BMW X5 M vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$247,800RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class's standard kit: $247,800 (nothing to add)
$199,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BMW X5 M & Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X5 M starts from $247,800 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class opens at $199,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class the more affordable entry point by $47,900.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $272,580 and $219,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by roughly $6,700 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the BMW X5 M. We hold no ANCAP data for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
BMW X5 M
None open on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
- REC-006362 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the multi-purpose camera and/or the interior rear-view mirror on the windscreen may not have been bonded correctly and could detach.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005922 · published 20 Mar 2024Due to a software issue in the transmission control module, the transmission may not downshift under certain conditions and could result in a sudden loss of engine power.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- REC-005747 · published 8 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel delivery unit may fail causing the fuel pump to switch off.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 7 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X5 M features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X5 M stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class counters with Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X5 M gets merino leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW X5 M uses a Petrol producing 460kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class responds with a Petrol making 270kW and 750Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X5 M is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X5 M measures 4,948mm long on a 2,972mm wheelbase, 267mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class at 5,215mm (3,135mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 M and 355L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, giving the BMW X5 M a 295L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 2,700kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 12.7m
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,563/year for the BMW X5 M and $2,223/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. That is a $1,340 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5 M) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X5 M if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 66 vs 59
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (66 vs 59), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ahead by 42), performance (BMW X5 M ahead by 15), value (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ahead by 10). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class will save you roughly $1,340 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 M has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X5 M and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the cheapest at $199,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X5 M by $47,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
We hold no ANCAP data for BMW X5 M and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 M has the largest boot at 650L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 M has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,700kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW X5 M makes the most power at 460kW. The BMW X5 M is quickest to 100km/h in 3.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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