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

$127,200 · Crossover

$89,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW X5 M bursts onto the scene, a muscular M division creation delivering a ferocious 617 hp, promising visceral performance that its sibling, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, deliberately sacrifices for supreme luxury. The GLS-Class, starting at a highly attractive $89,200 compared to the X5 M's steep $127,200 entry point, counters with effortless elegance and superior efficiency, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the X5 M's thirsty 15 MPG. This rivalry pits raw, intoxicating power against practical refinement; the X5 M packs an enormous 242 hp advantage over the GLS-Class’s 375 hp output, making quick work of acceleration. While the X5 M boasts a tighter footprint (194.8 inches long), the GLS offers better utility with more passenger room implied by its larger dimensions, despite listing less maximum cargo capacity at 17.4 cu ft versus the X5 M's 33.9 cu ft base rating. Buyers must decide if the X5 M’s performance theatre is worth the premium price and fuel penalty.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers superior daily usability with significantly better fuel economy, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the X5 M's 15 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class's larger dimensions and softer focus make it a more comfortable and less intense vehicle for routine family transport.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X5 M

The 2025 BMW X5 M dominates in sheer excitement, delivering a staggering 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class undercuts the BMW X5 M by $38,000 while still offering competitive luxury and AWD capability.

Choose the BMW X5 M if...

You crave raw acceleration and track-ready dynamics derived from 617 hp.
You prefer the slightly more compact dimensions (194.8 inches long) for urban maneuvering.
You view fuel costs as secondary to achieving the highest performance figures available in an SUV.

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

Saving $38,000 on the MSRP is a critical purchasing factor.
Optimizing fuel stops is important, given the GLS achieves 21 combined MPG.
You value a smoother, more relaxed ride profile over outright horsepower, leveraging the 9-speed transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X5 M	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Length	194.8"	205.0"
Width	79.3"	79.9"
Height	69.4"	71.8"
Wheelbase	117.0"	123.4"

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	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head 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	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 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	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	13/18 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	15 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	284.7/394.2 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.9 gal.	23.8 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	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

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	590W
Speaker System	16	13
Subwoofer Count	2	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
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.8 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	39.8 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.3 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	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	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
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	60.0 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 x 11.5 in.	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	315/35R	315/40R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear 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 GLS-Class.

What is the performance gap between the 2025 BMW X5 M and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

The performance gulf is immense; the X5 M churns out 617 horsepower, which is 242 hp more than the GLS-Class's 375 horsepower. This translates directly to a far more exhilarating driving experience in the BMW.

How significant is the fuel economy difference for yearly driving?

The difference is substantial for drivers covering high mileage; the GLS achieves 21 combined MPG, whereas the high-output X5 M is rated for only 15 combined MPG, requiring premium unleaded fuel in both.

Is the extra cost of the BMW X5 M justified by its size or utility?

Not based on size alone; the GLS-Class is physically larger overall (205.0 inches long vs. 194.8 inches). However, the X5 M lists more base cargo space at 33.9 cu ft compared to the GLS's 17.4 cu ft maximum.

Which vehicle is the clear choice for someone focused on budget and ownership costs?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the obvious budget choice, starting $38,000 less than the X5 M. Combined with better fuel economy, its total cost of ownership will be significantly lower.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 BMW X5 M and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance figures.

Which transmission setup provides better acceleration control?

While the X5 M uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic and the GLS uses a 9-speed, the X5 M's M-tuned gearbox is engineered specifically for rapid shifts demanded by its 617 hp engine.