2025 BMW X6 M vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$132,100 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between extreme performance and practical luxury often sparks debate among premium SUV buyers. The 2025 BMW X6 M delivers a staggering 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, perfect for speed junkies, but it comes at a significant cost, starting at $132,100. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offers a far more sensible package, beginning at just $90,250 and sipping premium fuel more efficiently with a combined 21 MPG versus the X6 M's thirsty 15 MPG. While the X6 M boasts a superior power output advantage of 242 hp, the GLS counters with practicality, measuring 10 inches longer at 205.0 inches, though its 27.4 cu ft cargo space in the X6 M is notably better than the GLS's 17.4 cu ft, confusing the family utility argument slightly. Ultimately, this comparison pits brute force against balanced, long-term running costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS wins for commuting due to its significantly better 21 combined MPG versus the X6 M's 15 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW X6 M

Despite being smaller, the X6 M offers more usable space with 27.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLS's 17.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X6 M

The X6 M clearly appeals to enthusiasts with its massive 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS offers far better value by saving $41,850 upfront and providing better fuel economy.

Choose the BMW X6 M if...

Your absolute top priority is raw acceleration and horsepower figures (617 hp).
You prefer the sportier coupe-like profile associated with the X6 M body style.
Maximum cargo capacity is crucial, as the X6 M provides 27.4 cu ft versus the GLS's 17.4 cu ft.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Saving money matters, given the $41,850 price difference ($90,250 vs $132,100).
You drive extensively and want to save on fuel costs, leveraging the 6 MPG advantage (21 combined MPG).
You need the greater presence and height offered by the GLS's 71.8-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X6 M	Mercedes-Benz GLS
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

How much more expensive is the 2025 BMW X6 M compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The 2025 BMW X6 M starts at an MSRP of $132,100, which is $41,850 more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS's starting price of $90,250.

Which vehicle is significantly more powerful?

The BMW X6 M is the clear performance leader, producing 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, overpowering the GLS's 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque by a large margin.

Is the GLS better for long highway commutes based on fuel economy?

Yes, the GLS is considerably better, achieving a combined 21 MPG versus the X6 M's 15 MPG, meaning you spend less time and money at the premium fuel pump.

Does the size difference between these crossovers affect usability?

While the GLS is 10 inches longer (205.0 inches vs 195.0 inches), the X6 M actually boasts a larger cargo capacity at 27.4 cu ft, suggesting the GLS's extra length might translate to rear passenger space rather than storage volume.

Are both vehicles requiring the same type of fuel?

Both the 2025 BMW X6 M and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS explicitly require premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.

What transmission differences might affect driving feel?

The X6 M utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the GLS features a 9-speed shiftable automatic, potentially offering smoother or slightly different low-speed performance characteristics.