Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs BMW X5 M
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 Mercedes-Benz G-Class starts from $244,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X5 M opens at $247,800. That makes the Mercedes-Benz G-Class the more affordable entry point by $2,900.
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 $269,390 and $272,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X5 M by roughly $1,140 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 Mercedes-Benz G-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X5 M gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class stands out with Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X5 M. The BMW X5 M 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.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the BMW X5 M offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 4-zone in the BMW X5 M.
Drivetrain
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 M responds with a Petrol making 460kW and 750Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X5 M is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class measures 4,624mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 314mm shorter than the BMW X5 M at 4,938mm (2,972mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 M generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 688L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 650L in the BMW X5 M, giving the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a 38L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X5 M 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 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.7m 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 $2,679/year for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and $2,451/year for the BMW X5 M. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the BMW X5 M.
Estimated annual total: $2,679 (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) vs $2,451 (BMW X5 M). The BMW X5 M saves you roughly $228 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 M). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X5 M if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW'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 $228 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, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and BMW X5 M?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the cheapest at $244,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X5 M by $2,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X5 M uses the least fuel at 8.6L/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 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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 5.3s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
