Comparison: Ground clearance Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. competitors 2025

In the glamorous world of high-riding chariots also known as SUVs, ground clearance isn't just a number; it's a statement. It dictates whether your elegant vehicle gracefully glides over speed bumps or embarrassingly scrapes its belly like a beached whale. In this regard, let's talk about the Mercedes-Benz GLS, a vehicle that not only elevates your status but quite literally, elevates you off the ground. The latest model stands tall with a ground clearance of 215 mm, ensuring that you look down upon most of the automotive peasantries with disdain. But was it always this lofty? Let's find out.

Table of contents:

Mercedes-Benz GLS - How has the ground clearance changed over the generations?

As we delve into the annals of history, it's evident that the GLS, formerly known as the GL before Mercedes-Benz decided every SUV they make must start with 'GL' and end with confusion, has maintained its altitude commendably. The preceding model, the GLS 166 (2015-2019), touted a slightly higher ground clearance of 216 mm, a millimeter more than its successors, the GLS 167 (2019-2023) and the GLS 167 (1. Facelift) 2023-now, both at 215 mm. While some may argue over the loss of a millimeter, in the real world, it barely makes a difference unless you're driving over a stack of credit cards. Nevertheless, it's clear that across generations, the GLS has consistently provided a towering presence on the road.

The difference in Ground clearance between first generation (GLS 166) from 2015 and last generation (GLS 167 (1. Facelift)) from 2023 is 0.1cm mm.
The ground clearance of the current generation of GLS is 215 mm.

Variants

Mercedes-Benz GLS variants: GLS vs. GLS AMG vs. Maybach GLS

(Ground clearance)
Ground clearance: Mercedes-Benz GLS variants
Variant nameGround clearance
GLS215 mm
GLS AMG215 mm
Maybach GLS215 mm
1. GLS 215 mm
2. GLS AMG 215 mm
3. Maybach GLS 215 mm

The ground clearance compared to other Mercedes-Benz models

In the grand scheme of the Mercedes-Benz universe, the GLS is akin to Zeus sitting atop Mount Olympus. When compared to its siblings, it's clear that the GLS is the Everest of the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up. Considering other models like the sleek but significantly lower-lying Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupé at an earth-hugging 81 mm, or even the more comparable but still lesser GLE with its 205 mm ground clearance, the GLS stands tall. In fact, the ground clearance of the GLS rivals that of its more rugged cousin, the G-Class, albeit the standard G-Class dwarfs it slightly at a monstrous 270 mm. This makes the GLS the choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and the ability to ford rivers without getting their ankles wet.

Mercedes-Benz GLS vs other current cars by Mercedes-Benz

(Ground clearance)
Ground clearance: GLS vs. other models by Mercedes-Benz
Variant nameGround clearance
AMG GT Coupé 81 mm
A{class} AMG 81 mm
A{class} AMG Limousine 81 mm
CLA AMG Shooting Brake 83 mm
CLA AMG Coupé 85 mm
E{class} All-Terrain 85 mm
E{class} Limousine 85 mm
E{class} T-Modell 85 mm
AMG SL 86 mm
C{class} Coupé 88 mm
C{class} AMG Cabriolet 90 mm
C{class} AMG Coupé 90 mm
C{class} AMG Limousine 90 mm
C{class} AMG T-Modell 90 mm
A{class} 91 mm
A{class} Limousine 91 mm
C{class} Limousine 92 mm
C{class} T-Modell 92 mm
CLA Coupé 99 mm
CLA Shooting Brake 99 mm
EQE 102 mm
B{class} 104 mm
EQV 106 mm
CLE Coupé 108 mm
AMG GT {4door} Coupé 116 mm
GLB AMG 122 mm
Maybach S{class} Limousine 130 mm
S{class} Limousine 130 mm
EQE SUV 131 mm
EQS 134 mm
GLB 135 mm
C{class} All-Terrain 137 mm
EQS AMG 139 mm
GLA 143 mm
GLC Coupé 145 mm
EQE SUV AMG 154 mm
EQA 154 mm
EQB 154 mm
GLA AMG 160 mm
EQS SUV 178 mm
Maybach EQS SUV 184 mm
GLC 187 mm
GLE AMG Coupé 188 mm
GLE Coupé 200 mm
GLE 205 mm
GLE AMG 205 mm
GLS 215 mm
GLS AMG 215 mm
Maybach GLS 215 mm
G{class} AMG Station-Wagen {long} 266 mm
G{class} Station-Wagen {long} 270 mm
1. AMG GT Coupé 81 mm
2. A{class} AMG 81 mm
3. A{class} AMG Limousine 81 mm
4. CLA AMG Shooting Brake 83 mm
5. CLA AMG Coupé 85 mm
6. E{class} All-Terrain 85 mm
7. E{class} Limousine 85 mm
8. E{class} T-Modell 85 mm
9. AMG SL 86 mm
10. C{class} Coupé 88 mm
11. C{class} AMG Cabriolet 90 mm
12. C{class} AMG Coupé 90 mm
13. C{class} AMG Limousine 90 mm
14. C{class} AMG T-Modell 90 mm
15. A{class} 91 mm
16. A{class} Limousine 91 mm
17. C{class} Limousine 92 mm
18. C{class} T-Modell 92 mm
19. CLA Coupé 99 mm
20. CLA Shooting Brake 99 mm
21. EQE 102 mm
22. B{class} 104 mm
23. EQV 106 mm
24. CLE Coupé 108 mm
25. AMG GT {4door} Coupé 116 mm
26. GLB AMG 122 mm
27. Maybach S{class} Limousine 130 mm
28. S{class} Limousine 130 mm
29. EQE SUV 131 mm
30. EQS 134 mm
31. GLB 135 mm
32. C{class} All-Terrain 137 mm
33. EQS AMG 139 mm
34. GLA 143 mm
35. GLC Coupé 145 mm
36. EQE SUV AMG 154 mm
37. EQA 154 mm
38. EQB 154 mm
39. GLA AMG 160 mm
40. EQS SUV 178 mm
41. Maybach EQS SUV 184 mm
42. GLC 187 mm
43. GLE AMG Coupé 188 mm
44. GLE Coupé 200 mm
45. GLE 205 mm
46. GLE AMG 205 mm
47. GLS 215 mm
48. GLS AMG 215 mm
49. Maybach GLS 215 mm
50. G{class} AMG Station-Wagen {long} 266 mm
51. G{class} Station-Wagen {long} 270 mm

