Compare the2024 Mercedes AMG GLSVS 2023 BMW X5 M

For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes AMG GLS have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X5 M doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

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 X5 M doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the AMG GLS and X5 M have rear cross-traffic warning, but the AMG GLS has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The X5 M’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the AMG GLS and the X5 M have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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.

The Mercedes AMG GLS weighs 564 pounds more than the BMW X5 M. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

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 3 more horsepower (603 vs. 600) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 553) than the X5 M’s standard 4.4 turbo V8. The AMG GLS’ 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 553) than the X5 M Competition’s standard 4.4 turbo V8.

On the EPA test cycle the AMG GLS gets better mileage than the X5 M:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the AMG GLS’ fuel efficiency. The X5 M doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The AMG GLS has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the X5 M (23.8 vs. 21.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes AMG GLS higher (5 out of 10) than the BMW X5 M (3). This means the AMG GLS produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the X5 M every 15,000 miles.

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 X5 M.

For better stopping power the AMG GLS CCB’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the X5 M:

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 X5 M doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the AMG GLS offers optional 23-inch wheels. The X5 M’s largest wheels are only 21-inches in the front and 22-inches in the rear.

The front and rear suspension of the AMG GLS uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the X5 M, 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 X5 M 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 X5 M doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the AMG GLS’ wheelbase is 6.4 inches longer than on the X5 M (123.4 inches vs. 117 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the AMG GLS is .2 inches wider in the front and 1.4 inches wider in the rear than on the X5 M.

For better maneuverability, the AMG GLS’ turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the X5 M’s (41 feet vs. 42 feet).

For greater off-road capability the AMG GLS has a 1.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the X5 M (9.8 vs. 8.3 inches), allowing the AMG GLS to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The AMG GLS’ minimum ground clearance is 1.4 inches higher than on the X5 M Competition (9.8 vs. 8.4 inches).

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the AMG GLS has an electronically controlled liquid-filled main engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The X5 M uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The AMG GLS has standard seating for 7 passengers; the X5 M can only carry 5.

The AMG GLS has .5 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more rear headroom, 4.5 inches more rear legroom and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the X5 M.

The AMG GLS’ cargo area provides more volume than the X5 M.

The AMG GLS’ cargo area is larger than the X5 M’s in almost every dimension:

The AMG GLS’ liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The X5 M’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

The AMG GLS has a 7700 lbs. towing capacity. The X5 M has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the AMG GLS uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The X5 M doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

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 X5 M doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid. Its standard heated washer nozzles will defrost the washer fluid but not the windshield.

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 X5 M doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

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 X5 M doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

The AMG GLS has standard massaging front seats. Massaging front seats cost extra on the X5 M. 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 X5 M.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes AMG GLS has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console and one for the rear passengers. Wireless charging costs extra on the X5 M.

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 X5 M doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.