2026 BMW X5 M vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$129,700 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 BMW X5 M and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the $39,450 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the GLS starting at $90,250 compared to the X5 M's $129,700. This price disparity is closely linked to performance metrics; the X5 M generates 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the GLS's output of 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. Fuel economy also presents a major contrast, with the GLS achieving a 21 MPG combined rating while the X5 M lacks an official figure, presumably offering lower efficiency due to its performance tuning. While the GLS is substantially larger (205.0 inches long vs. 194.8 inches), the X5 M offers almost double the cargo space at 33.9 cubic feet compared to the GLS's 17.4 cubic feet behind the first row. The choice hinges on prioritizing raw power and utility over baseline cost and established fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the superior choice for commuters due to its documented 21 MPG combined fuel economy rating versus the X5 M's power-focused setup.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW X5 M

The BMW X5 M provides nearly double the primary cargo capacity at 33.9 cubic feet, which is beneficial for family logistics.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW X5 M

The X5 M clearly targets performance enthusiasts by delivering 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, substantially surpassing the GLS's 375 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS offers a compelling package starting $39,450 below the X5 M while still providing AWD capability.

Choose the BMW X5 M if...

Your priority is extreme acceleration, evidenced by its 617 hp output.
You require maximum utility, as indicated by the 33.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Budget is secondary to performance metrics, given the $129,700 MSRP.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Fuel efficiency is a concern, supported by the 21 MPG combined rating.
You need the extra overall length and height provided by the GLS's 205.0-inch frame.
You are seeking performance close to the X5 M for $39,450 less.

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	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
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 Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.9 gal.	23.8 gal.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	—	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	—	21 MPG

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 with Side Sensing	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
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
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2
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	61.4 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	60.0 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	22 x 11.5 in.	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	315/30R	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 2026 BMW X5 M and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

What is the primary operational cost difference between the 2026 BMW X5 M and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The primary cost difference stems from fuel efficiency; the GLS is rated at 21 MPG combined, whereas the X5 M, focused on 617 hp, will undoubtedly yield significantly lower mileage. Furthermore, the GLS has an MSRP advantage of $39,450.

How do the sizes of these two crossovers compare based on their provided specifications?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is physically larger in footprint, measuring 205.0 inches in length and 71.8 inches in height, making it longer and taller than the BMW X5 M (194.8 inches long and 69.4 inches high).

Is the BMW X5 M's superior power output reflected in its cargo hauling capabilities?

Yes, despite being the performance variant, the X5 M boasts a superior cargo capacity of 33.9 cubic feet, nearly double the 17.4 cubic feet offered by the Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Do both SUVs require premium fuel for operation?

Both the 2026 BMW X5 M and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS specify that premium unleaded fuel is required for optimal performance and engine health.

How much torque difference exists between the two models, and why does it matter?

The X5 M produces 553 lb-ft of torque, which is 184 lb-ft more than the GLS’s 369 lb-ft, indicating the X5 M will provide noticeably stronger pulling power during acceleration and passing maneuvers.

Which vehicle offers a more modern transmission setup?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the BMW X5 M employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting the GLS may offer slightly smoother or more refined gear changes at speed.