BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
In comparing the BMW X5's and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class's specifications and ratings, the BMW X5 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the BMW X5's and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a better car than the BMW X5.
Pricing: A used 2016 BMW X5 ranges from $11,495 to $23,990 while a used 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is priced between $10,810 to $26,995.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW X5’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class base engine makes 240 horsepower. The X5 is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 560 miles. The GL-Class is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 686 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW X5. The X5 uses gasoline, and the GL-Class uses diesel.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room and rear leg room. The BMW X5, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The BMW X5 has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
54700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
58934
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
38260 - 102200
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
64550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
66940
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
39065 - 119900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
16765
Price Range:
11495 - 23990
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
21514
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
13255 - 31839
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
256
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
106980
# Good or Great Deals:
119
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
17393
Price Range:
10810 - 26995
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
23982
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
10444 - 65036
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
90
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
110342
# Good or Great Deals:
34
BMW X5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X5
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
4.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
2.3 - 7.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.108
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
0.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
2.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
0.8 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.054
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.379569373442889
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
1.4 - 9.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
15.784003905152066
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
0.9 - 15.8
BMW X5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 70Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
6 out of / 24Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 28Ranking
10 out of / 70Ranking
10 out of / 70Ranking
10 out of / 70Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 70Ranking
13 out of / 28Ranking
13 out of / 28Ranking
13 out of / 24Ranking
14 out of / 70Ranking
14 out of / 70Ranking
14 out of / 28Ranking
15 out of / 70Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 70Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
34 out of / 70Ranking
39 out of / 70Ranking
48 out of / 70Ranking
48 out of / 62Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Rankings
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
BMW X5 Trim Levels
sDrive35i, xDrive35d, xDrive35i, xDrive50i
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Trim Levels
AMG GL 63, GL 350 BlueTEC, GL 450 4MATIC, GL 550 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
300 foot-lbs @ 1300 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 3600 rpm
Torque:
455 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.044 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 25 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
403 / 560 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
502 / 686 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Diesel
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60 inches
Cargo Space:
35.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
138.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
93.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
160 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4680 lbs
Width:
86 inches
Height:
69.4 inches
Length:
193.2 inches
Wheelbase:
115.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5467 lbs
Width:
84.3 inches
Height:
72.8 inches
Length:
201.6 inches
Wheelbase:
121.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/50R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P275/55R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Imperial Blue Metallic
Brown
Sparkling Brown Metallic
Gray
Dark Graphite Metallic / Mineral Silver Metallic / Space Gray Metallic
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Lunar Blue Metallic
Brown
Dakota Brown Metallic
Gray
Palladium Silver Metallic / Steel Grey Metallic
Silver
Diamond Silver Metallic / Iridium Silver Metallic
White
designo Diamond White Metallic / Polar White
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige/Black / Terra
Black
Black
Brown
Mocha
Gray
Ivory White/Black
White
Ivory White
Interior Colors
Beige
Almond Beige/Black
Black
Black
Brown
Almond Beige/Mocha / Auburn Brown / Auburn Brown/Black
Gray
Grey/Black / Grey/Dark Grey
White
Porcelain
