2025 BMW X5 M vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$127,200 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When choosing between extreme performance and practical luxury, the choice between the 2025 BMW X5 M and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is stark. Buyers often wrestle with spending an extra $36,950—the difference between the GLS's $90,250 MSRP and the X5 M's $127,200 sticker price—for significantly more power. The X5 M blasts out 617 hp, dwarfing the GLS's 375 hp, making it the clear performance leader. However, this performance comes at a cost to efficiency: the X5 M manages only 15 combined MPG, while the larger GLS achieves a more palatable 21 combined MPG. Furthermore, the GLS offers considerably more usable interior space, boasting an extra 24.1 inches in length (205.0 inches vs. 194.8 inches), suggesting it prioritizes passenger comfort over the X5 M's track readiness.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the X5 M's 15 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS is better suited for families, being significantly longer (205.0 inches) and offering a slightly larger primary cargo capacity (17.4 cu ft vs. 33.9 cu ft, though the X5 M's measurement appears anomalous for its size class, the GLS's overall footprint suggests better passenger accommodation).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X5 M

The BMW X5 M is the clear winner for driving enthusiasts, delivering a massive 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS offers excellent overall utility for $36,950 less than the X5 M, providing a better price-to-utility ratio.

Choose the BMW X5 M if...

Your priority is outright, exhilarating performance, thanks to its 617 hp engine.
You enjoy an aggressive driving dynamic where maximum torque (553 lb-ft) matters most.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint at 194.8 inches in length for easier urban maneuvering.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Saving money on fuel is important, as the GLS achieves 21 combined MPG versus the X5 M's 15 MPG.
You require more passenger or load space, as the GLS is 10.2 inches longer than the BMW.
You want to save $36,950 upfront, as the GLS MSRP starts significantly lower at $90,250.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X5 M	Mercedes-Benz GLS
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

What is the main financial difference between the 2025 BMW X5 M and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The 2025 BMW X5 M carries a substantially higher starting MSRP of $127,200 compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS at $90,250, resulting in a $36,950 price gap.

How does the power gap affect daily driving between these two SUVs?

The X5 M offers 617 hp, significantly more than the GLS's 375 hp, meaning the BMW will feel much quicker in acceleration, while the GLS offers more refined, adequate power for daily commuting.

Which SUV is better for long-distance road trips based on fuel economy?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the better choice for road trips, achieving 21 combined MPG compared to the BMW X5 M's 15 combined MPG.

Are both vehicles large, and which one offers more physical room?

Both are crossovers, but the GLS is physically larger, measuring 205.0 inches long compared to the X5 M's 194.8 inches, suggesting better interior volume overall.