Compare the2026 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2026 BMW X5

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes G-Class have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X5 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

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 X5 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the G-Class. But it costs extra on the X5.

The Mercedes G-Class’ rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the BMW X5 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the G-Class and the X5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, 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, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 9 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-Class has more powerful engines than the X5:

As tested in Car and Driver the AMG G 63 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid is faster than the X5 xDrive50e 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the G 580 running on electricity gets better mileage than the X5 xDrive50e running on electricity (68 city/56 hwy vs. 58 city/62 hwy MPGe).

The G 580 can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 239 miles. The X5 xDrive50e has to start its internal combustion engine after only 40 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 X5 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 X5 xDrive50e’s standard fuel tank (26.4 vs. 18.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The G-Class has 4.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the X5’s standard fuel tank (26.4 vs. 21.9 gallons).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Mercedes G-Class at emission levels ranging from “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) to “Zero Emissions Vehicle” (ZEV). The BMW X5 is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

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 X5.

For better stopping power the G-Class’ brake rotors are larger than those on the X5:

For better traction, the G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X5 (295/40R22 vs. 275/40R21).

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 X5; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare or run-flat tires, either of which has mileage and speed limitations.

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the X5 (9.5 vs. 8.3 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The G 580’s minimum ground clearance is 1.5 inches higher than on the X5 (9.8 vs. 8.3 inches).

The G 550 is 1 foot shorter than the X5, making the G-Class easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The G-Class has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 1.8 inches more rear headroom and 2.1 inches more rear legroom than the X5.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume than the X5 with its rear seat up (37.4 vs. 33.9 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 X5’s liftover is 30.8 inches.

The G-Class’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the X5’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 X5 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The G-Class has a higher standard payload capacity than the X5 (1235 vs. 1054 lbs.).

The G-Class has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the X5 (1576 vs. 1323 lbs.).

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The G-Class has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The X5 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The G-Class has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the X5.