How does the ground clearance of the Mercedes-Benz GLS compare to it's nearest competitors?

However, when thrown into the gladiatorial arena with vehicles from other marques, how does our aristocratic behemoth fare? Let's consider its aristocratic rivals: the Tesla Model X with an adjustable clearance peaking at 223 mm, showing that electric SUVs aren't just about hugging trees but climbing over roots as well. Then there's the BMW X7, reaching up to 221 mm, almost eye to eye with the GLS, proving that Bavarians also like a good view. The Audi Q7, with its 205 mm clearance, bows down to the GLS, albeit with a posture of dignified defeat. Interestingly, vehicles like the Hyundai Nexo and the dainty Lexus UX stand at 162 mm and 160 mm respectively, reminding us that not all who wander are lost, but they certainly aren't clearing big obstacles. Thus, in a world where size often matters, the GLS remarkably holds its ground, towering with grace and poise over many, yet warmly embracing humility before the altar of electric adjustability and German brethren with similar aspirations.

Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. similar cars

(Ground clearance)
Ground clearance: Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. similar cars
Car modelGround clearance
Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse 2006307 mm
Audi Q8 2018245 mm
Volvo XC60 2008230 mm
Mercedes-Benz GLS 2023215 mm
ALPINA XD3 2013212 mm
ALPINA XD4 2021204 mm
Jaguar E-Pace 2018204 mm
Infiniti QX30 2016202 mm
Hyundai Tucson 2004195 mm
DS Automobiles DS 7 2022190 mm
Ford Kuga 2008188 mm
Renault Koleos 2008188 mm
Hyundai ix55 2009185 mm
Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2013180 mm
Dodge Nitro 2007180 mm
Skoda Karoq 2017176 mm
Citroen C-Crosser 2007174 mm
Peugeot 4008 2012168 mm
Ford Edge 2016152 mm
Mercedes-Benz GLC 2015123 mm
1. Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse 2006 307 mm
2. Audi Q8 2018 245 mm
3. Volvo XC60 2008 230 mm
4. Mercedes-Benz GLS 2023 215 mm
5. ALPINA XD3 2013 212 mm
6. ALPINA XD4 2021 204 mm
7. Jaguar E-Pace 2018 204 mm
8. Infiniti QX30 2016 202 mm
9. Hyundai Tucson 2004 195 mm
10. DS Automobiles DS 7 2022 190 mm
11. Ford Kuga 2008 188 mm
12. Renault Koleos 2008 188 mm
13. Hyundai ix55 2009 185 mm
14. Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2013 180 mm
15. Dodge Nitro 2007 180 mm
16. Skoda Karoq 2017 176 mm
17. Citroen C-Crosser 2007 174 mm
18. Peugeot 4008 2012 168 mm
19. Ford Edge 2016 152 mm
20. Mercedes-Benz GLC 2015 123 mm

Similar cars

Audi Q7
Ground clearance:
+14% (245 mm)


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ALPINA XD4
Ground clearance:
-5% (204 mm)


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ALPINA XD3
Ground clearance:
-5% (204 mm)


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Audi Q5
Ground clearance:
-16% (181 mm)


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Cadillac XT4
Ground clearance:
-100% (0 mm)


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Audi Q8
Ground clearance:
+14% (245 mm)


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BMW X5
Ground clearance:
-0% (214 mm)


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Volvo XC90
Ground clearance:
+24% (267 mm)


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BMW X7
Ground clearance:
+3% (221 mm)


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