Mercedes-Benz GLS vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery size options. The larger battery, which increased power, performance, and range, came at a higher cost. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The vehicle's MSRP totaled $40,468, including options like Heavy Metal paint and various mats and protectors. The 2026 bZ's restyled appearance, especially with body-color trim, was an improvement over previous models. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the fabric seats in the XLE trim had an upscale pattern. The center touchscreen was increased to 14 inches, integrating climate control functions, although the digital driver display's placement and size remained a concern.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding 21-inch AMG wheels, various styling packages, and exclusive interior upgrades. The MSRP for this test vehicle was $96,400. The Manufaktur Silicon Grey paint on the test vehicle was not particularly special, but the AMG and Night styling details enhanced the GLS's sporty appearance. The interior, similar to the smaller GLE-Class, used high-quality materials, though body creaks were noted on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 offered artificial leather as standard upholstery, with options for different grades of leather and various interior trims. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the control layout, while idiosyncratic, was easy to acclimate to.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options. The XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles, maintaining the same efficiency rating. Dual-motor models, available only with the larger battery, produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges and efficiency ratings depending on the trim. The bZ could be recharged using a DC fast charger or a Level 2 home charger, with different charging times based on the battery size. During testing, the XLE Plus achieved better efficiency than the EPA estimate in Eco mode but slightly underperformed in Normal mode. The bZ's handling was generally agreeable, though it struggled on winding roads due to its tires and steering.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, though it achieved 19.4 mpg during testing. The Dynamic Select system provided multiple driving modes, and the standard Airmatic adaptive suspension enhanced ride quality. The GLS 450's powertrain occasionally exhibited delays in responsiveness, but the turbo-six engine sounded impressive under hard acceleration. The GLS offered a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, making it easier to manage in urban and suburban environments compared to larger competitors.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, featured 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to enter and exit. Both front seats offered standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats included in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with various storage solutions, including a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a maximum capacity of 56.9 cubic feet when the seats were folded down.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as a no-cost option. The GLS was exceptionally comfortable, with standard features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Various comfort upgrades were available, including massaging seats and a rapid heating system. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated second-row captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third row. Storage space was limited, with a small bin under the center armrest and shallow door pockets. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Despite falling short of traditional full-size luxury SUVs in cargo capacity, the GLS offered a manageable size for urban environments.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display's placement and size made it difficult to read, while the infotainment system, running Toyota Audio Multimedia, was generally easy to use. However, it lacked a home screen for displaying multiple data panels simultaneously, and the daytime mode's low-contrast colors made it hard to read. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various connected service plans available. The Drive Connect system powered the native navigation and voice assistant, which performed well during testing.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a more traditional approach compared to Mercedes' newer Superscreen and Hyperscreen technologies. The MBUX infotainment system provided a capable collection of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a standard Burmester surround-sound system. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was easy to use, with a configurable digital driver display and a responsive digital assistant. During testing, the assistant performed well, with only minor issues.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety by adding subtle braking and steering inputs. Other standard features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Limited trim offered additional safety features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but lower ratings for headlights and frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLS featured a surround-view camera system and parking sensors, though rear-seat side-impact airbags were optional. The hands-on driver-assistance system required active participation from the driver, with some limitations in handling curves. The GLS's braking system occasionally applied unnecessary force, but overall, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience.