2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with various trim packages and options available. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint, 21-inch wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, enhancing the interior's modernity while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a soft sensuality in its design, which, while bordering on boring, aged gracefully, especially with upgraded wheels. The GLS 450 test vehicle sported 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and Twilight Blue paint. Inside, the GLS 450 featured a Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, creating a luxurious environment. The GLS 450, the most affordable version, housed a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The test vehicle included AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, an Acoustic Comfort Package, leather upholstery, wood trim, and artificial leather on the dashboard and door panels, with a total MSRP of $97,730.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV showcased significant enhancements, including a new electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a more energy-dense lithium-ion battery pack with a 19.2 kWh capacity. The battery's maximum AC charging rate doubled to 7.4 kW. BMW claimed the xDrive50e could travel 38 miles on electric power alone before the gasoline engine engaged, achieving 22 mpg in combined driving. The PHEV produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The test vehicle demonstrated impressive efficiency, averaging 33.7 mpg on a journey from Los Angeles suburbs to West L.A. and 38.8 mpg during a 95.5-mile evaluation drive. The adaptive damping air suspension masked the vehicle's weight, and the 21-inch wheels did not compromise ride quality. The X5 excelled in handling, offering excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response, with brakes that performed well under stress.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, provided smooth and seamless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The mild-hybrid system's integrated starter-generator delivered an instant 148 lb-ft of torque, enhancing the vehicle's responsiveness. A nine-speed automatic transmission distributed power to all four wheels via a variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLS 450 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg. During testing, it achieved 19.9 mpg. The GLS 450 delivered a sublime driving experience, with the adaptive air suspension allowing it to handle twisty roads with ease. The large Continental Premium Contact tires contributed to its athleticism, while the brakes provided smooth stops. The Off-Road menu in MBUX offered a transparent view of the terrain, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e functioned well as a midsize luxury SUV, accommodating five people in two rows of seats. The cargo area offered 33.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access items deep in the cargo hold. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which felt like genuine leather. Standard sport seats and the Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, offering a great view, while side window sunshades protected passengers from the sun. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, equipped with the AMG Line package, featured sportier styling, including side sill trim that could be cumbersome when entering or exiting the vehicle. The test vehicle's front seats, with supple leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs, provided exceptional comfort. The new steering wheel was enjoyable to grip, though its touch-sensing controls could be irritating. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats, and the standard four-zone automatic climate control ensured comfort for all passengers. The no-charge optional captain's chairs offered excellent thigh support, with expansive second-row legroom and a panoramic sunroof. Accessing the third-row seat was challenging, with limited space for adults, though children would find it more suitable. Interior storage was decent, with practical cargo space offering 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved glass. The infotainment system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The system included a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Personal Assistant. Pairing an iPhone 15 was seamless, and the interface was intuitive, with numerous apps available. The optional Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant's performance was disappointing, often providing incorrect directions and struggling with voice recognition. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was helpful, though reliant on accurate directions from the assistant.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen on a horizontal plane. The system offered improved graphics and various instrumentation themes and modes. MBUX was fast, easy to use, and intuitive, with outstanding natural voice recognition and augmented reality for navigation. However, touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console could cause accidental changes to displays, leading to confusion and distraction. Despite this, MBUX was a model of technology done right, with the Burmester surround-sound system providing impressive audio quality.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation through the infotainment screen and steering wheel controls. The system worked well in dense, slow-moving traffic or at higher speeds in light traffic but could behave unpredictably in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, though the X5 occasionally engaged hard braking without cause. The driver aids operated subtly, encouraging their use. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, though lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 an overall crash-test rating of four stars.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with over 20 significant safety features, adjustable through MBUX. The advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were praised for their effectiveness, with the forward-collision warning system, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist operating smoothly and subtly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist handled various driving conditions without issue, with only one instance of the lane-centering assist turning off. The GLS's ADAS was considered outstanding technology.