BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

Performance
In terms of horsepower, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class packs quite a punch and will knock the BMW down a few rungs. On the flip side, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their similar turning circles, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and the BMW X5 likely handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has a larger engine than the BMW X5. Bear in mind that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder. Torque equals pickup, and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will have picked up and gone by the time the X5 finally gets moving. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class packs quite a punch compared to the BMW X5 in terms of torque, which is roughly equivalent to acceleration.

Utility
Neither the BMW X5 nor the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has a marked advantage as far as seating capacity. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a better choice than the BMW X5 with respect to hauling capacity, especially if you frequently need to carry a lot of suitcases or massive pets. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class outpulls the BMW X5 by a sizeable margin.

Convenience
You'll most certainly have to take the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class for a fill-up more often than the BMW X5 because of its tank size and fuel economy.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class offers a bit more head room than the BMW X5, there frankly isn't much of a difference. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class provides more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the BMW X5 does.

Dimensions
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is substantially heavier than the X5. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class than the BMW X5 because of its larger tank. The BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the BMW to the dealership as the GL-Class. The GL-Class consumes a lot of gas compared to the BMW. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class pales in comparison to the BMW X5 when it comes to fuel economy. With respect to MSRP, the BMW X5 costs considerably less than the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The GL-Class will cost you a lots_of_money in gasoline every year compared to the BMW X5. The X5 will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the Mercedes-Benz.

Warranty
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and the BMW X5 have the same basic after-sale protection.