benz has been making some of the world's most desirable cars for more than 100 years and now there are lots of Mercedes-Benz SUV models to choose from, with options to suit a range of needs and budgets.

There are ten modern Mercedes SUV models – the GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS and G-Class, plus the electric EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE and EQS. With so many to choose from, working out which one is right for you could be tricky.

Here's our guide to the Mercedes-Benz SUV model range.

What’s the smallest Mercedes-Benz SUV model?

The smallest Mercedes-Benz SUV model is the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which is similar in size to other compact SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai. It’s also roughly the same size as the Mercedes A-Class hatchback but offers greater practicality and a higher seating position. There’s a pure-electric version of the GLA called the EQA, which we’ll cover in more detail later.

Next up is the GLB which, unusually for a relatively small SUV, has seven seats. It’s similar in size to rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Its third-row seats are a bit cramped for adults, but it could be ideal if you need more space than the GLA and don’t want a car as big as other seven-seat Mercedes SUVs.

Mercedes GLA

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What’s the largest Mercedes SUV model?

The largest Mercedes-Benz SUV is the Mercedes-Benz GLS. It’s a very large car that’s 5.2 metres (or 17 feet) long, making it even longer than the long-wheelbase version of the Range Rover. Its luxurious interior has seven seats and a huge boot. Its main rival is the BMW X7.

Moving down a size, pure-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is slightly shorter and lower than the GLS, then there's the Mercedes-Benz GLE, whose main rival is the BMW X5. Slightly smaller again is the the Mercedes-Benz GLC, which is about the same size as the Volvo XC60.

The outlier in the range is the G-Class. It’s the Mercedes-Benz SUV model that’s been around the longest and its appeal lies in its retro style and exclusivity. It slots in between the GLC and GLE in size, yet costs more than either of those.

Mercedes GLS

Which Mercedes SUV models have seven seats?

There are three Mercedes-Benz SUV models available with seven seats – the GLB, GLE and GLS (although not all versions of these models have seven seats).

The GLB is the smallest seven-seat model. Its third-row seats are best suited to children, but average-size adults fit if you slide the second-row seats forwards. It’s much the same in the bigger GLE, as well.

If you regularly travel with adults in all seven seats, you need the big GLS. Every passenger, including those in the third row, will have space to relax even if they’re tall.

Adult-size third row seats in the Mercedes GLS

Which Mercedes SUV model is best for dog owners?

Every Mercedes-Benz SUV model has a generously-sized boot, so you’ll be able to find one suitable for your dog, however big it is. The GLA’s boot is plenty big enough for a Jack Russell, for instance, and a St. Bernard should be perfectly happy in the back of the GLS.

But not everyone who has a larger dog, like a Labrador, wants a big car. In which case, the GLB could be ideal for you – and your dog – as it has a very big boot for its relatively compact size.

Dog-friendly boot in the Mercedes GLB

Are there any hybrid or electric Mercedes SUV models?

Plug-in hybrid versions of the GLA, GLC and GLE are available. The GLA 250e combines a petrol engine with an electric motor while the GLC 300de and GLE 350de are both diesel-electric plug-in hybrids.

Some GLC, GLE and GLS models with petrol engines have mild-hybrid power, which Mercedes calls ‘EQ-Boost’. They have an extra electrical system that helps improve emissions and fuel consumption but doesn’t give you the option of pure electric power.

There are five pure-electric Mercedes SUVs: the EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE and EQS. The EQA and EQB are battery-powered versions of the GLA and GLB whereas the EQC, EQE and EQS are standalone models.

Mercedes EQC on charge

Which Mercedes SUV model has the biggest boot?

Unsurprisingly, the Mercedes-Benz SUV with the biggest boot is the GLS. With all seven seats in place it has more boot space than many mid-size hatchbacks, at 355 litres. In five-seat mode, there’s a massive 890 litres of space, enough for a washing machine to slot in easily.

