2025 BMW X5 M vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

$127,200 · Crossover

$148,250 · SUV

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the aggressive performance of the 2025 BMW X5 M and the iconic boxy stature of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a real head-scratcher for luxury performance seekers. Buyers often wrestle with whether sheer speed or imposing presence takes priority in their daily drive. The X5 M leaps ahead in raw performance, boasting a muscular 617 hp compared to the G-Class's 443 hp, translating to significantly faster acceleration potential, though its 15 MPG combined fuel economy is notably lower than the G-Class's 18 MPG combined. Furthermore, the price gap is substantial, with the X5 M starting at $127,200 against the G-Class's $148,250 MSRP, saving over $21,000 upfront. While the X5 M is longer at 194.8 inches, the G-Class offers slightly more usable storage space with 34.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the X5 M's 33.9 cu ft, making these choices less about outright specification sheets and more about intended use case.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The G-Class offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving with an 18 MPG combined rating, making routine stops less frequent than the X5 M's 15 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The G-Class provides a marginally larger cargo area at 34.8 cu ft and a slightly higher stance (77.7 inches) which can aid ingress/egress for passengers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X5 M

The 2025 BMW X5 M is the undeniable speed king here, delivering a massive 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, substantially outclassing the G-Class's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW X5 M

The BMW X5 M undercuts the Mercedes-Benz G-Class by over $21,000 while delivering 174 more horsepower, representing a much better power-to-dollar ratio.

Choose the BMW X5 M if...

You prioritize straight-line acceleration and track-day capability, thanks to its 617 hp engine.
You want to save over $21,000 on the initial purchase price, as it starts at $127,200.
You prefer a slightly longer vehicle footprint (194.8 inches) that might translate to a smoother highway ride.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if...

You need marginally better fuel economy for highway cruising, achieving 19 Highway MPG versus the X5 M's 18 MPG.
You value the taller, more commanding presence offered by its 77.7-inch height.
You prefer a vehicle designed around ultimate off-road capability, indicated by its traditional SUV designation and Four-Wheel Drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X5 M	Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Length	194.8"	190.0"
Width	79.3"	76.0"
Height	69.4"	77.7"
Wheelbase	117.0"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.4 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	617 hp @ 6000 rpm	443 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	413 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm
Number of Valves	32	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	four wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
4WD System Type	—	Full Time
Transfer Case Gearing	—	Electronic Hi-Lo
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	13/18 MPG	17/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	15 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	284.7/394.2 mi.	448.8/501.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.9 gal.	26.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	Burmester
Stereo Power	464W	760W
Speaker System	16	18
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Premium Brand Stereo System	—	Burmester
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.8 in.	41.9 in.
Front Leg Room	39.8 in.	38.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	14-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	14-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 x 11.5 in.	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	315/35R	275/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Full Size Matching
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Outside Rear Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X5 M and 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

How much more power does the X5 M actually have over the G-Class?

The 2025 BMW X5 M packs a substantial punch with 617 hp, which is exactly 174 horsepower more than the 443 hp generated by the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This significant difference suggests the X5 M will feel much quicker in real-world driving scenarios.

Is the G-Class better for a family road trip regarding space?

The G-Class just edges out the X5 M in cargo volume, offering 34.8 cubic feet compared to the X5 M's 33.9 cubic feet. While both are competitive, the G-Class's higher 77.7-inch height might offer a slightly better sightline for smaller passengers.

How do these vehicles compare on fuel consumption for city driving?

The G-Class is more frugal in stop-and-go traffic, managing 17 City MPG, while the X5 M struggles slightly more at only 13 City MPG. Both require the same premium unleaded fuel, but the G-Class minimizes fuel stops.

What is the difference in base pricing between the two luxury SUVs?

There is a notable $21,050 difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The BMW X5 M starts at $127,200, making it the substantially more budget-friendly option compared to the G-Class's $148,250 entry point.

Which vehicle uses a more traditional drivetrain setup (AWD vs. 4WD)?

The BMW X5 M utilizes an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, optimized for road performance. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class features a Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) system mated to a 9-speed automatic, usually indicative of more robust off-road capability.

Does the difference in length affect overall handling?

The BMW X5 M is physically longer at 194.8 inches compared to the G-Class’s 190.0 inches, which can influence turning radius and highway stability. However, the X5 M's performance focus means its driving dynamics are geared toward sportier handling than the G-Class.