BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz G-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 starts from $137,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class opens at $244,900. That makes the BMW X5 the more affordable entry point by $107,300.
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 $151,360 and $269,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X5 by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X5 stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X5 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers nappa leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW X5 and 3-zone in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Drivetrain
The BMW X5 uses a Diesel producing 210kW and 620Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class responds with a Diesel making 210kW and 600Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X5 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X5 measures 4,922mm long on a 2,975mm wheelbase, 298mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 4,624mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 and 688L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a 38L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-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 13.0m
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.0m 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 $2,223/year for the BMW X5 and $2,679/year for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the BMW X5.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (BMW X5) vs $2,679 (Mercedes-Benz G-Class). The BMW X5 saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz G-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X5 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X5 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW X5 will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class 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 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
The BMW X5 is the cheapest at $137,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz G-Class by $107,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X5 uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz G-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the largest boot at 688L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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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