Special Offers
29th October 2020 
10 min read 
When choosing a Mercedes-Benz SUV, you’re not short of options.
In total, the German manufacturer offers nine different models, ranging from small crossovers and family-friendly commuters to gargantuan all-terrain dominators.
In short, if you’re looking for an SUV, there will be a Mercedes-Benz to suit. But which Merc SUV is best?
Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. Read on as we tell you what’s good and not so good about each model.
Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV – Lease From £237 Monthly
Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV – Lease From £351 Monthly
Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV – Lease From £368 Monthly
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe SUV – Lease From £436 Monthly
Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV – Lease From £597 Monthly
Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV – Lease From £565 Monthly
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe SUV – Lease From £793 Monthly
Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV – Lease From £787 Monthly
Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Lease From £1,153 Monthly
Best Mercedes SUV
Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV
Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for driving around town
Not the best Mercedes-Benz SUV for off-roading
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is Merc’s smallest SUV. It’s not a fully-fledged SUV – more of a crossover – and its underpinnings are based on the A-Class.
Saying that, the newest incarnation is a lot more bespoke than its predecessor. There’s certainly still a flavour of A-Class both inside and out, sharing much of the same interior features, such as the critically-acclaimed MBUX infotainment system and turbine vents, but it’s taller, roomier and looks more rugged.
With the GLA, you’re afforded 11 different specifications. They range from the entry-level Sport – which comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, dynamic drive select, leather heated seats in the front and climate control as standard – all the way up to aggressive, track-focused 45 S 4MATIC Plus + featuring a 421bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, 21-inch wheels, performance seats, a panoramic roof and an upgraded sound system.
If you’re not looking for ultimate performance, there are a range of nine other petrol, diesel and hybrid engine choices available, some with four-wheel-drive, some without, as well as a heap of safety and comfort extras.
Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV
Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for compact practicality
Not the best Mercedes-Benz SUV for exterior styling
The Mercedes-Benz GLB gives the SUV market something not many others do – seven seats without being the size of a Boeing 747.
The GLB takes a lot of its inspiration from the B-Class MPV, as the name would suggest, and even though its target market is certainly still family orientated, there’s an undoubted air of prestige surrounding the German SUV.
If you decide the GLB is for you, you’ll have five trim levels to choose from; the entry-level Sport to the harder and faster 35 GLB 4MATIC Premium Plus.
There are four engines available – two petrol and two diesel – and, as standard, the GLB comes with seven seats, two seven-inch displays, ARTICO leather seats, keyless entry and start as well as an automatic gearbox.
From the AMG Line up, you can also add the Premium pack for £3,000 or Premium Plus with driver assistance for £6,000.
Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV
Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for comfort and drive
Not the best Mercedes-Benz SUV for entry-level spec
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is Merc’s flagship compact luxury SUV. Five seats, refined comfort, smooth drive and reserved styling, it’s quintessentially Mercedes.
Unlike other Benz SUVs, it’s yet to receive a facelift since the introduction of Merc’s new interior in 2018, but one’s coming and it’s still a welcoming place to be with expensive materials and smart tech providing a luxurious driving cocoon.
As standard in the entry-level Sport, the GLC boasts 18-inch alloys, a 10.25-inch multimedia display and MBUX – Mercedes’ all-dancing infotainment system.
As you climb the specs, you can expect bigger alloys, harder suspension – although there’s also the option for air suspension – more aggressive AMG styling and extra details inside the car, such as wood trim and sporty leather seats.
There are six engine types to choose from; two diesel, three petrol – including the AMG tuned 43 and 63 – and a hybrid, as well as a load of extras packs for safety and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe SUV
Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for looks and fun
Not the best Mercedes-Benz SUV for practicality
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is the GLC’s sportier cousin. While the GLC is in its room doing homework, the Coupe is kicking a ball against the wall outside and climbing trees.
It’s wider and lower than the standard SUV, which makes it less practical off-road but better around corners, and while the sloped roofline turns heads in the street, you’ll have to watch yours as you get in and out the back.
Just like the standard GLC, there’s a wide range of trim levels to choose from. As standard, you can expect AMG exterior and interior styling, including aero packs and sportier seats, 19-inch alloy wheels and brushed stainless steel sports pedals.
At the top end, in the 63 S, you’ll find 20-inch alloy wheels, extra AMG styling, Nappa leather sports seats and bright red brake callipers.
As usual, there’s also a large number of extras you can bolt onto your GLC Coupe which gives you more safety, comfort and style.
Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV
Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for zero-emissions driving
Not the best Mercedes-Benz SUV for value for money
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is the company’s only (so far) all-electric SUV. It’s based on the same chassis as the GLC, meaning there’s less space compared to other electric SUVs and it’s extremely heavy – limiting its range.
But it’s truly a trailblazer in sustainability, with over 100 recycled or sustainable components used in its production alongside the EQC’s zero-emission engine.
There are four trim levels to choose from, with 19-inch alloys, keyless entry and drive and air suspension featuring as standard. Higher up the specs, you can have up to 21-inch rims, a 360-degree parking camera and augmented reality navigation.
Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV
Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for passenger comfort & boot space
Not the best Mercedes-Benz SUV for driving economy
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the company’s luxury five or seven-seat SUV – offering more room and refinement than the smaller GLB.
Bigger than its predecessor, the latest GLE provides ample space for driver and passenger, as well as a bigger boot than all of its competitors in five-seat form.
As standard, the GLE features 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, illuminated running boards, interior ambient lighting and black Nappa leather seats which complement the anthracite open-pore oak wood trim.
Further up the trim levels, you have a choice of 21-inch or 22-inch wheels and four-wheel-drive, as well as several comfort and safety packs – which start to feature as standard from the AMG Line Premium model up.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe SUV
Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for style
Not the best Mercedes-Benz SUV for cost
Much like the GLC Coupe is to the GLC, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the sportier, more style-orientated version of the GLE SUV.
It’s less practical than the GLE, in that it doesn’t have a seven-seat option, has a smaller boot and anyone over six-foot may complain about rear headroom, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best-looking SUVs on the market, both inside and out.
Much like its more sensible namesake, the GLE comes with several features as standard, such as 22-inch alloys, privacy glass, pan roof, air suspension, Nappa leather sports seats and Mercedes’ excellent 24-inch panoramic digital display.
There’s only one trim level higher than the ‘entry-level’ AMG Line Premium Plus; the 53 4MATIC+ Premium Plus. With it, there’s more AMG styling, upgraded brake callipers, Merc’s performance exhaust and a monstrous 3.0-litre V6 engine which produces 457bhp and will cover 0-62mpg in 5.3 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV
Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for luxury
Not the best Mercedes-Benz SUV for specification range
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the most luxurious SUV in the Merc range. Measuring 5.2 metres long and two metres wide, it’s a behemoth which has style and comfort at the forefront of its persona.
Inside, you’re encapsulated by its unending luxury, including a Burmester surround sound system, panoramic MBUX infotainment display and a fragrance, heating and ambient lighting pack to enhance your well-being – all of which come as standard in the ‘entry-level’ AMG Line Premium spec.
At the top end of the range, the 63 4MATIC Night Edition Executive, you reach the ultimate specification, including 23-inch matt black alloys with red brake callipers, rear infotainment touchscreens, climatised multi-contour heated front seats with massage function, as well as heated armrests for both driver and passengers.
If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, however, you can go lower in the range with nine extras packs to choose from, including driver assistance, air suspension and off-road aids, which are made up of Merc’s all-wheel-drive system, a low-range transmission and superior comfort.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV
Best Mercedes-Benz SUV for off-roading
Not the best Mercedes-Benz SUV for price
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the German manufacturer’s off-road pièce de résistance. Originally designed as a military vehicle in the 1970s, it’s transformed into a luxurious yet dependable SUV.
Much of the exterior reflects that of its original form, with a boxy design and high sides giving it a high centre of gravity – perfect for off-roading. Underneath, rugged suspension and a separate chassis only amplify the G-Class’ capabilities to tackle any terrain.
But inside, you’re pulled into a world of refinement and luxury. A dual-bond widescreen digital display showcases vehicle stats and houses the MBUX infotainment system, as well as 360-degree cameras and sat-nav.
There are two trim levels to choose from with the G-Class; the AMG Line and the G 63. As standard, you’ll have keyless entry and drive, full heated leather upholstery both in the front and back, three-zone climate control and smartphone integration.
If you want more, you can choose from the 12 options packs available, or splash out on the superior trim level – the G 63 – which features an upgraded grille, exhaust, alloys and brake callipers, as well as Nappa leather sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a Burmester surround sound system and a sensational 585bhp bi-turbo V8 powertrain.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz SUV
If you’re still unsure which Mercedes-Benz SUV is right for you, or you’d like to know more about a particular model, use the button below to get in touch.
