Compare the2023 Mercedes AMG GLSVS 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes AMG GLS are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the AMG GLS and Cullinan have rear cross-traffic warning, but the AMG GLS has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Cullinan’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the AMG GLS and the Cullinan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The AMG GLS’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Cullinan’s (5 vs. 4 years).

There are over 10 times as many Mercedes dealers as there are Rolls-Royce dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the AMG GLS’ warranty.

The AMG GLS’ 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 40 more horsepower (603 vs. 563) than the Cullinan’s standard 6.8 turbo V12. The AMG GLS’ 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 11 more horsepower (603 vs. 592) than the Cullinan Black Badge’s standard 6.8 turbo V12.

On the EPA test cycle the AMG GLS gets better mileage than the Cullinan:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the AMG GLS’ fuel efficiency. The Cullinan doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the AMG GLS’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Cullinan doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the AMG GLS’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Cullinan doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes AMG GLS higher (5 out of 10) than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (3). This means the AMG GLS produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Cullinan every 15,000 miles.

For more complete vehicle control the AMG GLS has a manually controlled automatic, with the available convenience of an automatic transmission and the complete gear control of a manual transmission without the inconvenience of a clutch. A manually controlled automatic allows the driver to eliminate unwanted shifts and maximize engine braking by down shifting while cornering. The Cullinan doesn’t offer a transmission that allows complete gear control.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes AMG GLS, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Cullinan.

For better traction, the AMG GLS has larger standard tires than the Cullinan (F:275/50R21 & R:315/45R21 vs. 255/50R21). The AMG GLS’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Cullinan (F:285/45R22 & R:325/40R22 vs. 255/50R21).

The AMG GLS 63’s standard 315/45R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Cullinan’s standard 50 series tires. The AMG GLS’ optional 285/40R23 front and 325/35R23 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the Cullinan’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the AMG GLS offers optional 23-inch wheels. The Cullinan’s largest wheels are only 22-inches.

The AMG GLS has a standard space-saver spare (not available w/Burmaster 3D Surround Sound) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Cullinan; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The AMG GLS’ drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Cullinan doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the AMG GLS’ turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the Cullinan’s (39.4 feet vs. 43.3 feet).

The Mercedes AMG GLS may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 pounds less than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

The AMG GLS is 4.5 inches shorter than the Cullinan, making the AMG GLS easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the AMG GLS has standard flush composite headlights. The Cullinan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The AMG GLS has standard seating for 7 passengers; the Cullinan can only carry up to 5.

The AMG GLS’ cargo area provides more volume than the Cullinan.

The AMG GLS’ available rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Cullinan w/Executive Rear Seats doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The AMG GLS’ liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The Cullinan’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the AMG GLS’ liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Cullinan doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its tailgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the AMG GLS uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Cullinan doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The AMG GLS has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Cullinan doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The AMG GLS’ front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Cullinan’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

Heated windshield washer fluid is standard on the AMG GLS to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The Cullinan doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the AMG GLS has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Cullinan doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

The AMG GLS has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Cullinan doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Mercedes GLS outsold the Rolls-Royce Cullinan by over 22 to one during 2022.