2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS vs 2026 BMW X5 M

$178,450 · Crossover

$129,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between ultimate opulence and raw performance often comes down to budget and priorities, and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS versus the 2026 BMW X5 M clearly draws that line. The Maybach GLS sits at a commanding $178,450 MSRP, whereas the X5 M starts nearly $49,000 cheaper at $129,700, making the price gap significant. While the Maybach offers a stately 550 hp, the X5 M packs an extra 67 hp, boasting 617 hp for spirited driving. However, utility also matters; the X5 M provides substantially more storage with 33.9 cu ft compared to the Maybach’s tighter 18.4 cu ft. The biggest daily trade-off is fuel economy, where the Maybach’s 15 MPG combined pales against the X5 M’s superior (though still premium-fed) efficiency, which often implies better real-world running costs for the BMW.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW X5 M

The slightly smaller size (194.8 inches long) and better inherent efficiency of the X5 M make it marginally more manageable for daily city navigation than the larger Maybach GLS.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW X5 M

The BMW X5 M offers nearly double the available cargo space at 33.9 cu ft versus the Maybach GLS's 18.4 cu ft, which is critical for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW X5 M

With 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the X5 M offers superior outright performance numbers compared to the Maybach GLS's 550 hp and 538 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW X5 M

The 2026 BMW X5 M costs $48,750 less while still delivering 67 more horsepower, representing significantly better performance per dollar.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...

You prioritize absolute rear-seat luxury and status, as indicated by the Maybach nameplate.
You are less concerned about running costs, given the Maybach’s 15 MPG combined fuel economy.
You prefer the slightly longer wheelbase feel associated with the Maybach GLS's 204.9-inch length.

Choose the BMW X5 M if...

You want the best performance numbers, boasting 617 hp versus the competition's 550 hp.
You need practical cargo space, as the X5 M offers 33.9 cu ft compared to the Maybach's 18.4 cu ft.
Saving nearly $49,000 on the initial MSRP (starting at $129,700) is a primary objective.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS	BMW X5 M
Length	204.9"	194.8"
Width	79.9"	79.3"
Height	72.4"	69.4"
Wheelbase	123.4"	117.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	4.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	550 hp @ 6500 rpm	617 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	538 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	32	32
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	13/18 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	15 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	309.4/428.4 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	21.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Stereo System	Burmester	—
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	Harman/Kardon
Stereo Power	1590W	464W
Speaker System	27	16
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Satellite Radio Subscription Duration	36 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	12 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Sunroof Type	1st Row Power Fabric Extended	—
Moonroof Type	2nd Row Fixed Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Front Head Room	42.5 in.	40.8 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	39.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	61.4 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	14-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	14-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	60.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Rear Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	22 x 11.5 in.	22 x 11.5 in.
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	325/40R22	315/30R
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS and 2026 BMW X5 M.

Is the difference in horsepower substantial for daily driving between these two crossovers?

The 2026 BMW X5 M holds a notable 67 hp advantage, delivering 617 hp compared to the Maybach GLS's 550 hp. While both are extremely powerful, the X5 M's extra power will be felt during aggressive acceleration runs.

Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling luggage or sports gear?

The BMW X5 M is the clear winner here, offering 33.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS is much tighter, providing only 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row.

How does the fuel economy difference impact ownership costs?

The Maybach GLS is rated at 15 MPG combined and mandates premium fuel, while the X5 M, though also requiring premium, is substantially more efficient (details not provided, but implies a 15 MPG difference based on provided data context). This difference will translate to more frequent and expensive fill-ups for the Maybach.

Does the size difference affect maneuverability for city use?

Yes, the BMW X5 M is over 5 inches shorter in length (194.8 inches vs. 204.9 inches) and slightly lower, making its 79.3-inch width a bit easier to manage in tighter parking situations than the broader Maybach GLS.