Compare the2024 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2023 BMW X5

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes G-Class have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X5 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes G-Class are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X5 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the G-Class. But it costs extra on the X5.

Both the G-Class and X5 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the G-Class has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The X5’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the G-Class and the X5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 10 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the G-Class’ warranty.

The G 550’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 81 more horsepower (416 vs. 335) and 119 lbs.-ft. more torque (450 vs. 331) than the X5 40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid. The AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 54 more horsepower (577 vs. 523) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 553) than the X5 M50i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8.

As tested in Car and Driver the AMG G 63 is faster than the X5 40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the G-Class’ fuel efficiency. The X5 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the G-Class and the X5 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All G-Class’ have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. A disable switch for start/stop is only offered on the X5 M50i.

The G-Class has 4.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the X5 (26.4 vs. 21.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes G-Class, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the X5.

For better stopping power the G-Class’ standard brake rotors are larger than those on the X5:

The G-Class stops much shorter than the X5:

For better traction, the G-Class has larger standard tires than the X5 (275/55R19 vs. 265/50R19). The G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X5 (295/40R22 vs. 275/40R21).

The G-Class has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the X5; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare or run-flat tires, either of which has mileage and speed limitations.

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X5 (9.5 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The G 550 is 4.6 inches shorter than the X5, making the G-Class easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The G-Class has 1.2 inches more front headroom, 1.8 inches more rear headroom and 2.1 inches more rear legroom than the X5.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume than the X5 with its rear seat up (38.1 vs. 33.9 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the G-Class easier. The G-Class’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.3 inches, while the X5’s liftover is 30.8 inches.

The G-Class’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the X5’s (7000 vs. 5952 pounds).

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the G-Class uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The X5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The G-Class has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The X5 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes G-Class has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the X5.

The G-Class has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The X5 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.