Compare the2024 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2024 BMW XM

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes G-Class 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.

Both the G-Class and the XM 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.

There are over 10 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the G-Class’ warranty.

The AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 590) than the XM’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid.

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

The G-Class has 8.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the XM (26.4 vs. 18.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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

For better traction, the G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XM (295/40R22 vs. 275/35R23).

The G-Class has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the XM; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a greater minimum ground clearance than the XM (9.5 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mercedes G-Class may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 550 pounds less than the BMW XM.

The G 550 is 11.5 inches shorter than the XM, making the G-Class easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The G-Class has 1.5 inches more front headroom and 1.7 inches more rear headroom than the XM.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the G-Class’ rear seats recline. The XM’s rear seats don’t recline.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the XM with its rear seat up (38.1 vs. 18.6 cubic feet). The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XM with its rear seat folded (68.6 vs. 64.3 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the G-Class easier. The G-Class’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.3 inches, while the XM’s liftover is 32.8 inches.

The G-Class’ standard 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.

The G-Class’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the XM’s (7000 vs. 5952 pounds).

The G-Class has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, 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 G-Class outsold the BMW XM by over four to one during 2023.