VS
At a Glance
Power
523hp @ 5500
375hp @ 5500
Torque
553lb-ft @ 1800
369lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
20 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
—
7700lbs
Engine
4.4 L/268ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz Gls Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X5 delivers 523hp @ 5500 while the Mercedes-Benz Gls Class produces 375hp @ 5500. On fuel, the X5 returns 20 mpg est. while the Gls Class uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $90,850 for the X5 and $90,250 for the Gls Class. 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 X5M60i Sports Activity Vehicle 2025 - From $90,850
Mercedes-Benz Gls ClassGLS 450 4MATIC SUV 2026 - From $90,250
Performance
Power Output (hp)
523hp @ 5500
375hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
553lb-ft @ 1800
369lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.4 L/268ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
8
6
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
24mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.9gal
23.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.3in
205in
Width (in)
78.9in
79.9in
Height (in)
69.5in
71.8in
Wheelbase (in)
117.1in
123.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5355lbs
5489lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
7700lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz Gls Class
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
Gls Class
Value
Tied
Practicality
Gls Class
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz Gls Class
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($90,250)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or Gls Class?
The X5 gets 20 mpg est. and the Gls Class gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Gls Class 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 X5 or Gls Class?
The X5 produces 523hp @ 5500 and 553lb-ft @ 1800 of torque while the Gls Class delivers 375hp @ 5500 and 369lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and Gls Class?
The X5 starts from $90,850 and the Gls Class from $90,250, a difference of just $600, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or Gls Class?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Gls Class can tow 7700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 or the Gls Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.