Mercedes GLS vs GLE vs G63: Which SUV to Rent in Dubai?

Written by: DriveX Content Team

Last updated: October 2026

That is the practical answer to the Mercedes GLS vs GLE vs G63 question. All three offer a premium cabin and a commanding driving position, but they solve different travel problems.

A couple staying in Downtown Dubai does not need the same SUV as a family arriving with children, suitcases and a stroller. Equally, someone booking a G63 for a special weekend may care more about its unmistakable design and AMG character than maximising luggage space per dirham.

This comparison focuses on what matters during a rental: seats you can actually use, luggage space with those seats occupied, passenger comfort, parking and the difference in daily price. Ready to book? See our luxury car rental in Dubai collection or rent a car in Dubai directly.

Model year, seating configuration and equipment vary. This guide compares the GLE SUV — not the GLE Coupé — with the GLS 450 and Mercedes-AMG G63. Confirm the exact vehicle before booking.

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Mercedes GLS vs GLE vs G63: Quick Comparison

*Rates are the daily prices displayed on DriveX product pages when researched (October 2026). They are not guaranteed quotations. Confirm dates, availability, VAT treatment, insurance, mileage and delivery terms before booking.

Quick shortlist: Mercedes GLE · Mercedes GLS 450 · Mercedes G63

Mercedes GLS vs GLE: What Is the Main Difference?

The main difference is not simply “luxury versus more luxury.” It is how much vehicle you need around your passengers.

The GLE is the more manageable choice when you mainly use the first two rows. The GLS is the larger, three-row alternative to investigate when passenger capacity, rear-cabin space and longer journeys matter more.

Mercedes-Benz presents the GLS as an SUV accommodating up to seven people. However, your rental’s actual seat count and layout still need confirmation.

Choose the GLE when the extra row is not essential

For two adults, a couple travelling with children or a small business group, a GLE can provide the premium SUV experience without paying for space you rarely use. It is the sensible starting point when your plans involve:

• Hotel-to-office journeys.
• Restaurants and shopping trips.
• Frequent use of hotel or residential parking.
• A longer stay with ordinary daily driving.
• Airport travel for a smaller group with a checked luggage fit.

The GLE is still a substantial SUV. “Smaller than the GLS” does not mean compact, but its shorter body is a practical advantage when you repeatedly enter unfamiliar parking areas.

Choose the GLS when the third row is part of the plan

The Mercedes GLS makes more sense when the third row will be used regularly rather than occasionally. It is worth prioritising for:

• Families travelling with grandparents.
• Groups that need more than five seats.
• Longer journeys with several passengers.
• Travellers who value additional cabin space over easier parking.

The GLS is also relevant to a five-person group with considerable luggage: if the third row is not needed, folding it opens up the cargo area.

GLE 450 vs GLS 450: Does the “450” Badge Mean They Are Similar?

The shared “450” badge does not make the GLE and GLS the same vehicle in different sizes.

For a renter, the important differences remain the body, passenger layout, available luggage space and installed equipment. Engine output and features can also change with model year and market specification.

Do not choose solely from a horsepower comparison taken from a new-car brochure. The vehicle available for your dates may belong to a different model year. For a useful GLE 450 vs GLS 450 comparison, ask for:

1. The model year and exact variant.
2. The registered seat count.
3. Photos of the second row, third row and luggage area.
4. Confirmation of any essential equipment.
5. A quotation covering the same dates and rental conditions.

If you have already narrowed your choice to the smaller SUV, see our Mercedes GLE 450 rental guide. Stay with this comparison if you are still deciding whether the additional space of the GLS is worth the upgrade.

Seats: Which Mercedes SUV Fits Your Group?

Seat numbers can be misleading unless you also consider passenger size, access and luggage.

GLE: confirm whether the rental has five or seven seats

The GLE SUV is available in different seating configurations. Do not assume that every GLE has a third row — or that a GLE Coupé offers the same layout.

DriveX’s GLE page describes a seven-seat vehicle, but the exact car allocated to your booking should still be confirmed. If you need the third row, ask about access and suitability for the passengers using it. A group of tall adults has different needs from a family making short trips with children.

GLS: the first model to check for regular third-row travel

Of these three models, the GLS is the clearest starting point when you need three rows. Even so, confirm the seating arrangement. A second-row bench and individual second-row seats do not provide identical capacity or access.

Also establish how child seats affect entry to the rear row. A layout that works on paper may be awkward once restraints are installed.

G63: five seats, regardless of its visual presence

The G63 is not the largest passenger carrier here. Its tall, upright appearance does not create a third row. If your group needs six or seven occupied seats, the G63 is not the solution.

All seat counts include the driver. Seven people plus a hired driver require eight seats, not seven.