If you need a big boot and the GLS is too large for you, the GLE and GLB also have a huge amount of luggage space. The GLE has 630 litres with five seats, and 2,055 litres with two seats. Five-seat GLB models have 770 litres with the back seats up and 1,805 litres with them folded down (seven-seat models have slightly less space).

Van-size boot in the Mercedes GLS

Are Mercedes SUV models good off-road?

Most Mercedes-Benz SUVs put on-road comfort above off-road ability but some are capable off-road. The GLC, GLE and GLS will go farther across rough terrain than many people will ever need them to, while the G-Class is capable of tackling the toughest terrain.

Mercedes G-Class tackles a very steep hill

Do all Mercedes SUV models have four-wheel drive?

Most Mercedes SUVs have four-wheel drive, indicated by the ‘4MATIC’ badge on the back. Only the lower-powered versions of the GLA and GLB are front-wheel drive instead.

Which Mercedes SUV model is best for towing?

Any Mercedes-Bens SUV is a good tow car. As the smallest model, the GLA has the lowest capacity at 1,400-1,800kg. The GLB can tow 1,800-2,000kg and the other models can all tow at least 2,000kg. Certain GLE models, and all GLS and G-Class models can pull 3,500kg.

Are there any sporty Mercedes SUV models?

Apart from the electric models, there’s at least one sporty, high-performance version of every Mercedes SUV. They’re sold as Mercedes-AMG cars rather than Mercedes-Benz cars, AMG being Mercedes high performance sub-brand.

Despite being taller and heavier than an equivalent high-performance saloon, the Mercedes-AMG SUVs are very fast and feel great to drive on a winding country road. The two-digit number in the car’s name tells you how fast it is – the bigger the number, the faster the car. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, for example, is (quite a bit) faster and more powerful than the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53.

The very fast and fun Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S

Core Mercedes-Benz SUV model range in summary

Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA – the most compact Mercedes SUV – is a popular family car in the mould of the Nissan Qashqai. The latest GLA (pictured), sold since 2020, is more spacious and practical than the previous version, which was sold new from 2014 to 2020.

Mercedes-Benz EQA

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is the electric version of the latest GLA. You can spot the difference between EQA and GLA by their different front grille and wheel designs. The EQA also has some unique interior styling details and driver information displays.

Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is one of the most compact seven-seat SUVs you can get. Its extra seats could be really useful if your family is starting to feel cramped in a five-seat car, but adults will feel squeezed in the GLB’s third-row seats. In five-seat mode, its boot is huge.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC – the most popular Mercedes SUV – gives you luxury-car comfort and high-tech features in a mid-size package with plenty of space for a family of four. You can choose from two different bodies – a conventional, tall SUV or a low, sleek Coupe. Surprisingly, the Coupe doesn’t actually lose much in practicality terms, but it does cost more.

Mercedes EQC

The Mercedes-Benz EQC is the first standalone pure electric model from Mercedes. It’s a sleek mid-size SUV that’s slightly larger than the GLC but smaller than the GLE.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a large SUV that's great for big families who want the comfort and high-tech features you expect of a luxury car. The latest version has been sold new since 2019, replacing an older model sold from 2011 to 2019. Like the GLC, the GLE is available with either a traditional SUV shape or a sleek Coupe body.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the brand's largest SUV. It gives limousine levels of space and comfort for seven people, even if they’re really tall. It has Mercedes’ most advanced technology, its smoothest engines and a gargantuan boot. There’s even a Mercedes-Maybach GLS model that’s as luxurious as any Rolls-Royce.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class isn’t the biggest Mercedes SUV, but it’s considered the top-of-the-range model. The latest version has been sold since 2018; the previous version had been around since 1979 and became a motoring icon. The latest version is all-new but has a very similar exterior design. It’s excellent off-road and usefully practical, but its main appeal is its retro design and luxurious interior.

You’ll find a range of great-value Mercedes-Benz SUVs for sale at Cazoo. Simply use the search function to find one you love then buy or finance it online. You can choose to have it delivered to your door, or you can collect it from your nearest Cazoo Customer Centre.

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