2025 BMW XM vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$160,500 · Crossover

$89,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between overwhelming power and practical luxury often stumps buyers looking at massive SUVs. The 2025 BMW XM enters the ring with a colossal 644 horsepower, dwarfing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class's respectable 375 horsepower, a difference of 269 hp. However, that power comes at a serious cost: the XM starts at an MSRP of $160,500 compared to the GLS-Class's $89,200, a gap of over $71,300. Furthermore, daily usability heavily favors the Mercedes; the GLS achieves a combined 21 MPG, significantly better than the XM's 14 MPG combined rating. While the BMW offers 31 miles of electric range, the traditional running costs of the 440-lb-heavier XM will be higher for almost all driving scenarios, forcing buyers to weigh astronomical performance against tangible financial savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class is the clear winner for commuting due to its 21 MPG combined efficiency compared to the XM's 14 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class is more practical for families with its slightly larger frame (205.0 inches long) and significantly lower running costs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW XM

The BMW XM dominates performance metrics with 644 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers massive luxury crossover appeal while costing $71,300 less than the BMW XM.

Choose the BMW XM if...

You absolutely demand top-tier performance, evidenced by the 644 hp engine.
You prioritize a dedicated 31-mile electric range for local zero-emission trips.
Budget is secondary to having the most powerful AWD SUV available, regardless of the $160,500 starting price.

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

Fuel economy is a concern, as the GLS achieves 21 MPG combined versus the XM's 14 MPG.
You need a slightly longer vehicle at 205.0 inches for maximized cabin space.
You want an AWD crossover but need to save over $71,000 on the initial purchase price.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW XM	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Length	201.2"	205.0"
Width	78.9"	79.9"
Height	69.1"	71.8"
Wheelbase	122.2"	123.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.4 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	644 hp @ 5400 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	590 lb-ft @ 1600 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)	12/17 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	14 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	218.4/309.4 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	46/46 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	46 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	31 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	73	—
Charging Time (240V)	5.0 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.2 gal.	23.8 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	Burmester
Stereo Power	464W	590W
Speaker System	16	13
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Infotainment Display	—	12.3 in
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.4 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	60.0 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	23 x 11.0 in	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	315/30R23	315/40R21
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 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 XM and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

How significant is the performance gap between the BMW XM and the Mercedes GLS?

The gap is substantial; the BMW XM delivers 644 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which is 269 more horsepower than the GLS-Class's 375 hp output. While both offer AWD, the XM is engineered purely for extreme acceleration.

Is the BMW XM's plug-in hybrid system worth the extra cost for city driving?

The XM offers 31 miles of electric range, which is helpful for short errands, but considering the high starting MSRP of $160,500, the added complexity and lower 14 MPG combined fuel economy often negate commuter benefits unless you charge constantly.

Which car is the better choice for hauling cargo?

While both are large crossovers, the GLS-Class is technically longer at 205.0 inches compared to the XM's 201.2 inches; however, the BMW XM actually offers slightly more cargo capacity at 18.6 cubic feet versus the GLS's 17.4 cubic feet.

What is the trade-off when considering fuel efficiency?

You sacrifice roughly 7 MPG combined if you choose the XM (14 MPG) over the GLS-Class (21 MPG), meaning significantly more frequent trips to the pump for the higher-powered vehicle.

How does the difference in MSRP affect long-term ownership?

The $71,300 difference in MSRP between the $89,200 GLS and the $160,500 XM means the Mercedes allows for substantial savings that can offset fuel costs, maintenance, and insurance over several years.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 BMW XM and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class specifically require premium unleaded fuel to maintain their specified performance levels.