2025 BMW X6 M vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$132,100 · Crossover

$89,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW X6 M detonates onto the scene, a muscular coupe-crossover throwing down a commanding 617 horsepower, ready to assault the asphalt with its aggressive AWD grip. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class embodies opulent, practical motoring, prioritizing roominess over raw speed. The power disparity is colossal: the X6 M wields a massive 242 horsepower advantage over the GLS-Class's 375 hp. This performance comes at a cost; the X6 M manages only 15 combined MPG compared to the GLS-Class’s much thriftier 21 combined MPG. Furthermore, the pricing gulf is significant, with the X6 M demanding an extra $42,900, retailing for $132,100 versus the GLS-Class's $89,200 entry point. While the BMW offers visceral excitement, the Mercedes offers 27.4 cu ft of cargo space in the larger body, making its utility argument strong, even if its torque lags at 369 lb-ft against the BMW's 553 lb-ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class provides superior fuel economy, achieving 21 combined MPG, making daily stops at the premium unleaded pump less frequent.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, despite having less specified cargo volume here, is dimensionally larger and inherently designed for more passenger accommodation than the rakish X6 M.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X6 M

The BMW X6 M is the undisputed performance king, delivering a stunning 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class presents dramatically better value, costing $42,900 less than the X6 M while delivering necessary utility.

Choose the BMW X6 M if...

You demand outright acceleration and have a high tolerance for fuel consumption, evidenced by its 13 MPG city rating.
You prioritize maximum torque output, with the X6 M delivering a commanding 553 lb-ft.
Your aesthetic preference leans toward the aggressive, coupe-like silhouette rather than traditional SUV boxiness.

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

Budget is a primary concern, as the GLS-Class saves you $42,900 compared to the M model.
Your driving requires better efficiency, boasting a 6 MPG advantage in combined driving (21 vs. 15).
You prefer smoother cruising transmission operation, utilizing a 9-speed automatic compared to the X6 M's 8-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X6 M	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Length	195.0"	205.0"
Width	79.5"	79.9"
Height	66.7"	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	39.3 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 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	37.5 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 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 X6 M and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

How significant is the power gap between the two models?

The difference is profound; the 2025 BMW X6 M generates 617 horsepower, which is 242 horsepower more than the 375 horsepower produced by the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

Is the BMW X6 M significantly less practical for highway driving due to fuel economy?

Yes, the X6 M is substantially thirstier, achieving only 18 MPG on the highway compared to the GLS-Class's 24 MPG highway rating. Both require premium unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle offers more space for hauling gear?

Based on the provided specs, the larger GLS-Class offers less specific cargo capacity at 17.4 cu ft compared to the X6 M's 27.4 cu ft, suggesting the BMW's rear architecture is more accommodating for cargo volume.

What is the financial consideration when choosing the high-performance option?

Opting for the high-performance BMW X6 M involves a $132,100 MSRP, a $42,900 premium over the $89,200 starting price of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

Do the drivetrains differ substantially?

While both utilize All-Wheel Drive, the X6 M employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the GLS-Class features a 9-speed shiftable automatic, indicating a potential difference in gearing and cruising RPMs.