VS
At a Glance
Power
280 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
520 Nm
730 Nm
Fuel
9.3 l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
4.9 s
Engine
2998 cc
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 280 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 380 engine kW. On fuel, the X6 returns 9.3 l/100km while the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 976 476 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 X6Xdrive40i M Sport (g06) 2023 - From R1 976 476
Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4matic (mild Hybrid) 2024 - From R2 972 800
Performance
Power Output
280 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
520 Nm
730 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
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
9.3 l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
211 g/km
310 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4960 mm
5207 mm
Width
2004-2212 mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1696 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance
216 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2165 DIN / 2240 EU Kg
2640 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
580-1530 l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
720 lkg
660 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLS
Fuel Economy
X6
Value
X6
Practicality
GLS
Pros & Cons
BMW X6
Better fuel economy (9.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 976 476)
Less power than rival (280 kW vs 380 engine kW)
Mercedes-Benz GLS
More powerful engine (380 engine kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X6 or GLS?
The X6 uses 9.3 l/100km and the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X6 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 280 kW and 520 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 380 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque. The GLS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X6 and GLS?
The X6 starts from R1 976 476 and the GLS from R2 972 800. The X6 is cheaper by R996 324 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 3500 Kg 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.