VS
At a Glance
Power
408kW@6000
380 engine kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
730 Nm
Fuel
14.3L/100km
13.7 l/100km
Towing
3000kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7s
4.9 s
Engine
4395cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X6 delivers 408kW@6000 while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 380 engine kW. On fuel, the X6 returns 14.3L/100km while the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 398 528 for the X6 and R2 972 800 for the GLS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW X6M Steptronic 2009 - From R1 398 528
Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4matic (mild Hybrid) 2024 - From R2 972 800
Performance
Power Output
408kW@6000
380 engine kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
730 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
14.3L/100km
13.7 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.1L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
11L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
85L
90 l
CO2 Emissions
335g/km
310 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4876mm
5207 mm
Width
1983-2195mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1684mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2933mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance
-
—
Kerb Weight
2380kg
2640 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
4
7
Load Volume
—
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1450kg
660 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X6
Fuel Economy
GLS
Value
X6
Practicality
GLS
Pros & Cons
BMW X6
Lower starting price (R1 398 528)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (14.3L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Better fuel economy (13.7 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X6 or GLS?
The X6 uses 14.3L/100km and the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLS is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X6 or GLS?
The X6 produces 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque while the GLS delivers 380 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque. The X6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X6 and GLS?
The X6 starts from R1 398 528 and the GLS from R2 972 800. The X6 is cheaper by R1 574 272 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X6 or GLS?
The X6 has a braked towing capacity of 3000kg and the GLS can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X6 or the GLS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.