Compare the2024 Mercedes AMG GLSVS 2024 BMW XM

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes AMG GLS 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 XM doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The AMG GLS has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The XM doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Both the AMG GLS and the XM have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 9 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the AMG GLS’ warranty.

The AMG GLS’ 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 590) than the XM’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the AMG GLS 63 gets better fuel mileage than the XM 4.4 turbo V8 Hybrid running its gasoline engine (14 city/18 hwy vs. 12 city/17 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the AMG GLS’ fuel efficiency. The XM doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The AMG GLS has 5.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the XM (23.8 vs. 18.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes AMG GLS, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the XM.

The AMG GLS offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The XM doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the AMG GLS’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XM (F:285/45R22 & R:325/40R22 vs. F:275/35R23 & R:315/30R23).

The front and rear suspension of the AMG GLS uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the XM, which uses coil springs in front. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The AMG GLS has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The AMG GLS’ height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The XM doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The AMG GLS’ drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The XM doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the AMG GLS’ wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer than on the XM (123.4 inches vs. 122.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the AMG GLS is 1.4 inches wider in the rear than on the XM.

For greater off-road capability the AMG GLS has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the XM (9.8 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the AMG GLS to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The AMG GLS has standard seating for 7 passengers; the XM can only carry 5.

The AMG GLS has 1.4 inches more rear headroom, 1.6 inches more rear legroom and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the XM.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the AMG GLS’ middle row seats recline. The XM’s rear seats don’t recline.

The AMG GLS’ cargo area provides more volume than the XM.

The AMG GLS’ cargo area is larger than the XM’s in almost every dimension:

The AMG GLS’ available folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The XM’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the AMG GLS’ liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The XM doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The AMG GLS’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the XM’s (7700 vs. 5952 pounds).

Heated windshield washer fluid is standard on the AMG GLS to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The XM doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the AMG GLS has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The XM doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the AMG GLS to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The XM doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The AMG GLS has standard front air conditioned seats and offers them optionally in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The XM doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

Both the AMG GLS and the XM have standard massaging front seats. The AMG GLS also offers optional massaging second row seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging rear seats aren’t available in the XM.

The AMG GLS has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The XM doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Mercedes GLS outsold the BMW XM by over 9 to one during 2023.