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.
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 BMW X5 M by roughly $2,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X5 M and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BMW X5 M and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X5 M features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X5 M stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on 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.
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 5.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class responds with a Petrol making 270kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 270kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X5 M is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X5 M measures 4,938mm long on a 2,972mm wheelbase, 269mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class at 5,207mm (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 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a 30L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.7m to 12.8m
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the BMW X5 M and $2,993/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. That is a $542 annual difference in favour of the BMW X5 M.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (BMW X5 M) vs $2,993 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). The BMW X5 M saves you roughly $542 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
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, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X5 M takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The BMW X5 M will save you roughly $542 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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