Travelling with children or older relatives?

Check the details that affect each journey:

• Suitable child-seat mounting positions.
• Access to the third row with child seats installed.
• Whether three restraints can fit across the intended row.
• Step-in height and available grab handles.
• Space for a stroller without blocking passenger seats.

Do not assume that three rear seating positions guarantee room for three child seats. Compatibility depends on the specific restraints and vehicle. Our guide to Dubai car rental requirements also covers licences and age rules for the driver.

Luggage Space: Compare the Seats You Will Actually Use

A maximum cargo figure is often measured with rear seats folded. That is useful for carrying bulky items, but not for a family arriving with every seat occupied. For a rental, there are three different luggage questions:

GLE luggage: a practical starting point for smaller groups

For a couple or smaller family, the GLE is often the first vehicle worth checking. Give the rental team your actual luggage list rather than asking whether the vehicle has a “big boot.” Two large hard-shell cases, a cabin bag and a stroller are a more useful description.

If you will use an optional third row, ask for a photo with that row raised.

GLS luggage: more flexibility, not unlimited capacity

The GLS offers the strongest flexibility in this comparison when you need to alternate between carrying more people and carrying more luggage. However, seven seats do not mean room for seven large suitcases.

A fully occupied GLS on an airport run may require a separate luggage transfer or a larger passenger vehicle. Make that decision before pickup rather than trying to solve it beside the terminal — especially if you’re arranging Dubai airport car rental.

G63 luggage: consider loading access as well as capacity

The G63’s upright shape provides a useful cargo area, but its side-hinged rear door needs space to open. That matters in tight parking spaces or when another vehicle stops close behind you. Its loading arrangement is different from the upward-opening tailgate on the GLE and GLS.

Comfort: Which Is Best for Dubai and Longer Drives?

For a comfort-led booking, shortlist the GLE and GLS first. Choose between them according to passenger numbers and how much rear-cabin space you need.

GLS: our pick when passenger space comes first

We would start with the GLS for a larger family spending substantial time in the car. Its appeal is the combination of a three-row layout and room to organise passengers — not merely the Mercedes badge.

For longer journeys, ask about rear ventilation, charging connections and the equipment fitted to the specific vehicle. Do not assume every rental includes every option shown in a manufacturer’s brochure.

GLE: our all-round choice for everyday use

If you do not regularly need the extra row, the GLE offers a persuasive balance of premium comfort and a more manageable body. For many Dubai visitors, it is the least complicated choice: suitable for business appointments, leisure driving and smaller-family travel without stepping up to the GLS.

G63: choose the character deliberately

The G63 offers a different experience. Its upright driving position, distinctive design and AMG character are central to its appeal.

Do not assume the highest daily price guarantees the gentlest ride. Model year, suspension, tyres and wheel size all affect comfort. If a quiet, relaxed passenger experience is your priority, we would shortlist the GLE or GLS before paying extra for the G63.

Parking and Everyday Driving in Dubai

All three require attention in narrow ramps and tight parking bays, but the challenges differ.

GLE: the most straightforward starting point

The GLE’s shorter body makes it our first recommendation for renters expecting frequent parking manoeuvres. Confirm whether the allocated vehicle has a reversing camera, parking sensors or a surround-view system. Features should be checked rather than inferred from the model name.

GLS: allow for the additional length

The GLS rewards you with space inside, but asks for more room outside. Consider the parking at your accommodation, especially if you will use the same basement every day. A space that is technically accessible may still be inconvenient for loading children and bags.

G63: check clearance and rear-door access

For a G63, check the actual vehicle height against posted restrictions before entering covered parking. Also leave enough room behind it to open the luggage door. These small details matter more over a week of use than they do in a showroom photograph.

New to parking here? Read Dubai parking fines and our guide to driving in Dubai for the first time.

Rental Price per Day: How Much Does Each Upgrade Cost?

The DriveX pages reviewed for this comparison display:

The displayed G63 rate is also AED 1,290 per day above the GLS 450. These differences help frame the decision:

• GLE to GLS: pay more primarily because the additional passenger space is useful.
• GLS to G63: pay more because you specifically want the G63 experience — not because it provides more seats.

Is the GLS worth AED 100 more per day?

At the displayed daily rates, the GLS upgrade is worth considering when its additional space solves a real problem. For example, a simple three-day calculation produces an AED 300 base-rate difference between the GLE and GLS, before discounts, extras or differences in rental terms.

For two people travelling light, that upgrade may be unnecessary. For a family needing the GLS layout, it may be the more useful place to spend the budget.

Is the G63 worth its higher rental price?

It can be, if the G63 itself is part of the occasion. For a special weekend, a memorable arrival or a driver who specifically wants a G-Class, choosing a cheaper SUV may miss the point of the booking.

