Compare the2022 BMW X5 MVS 2021 Mercedes AMG GLS

The BMW X5 M has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG GLS doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The X5 M has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG GLS doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X5 M has standard Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The AMG GLS doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the X5 M and the AMG GLS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X5 M the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 145 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG GLS has not been tested, yet.

The X5 M’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG GLS’ (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 M for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG GLS.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 20th in initial quality. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The X5 M Competition’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 14 more horsepower (617 vs. 603) than the AMG GLS’ 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid.

The X5 M’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The AMG GLS doesn’t offer launch control.

For better traction, the X5 M has larger front tires than the AMG GLS (F:295/35R21 & R:315/30R21 vs. F:275/50R21 & R:315/45R21). The X5 M’s front tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG GLS (295/35R21 vs. 285/45R22).

The X5 M’s 295/35R21 front and 315/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG GLS 63’s standard 50 series front and 45 series rear tires. The X5 M’s tires are lower profile than the AMG GLS’ optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

The X5 M has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The AMG GLS doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The BMW X5 M may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG GLS.

The X5 M is 11.4 inches shorter than the AMG GLS, making the X5 M easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the X5 M uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The AMG GLS doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The X5 M has 1.4 inches more front headroom and .7 inches more front shoulder room than the AMG GLS.

The X5 M has a much larger cargo volume than the AMG GLS with its rear seat up (33.9 vs. 17.4 cubic feet).

The X5 M’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The AMG GLS’ rear cargo window doesn’t open.

The X5 M has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the AMG GLS.

Insurance will cost less for the X5 M owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the X5 M will cost $4950 less than the AMG GLS over a five-year period.

The X5 M will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X5 M will retain 46.44% of its original price after five years, while the AMG GLS only retains 42.06%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X5 M will be $31423 less than for the Mercedes AMG GLS.

The BMW X5 outsold the Mercedes GLS by almost three to one during the 2021 model year.