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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 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.
$137,600RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's standard kit: $137,600 (nothing to add)
$214,900RRP
- 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 & Mercedes-Benz G-Class
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X5 starts from $137,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class opens at $214,900. That makes the BMW X5 the more affordable entry point by $77,300.
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 $236,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X5 by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the BMW X5. We hold no ANCAP data for the Mercedes-Benz G-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
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006539 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- 8 more on the model page.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- REC-006071 · published 3 Sep 2024The jack provided with the vehicle may not include a base plate.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 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
- REC-005667 · published 4 May 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the front axle wiring harness may come in contact with the oil cooler.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2022
- 10 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 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 — features our data doesn't list for 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 219kW and 670Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class responds with a Diesel making 270kW and 750Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 219kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X5 measures 4,935mm long on a 2,975mm wheelbase, 110mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 4,825mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 and 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, giving the BMW X5 a 170L 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
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 $2,223/year for the BMW X5 and $2,480/year for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the BMW X5.
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, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW X5: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 65
The BMW X5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 65), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (BMW X5 ahead by 8), practicality (BMW X5 ahead by 8), value (BMW X5 ahead by 6). The BMW X5 will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 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 $77,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X5 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 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 has the largest boot at 650L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class makes the most power at 270kW. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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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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