Compare the2023 BMW X6 MVS 2023 Mercedes G-Class

The X6 M has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The G-Class doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The X6 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 G-Class 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 X6 M has a standard Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The G-Class doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The X6 M has a standard Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The G-Class only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the X6 M uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The G-Class uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the X6 M and the G-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger 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, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The X6 M’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the G-Class’ (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X6 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 G-Class.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in initial quality. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 24th.

The X6 M’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 184 more horsepower (600 vs. 416) and 103 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 450) than the G 550’s standard 4.0 turbo V8. The X6 M’s 4.4 turbo V8 produces 23 more horsepower (600 vs. 577) than the AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8. The X6 M’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 40 more horsepower (617 vs. 577) than the AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8.

On the EPA test cycle the X6 M gets better mileage than the G-Class:

Regenerative brakes improve the X6 M’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The G-Class doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the X6 M’s brake rotors are larger than those on the G-Class:

For better traction, the X6 M has larger tires than the G-Class (F:295/35R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 275/55R19).

The X6 M’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the G 550’s standard 55 series tires. The X6 M’s optional 295/35R21 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the G-Class’ optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X6 M has standard 21-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the G 550.

For superior ride and handling, the BMW X6 M has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mercedes G-Class has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The X6 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 G-Class doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The rear suspension of the X6 M uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the G-Class, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The X6 M offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Mercedes doesn’t offer an active suspension on the G-Class.

The X6 M has a standard automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The G-Class doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X6 M’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer than on the G-Class (117 inches vs. 113.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the X6 M is 2.1 inches wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the G-Class.

The X6 M’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.4% to 48.6%) than the G-Class’ (53% to 47%). This gives the X6 M more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the X6 M’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the G-Class’ (42 feet vs. 44.6 feet).

The X6 M is 10.8 inches shorter in height than the G-Class, making the X6 M much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

Unibody construction lowers the X6 M’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The G-Class doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

For excellent aerodynamics, the X6 M has standard flush composite headlights. The G-Class has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The front grille of the X6 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 G-Class doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The X6 M has 1.7 inches more front legroom, 2.2 inches more front shoulder room and .3 inches more rear shoulder room than the G-Class.

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X6 M’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The G-Class doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The X6 M’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The G-Class’ swing out door blocks loading from the driver’s side.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the X6 M’s power cargo door can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The G-Class doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening cargo door.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

The X6 M has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The G-Class doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the X6 M has standard extendable sun visors. The G-Class doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X6 M to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The G-Class doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X6 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 G-Class.

The BMW X6 outsold the Mercedes G-Class by almost two to one during 2022.