Compare the2025 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2024 BMW XM

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes G-Class are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW XM doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the G-Class and the XM have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 10 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the G-Class’ warranty.

The G 580’s electric motors produces 121 lbs.-ft. more torque (859 vs. 738) than the XM Label Red’s optional 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the G 580 running on electricity gets better mileage than the XM running on electricity (68 city/53 hwy vs. 46 city/46 hwy MPGe).

On the EPA test cycle the G-Class running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the XM running its gasoline engine:

The G 580 can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 239 miles. The XM has to start its internal combustion engine after only 31 miles.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the G-Class AMG 63’s fuel efficiency. The XM doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The G-Class has 8.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the XM (26.4 vs. 18.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes G-Class, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the XM.

For better traction, the G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XM (295/40R22 vs. 275/35R23).

The G-Class has a standard full size spare (not available on 580) so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the XM; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a greater minimum ground clearance than the XM (9.5 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The G 580’s minimum ground clearance is 1.1 inches higher than on the XM (9.8 vs. 8.7 inches).

The Mercedes G-Class may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 550 pounds less than the BMW XM.

The G 550 is 1 foot, 7.2 inches shorter than the XM, making the G-Class easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The G-Class has 1.5 inches more front headroom and 1.7 inches more rear headroom than the XM.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the G-Class’ rear seats recline. The XM’s rear seats don’t recline.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the XM with its rear seat up (34.8 vs. 18.6 cubic feet). The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XM with its rear seat folded (68.6 vs. 64.3 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the G-Class easier. The G-Class’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.3 inches, while the XM’s liftover is 32.8 inches.

The G-Class’ standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The XM’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

The G-Class’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the XM’s (7000 vs. 5952 pounds).

The G-Class 580 can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the G-Class can be unhitched and driven around locally. The XM can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The G-Class has a higher standard payload capacity than the XM (1235 vs. 1041 lbs.).

The G-Class has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the XM (1576 vs. 1043 lbs.).

The G-Class’ standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Comfort Access standard on the XM doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The Mercedes G-Class outsold the BMW XM by over four to one during 2023.