But if you are evaluating passenger capacity, luggage practicality and daily cost, the G63 is not the automatic winner.

Compare the complete quote, not just the headline rate

Ask whether each quotation includes the same:

• Rental period and return time.
• VAT treatment.
• Mileage allowance and excess-kilometre charges.
• Insurance protection and excess — see car rental insurance in Dubai.
• Deposit policy — DriveX rentals are no-deposit (read renting a car in Dubai without a deposit); confirm this in your quote.
• Delivery and collection arrangements.
• Additional drivers and child seats.
• Toll handling and fuel-return terms.

Weekly and monthly packages may change the relative value — see monthly car rental in Dubai. Do not calculate a long-term booking by multiplying the daily rate and assume that is the best available offer. Our guide to hidden car rental costs in Dubai lists other items worth checking.

For toll billing, see how rental companies charge Salik.

Which Mercedes SUV Should You Rent for Your Trip?

For journeys beyond Dubai, confirm the rental’s permitted territory and roadside-assistance arrangements. Our guide to driving a Dubai rental car to Abu Dhabi or Oman explains why domestic travel and international crossings require different checks.

Does choosing the G63 allow desert driving?

No. Vehicle capability and rental permission are separate issues. A G63 booking does not automatically permit dunes, beaches, wadis or unpaved routes. The same principle applies to the GLE and GLS.

Before You Book: Confirm These Seven Details

A short confirmation can prevent most model-selection mistakes:

1. Exact vehicle: model, variant and year.
2. Seats: actual capacity, including the driver.
3. Luggage: fit with the required seats occupied.
4. Equipment: the features that matter to your trip.
5. Total price: inclusions, extras and deposit arrangements.
6. Permitted use: destinations, drivers and mileage.
7. Substitution: whether the exact model is confirmed or alternatives may be offered.

You can send:

We are comparing the GLE, GLS 450 and G63 for [dates]. There will be [number] adults and [number] children, including the driver, with [luggage details]. We plan to drive to [destinations]. Please confirm the best-fitting vehicle, model year, seating layout and total rental price, including mileage, insurance, VAT and delivery terms.

That gives the team enough information to recommend a vehicle around your journey rather than simply its badge.

Final Verdict: GLS, GLE or G63?

For most smaller groups, start with the GLE. It offers the most balanced combination of daily usability and the lowest displayed rental price in this comparison.

Choose the GLS 450 when space changes the quality of your trip. Its three-row layout makes it the strongest starting point for larger families, while the ability to fold unused seats adds luggage flexibility.

Choose the G63 when you specifically want a G63. Its appeal is distinctive, but its higher price does not buy additional passenger capacity.

Check your preferred model:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Mercedes GLS and GLE?

The GLS is the larger, dedicated three-row SUV. The GLE has a smaller footprint and offers five seats or, in suitably equipped SUV versions, seven. Choose the GLS for regular third-row use and the GLE when everyday usability matters more.

Is the Mercedes GLS 450 better than the GLE 450 for families?

The GLS 450 is usually the stronger starting point for larger families that need a third row or additional luggage flexibility. For a smaller family using only two rows, the GLE 450 may be the more practical choice. Confirm the actual seating layout and luggage fit.

Does every Mercedes GLE have seven seats?

No. GLE seating depends on the body style and configuration. Some GLE SUVs have an optional third row, while others have five seats. Confirm the exact rental vehicle rather than relying on the model name.

Is the Mercedes G63 a seven-seater?

No. The Mercedes-AMG G63 has five seats, including the driver, and no third row. Consider a suitably configured GLS if you need six or seven seats.

How much does it cost to rent a GLS 450, GLE or G63 in Dubai?

The DriveX pages reviewed for this comparison displayed daily rates of AED 899 for the GLS 450, AED 799 for the GLE and AED 2,189 for the G63. These are advertised rates, not guaranteed quotations. Confirm your dates, availability, VAT and inclusions before booking.

Can seven people and their luggage fit in a Mercedes GLS?

A seven-seat GLS can accommodate seven occupants, including the driver, but luggage space is reduced with the third row occupied. Seven large suitcases should not be assumed to fit. Confirm your actual luggage requirements before booking.

Which is better for everyday Dubai driving: GLE, GLS or G63?

The GLE is our starting recommendation for smaller groups because it combines premium comfort with a shorter body than the GLS. Choose the GLS for additional passenger space or the G63 when its distinctive character is the priority.

Can I take a rented G63 off-road?

Do not assume so. Off-road use depends on the rental agreement and insurance, not the vehicle’s capabilities. Obtain explicit written permission before leaving permitted paved roads.

© 2026 DriveX — All rights reserved | Last updated: October 2026