Compare the2026 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2026 BMW X5 M

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 M 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 M doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Mercedes G-Class’ rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the BMW X5 M 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 M 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, 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 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 AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 553) than the X5 M’s 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid. The G 580’s standard electric motors produces 306 lbs.-ft. more torque (859 vs. 553) than the X5 M’s 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the G 580 running on electricity gets better mileage than the X5 M Competition (68 city/56 hwy MPGe vs. 13 city/18 hwy).

On the EPA test cycle the G 550 running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the X5 M Competition (17 city/19 hwy vs. 13 city/18 hwy).

The G 580 can travel with zero emissions for 239 miles. The X5 M can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

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 M doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The G-Class has 4.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the X5 M (26.4 vs. 21.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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 M 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 M.

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 M; 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 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the X5 M (9.5 vs. 8.4 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The G 580’s minimum ground clearance is 1.4 inches higher than on the X5 M (9.8 vs. 8.4 inches).

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

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

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume than the X5 M 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 M’s liftover is 30.8 inches.

The G-Class has a 7000 lbs. towing capacity. The X5 M has no towing capacity.

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 M can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The G-Class has a much higher standard payload capacity than the X5 M (1235 vs. 970 lbs.).

The G-Class has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the X5 M (1576 vs. 970 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 M doesn’t offer headlight washers.