Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs BMW X5

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class starts from $244,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X5 opens at $137,600. 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 $269,390 and $151,360 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X5 by roughly $4,990 in fuel alone.

Both the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and BMW X5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 89% for the BMW X5.

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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 7 in the BMW X5.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X5 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the BMW X5. The BMW X5 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class uses a Diesel producing 210kW and 600Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds.

The BMW X5 responds with a Diesel making 210kW and 620Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 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.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class measures 4,624mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 298mm shorter than the BMW X5 at 4,922mm (2,975mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 688L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 650L in the BMW X5, giving the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a 38L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X5 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,449/year for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and $2,451/year for the BMW X5. That is a $998 annual difference in favour of the BMW X5.

Estimated annual total: $3,449 (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) vs $2,451 (BMW X5). The BMW X5 saves you roughly $998 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5). Both match on warranty length.